The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service released a report titled “U.S. Beef Exports to East Asia on a Record Pace.” 

Despite economic uncertainties brought on by COVID, continued global supply chain challenges, and a competitive global beef market, American exports to East Asia were outstanding in the first half of 2022 in terms of value and volume. 

The report says, “During the first three quarters of 2022, U.S. beef exports to East Asia, including Korea, Japan, China/Hong Kong, and Taiwan, were a record $6.6 billion.” 

That’s a 22 percent increase on a value basis from last year’s exports worth $5.4 billion. “On a volume basis, the exports were up 6.4 percent,” the report says. 

“Despite surging food prices in recent months, higher-volume shipments indicate a continued demand for beef products.” It also shows that East Asia’s relatively stable middle class has high disposable income and is willing to absorb the rising costs.

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service released a report titled “U.S. Beef Exports to East Asia on a Record Pace.” Despite economic uncertainties brought on by COVID, continued global supply chain challenges, and a competitive global beef market, American exports to East Asia were outstanding in the first half of 2022 in terms of value and volume. The report says, “During the first three quarters of 2022, U.S. beef exports to East Asia, including Korea, Japan, China/Hong Kong, and Taiwan, were a record $6.6 billion.” That’s a 22 percent increase on a value basis from last year’s exports worth $5.4 billion. “On a volume basis, the exports were up 6.4 percent,” the report says. “Despite surging food prices in recent months, higher-volume shipments indicate a continued demand for beef products.” It also shows that East Asia’s relatively stable middle class has high disposable income and is willing to absorb the rising costs.

U.S. beef exports to East Asia on a record pace

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The major questions doctrine holds that courts should not defer to agency statutory interpretations that concern questions of "vast economic or political significance."

In late June, the Supreme Court issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-1530_n758.pdf">ruling</a>&nbsp;stating that the Environmental Protection Agency cannot put state-level caps on carbon emissions under the 1970 Clean Air Act, calling that a 'major question'.

Roger A. McEowen is the Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka. McEowen notes that this is a case where the administration at the time tried to make changes without asking Congress.

"What this was, was an attempt by the Obama EPA to basically rewrite and say, we're going to just shift to regulating out of existence coal-fired plants, fossil fuel generated electricity and we're going to regulate them out. They were doing this by regulation, so this would never come up for a vote in Congress and people wouldn't see it. It would just happen."

Now the follow up to the use of the&nbsp;major questions doctrine is, naturally, how do you define what a major question is?

"What the regulatory body is trying to do, when does it impact the entire economy?" McEowen said. "Of course, the Supreme Court doesn't tell us that. They just decide that on a case by case basis. Here they said that changing the manner in which energy is produced is national. That was kind of an easy one for them. There will be harder questions that will come up in the future, because the various administrations and agencies will try to push the envelope."

One area that will be constantly monitored by lawyers is that of the Waters of the U.S. rule, because the regulation of waterways will likely always be a source of contention for as long as humans need clean water to drink and plants and animals need water to survive. The two agencies tasked with figuring out how to interpret WOTUS are the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers.&nbsp;

"There's a case before the U.S. Supreme Court on this out of Idaho," McEowen said. "That was also argued in October. We will probably see an opinion, I'm thinking February or March on this, to again try to define what a water of the United States is that gives the federal government jurisdiction to regulate it. It's a huge issue for agriculture, because we use a lot of water in agriculture for irrigation purposes, for livestock watering purposes. We don't want to have a puddle in a farm field defined as a wetland that the government can regulate, because that impacts farming activities."

In this particular case, the court appears to be looking to decide what test it should use to apply the WOTUS portion of the Clean Water Act, rather than calling it a major question that needs further clarification from Congress, even though almost every living thing uses water.

However, Congress could clarify future applications of law more generally if they would take up large concepts like air and water as a legislative body on a regular basis, at least once per Presidential Administration, rather than leaving it to courts and agencies to fight, or choose not to, based on who is in the White House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977157818.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The major questions doctrine holds that courts should not defer to agency statutory interpretations that concern questions of "vast economic or political significance."In late June, the Supreme Court issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-1530_n758.pdf">ruling</a>&nbsp;stating that the Environmental Protection Agency cannot put state-level caps on carbon emissions under the 1970 Clean Air Act, calling that a 'major question'.Roger A. McEowen is the Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka. McEowen notes that this is a case where the administration at the time tried to make changes without asking Congress."What this was, was an attempt by the Obama EPA to basically rewrite and say, we're going to just shift to regulating out of existence coal-fired plants, fossil fuel generated electricity and we're going to regulate them out. They were doing this by regulation, so this would never come up for a vote in Congress and people wouldn't see it. It would just happen."Now the follow up to the use of the&nbsp;major questions doctrine is, naturally, how do you define what a major question is?"What the regulatory body is trying to do, when does it impact the entire economy?" McEowen said. "Of course, the Supreme Court doesn't tell us that. They just decide that on a case by case basis. Here they said that changing the manner in which energy is produced is national. That was kind of an easy one for them. There will be harder questions that will come up in the future, because the various administrations and agencies will try to push the envelope."One area that will be constantly monitored by lawyers is that of the Waters of the U.S. rule, because the regulation of waterways will likely always be a source of contention for as long as humans need clean water to drink and plants and animals need water to survive. The two agencies tasked with figuring out how to interpret WOTUS are the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers.&nbsp;"There's a case before the U.S. Supreme Court on this out of Idaho," McEowen said. "That was also argued in October. We will probably see an opinion, I'm thinking February or March on this, to again try to define what a water of the United States is that gives the federal government jurisdiction to regulate it. It's a huge issue for agriculture, because we use a lot of water in agriculture for irrigation purposes, for livestock watering purposes. We don't want to have a puddle in a farm field defined as a wetland that the government can regulate, because that impacts farming activities."In this particular case, the court appears to be looking to decide what test it should use to apply the WOTUS portion of the Clean Water Act, rather than calling it a major question that needs further clarification from Congress, even though almost every living thing uses water.However, Congress could clarify future applications of law more generally if they would take up large concepts like air and water as a legislative body on a regular basis, at least once per Presidential Administration, rather than leaving it to courts and agencies to fight, or choose not to, based on who is in the White House.

Washburn Ag Law Prof: EPA questions continue before Supreme Court

USDA is forecasting an agricultural trade deficit in 2023. 

While deficits have happened in the past, the agency has never forecast one in advance until this year. 

The agency says ag exports are projected to reach $190 billion next year, but imports are projected to rise to $199 billion. 

Seth Meyer, chief economist with USDA, says an ag trade deficit isn’t a major cause for concern. 

“I’m of the opinion that having both rising exports and imports is a good thing,’ he says. “Farmers can sell their products at a good price while consumers can shop for what they want.” 

Ag exports are forecast to set another record during the fiscal year 2022 at $196.4 billion. If realized, that number would top the previous record of $177 billion in 2021. 

American exports currently face major pressure from the strong dollar value making U.S. products more expensive in the world’s markets. &nbsp;

USDA is forecasting an agricultural trade deficit in 2023. While deficits have happened in the past, the agency has never forecast one in advance until this year. The agency says ag exports are projected to reach $190 billion next year, but imports are projected to rise to $199 billion. Seth Meyer, chief economist with USDA, says an ag trade deficit isn’t a major cause for concern. “I’m of the opinion that having both rising exports and imports is a good thing,’ he says. “Farmers can sell their products at a good price while consumers can shop for what they want.” Ag exports are forecast to set another record during the fiscal year 2022 at $196.4 billion. If realized, that number would top the previous record of $177 billion in 2021. American exports currently face major pressure from the strong dollar value making U.S. products more expensive in the world’s markets. &nbsp;

USDA economist not worried about potential ag trade deficit

It’s well known that American agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers can fill seasonal farm jobs with temporary foreign workers through the H-2A Visa Program. 

The Department of Labor officially certified approximately 317,000 temporary jobs in fiscal year 2021 under the H-2A program. 

That number was more than six times the number of jobs certified in 2005. 

Only about 80 percent of the certified jobs in 2021 resulted in the issuance of a visa. The program has grown partly in response to current U.S. domestic workers finding jobs outside of American agriculture and a drop in newly arrived immigrants looking for farm jobs in the U.S. 

Six states accounted for about half of the H-2A jobs that were filled in 2021, including Florida, Georgia, Washington, California, North Carolina, and Louisiana. Nationally, the average H-2A contract offered 24 weeks of employment and 39.3 hours per week at $13 per hour. &nbsp;

It’s well known that American agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers can fill seasonal farm jobs with temporary foreign workers through the H-2A Visa Program. The Department of Labor officially certified approximately 317,000 temporary jobs in fiscal year 2021 under the H-2A program. That number was more than six times the number of jobs certified in 2005. Only about 80 percent of the certified jobs in 2021 resulted in the issuance of a visa. The program has grown partly in response to current U.S. domestic workers finding jobs outside of American agriculture and a drop in newly arrived immigrants looking for farm jobs in the U.S. Six states accounted for about half of the H-2A jobs that were filled in 2021, including Florida, Georgia, Washington, California, North Carolina, and Louisiana. Nationally, the average H-2A contract offered 24 weeks of employment and 39.3 hours per week at $13 per hour. &nbsp;

USDA says seasonal worker numbers jumped in 2021

Eggs are more expensive than they were last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marketplace says the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the price of a dozen Grade A eggs jumped from $1.82 last year to almost $3.60 in 2022. 

While part of the increase is due to the rising price of chicken feed, the real culprit is highly pathogenic avian influenza. 

It’s infected more than 57 million hens this year, starting in the spring and continuing to flare up through the rest of 2022. 

“Spring was the first time we had egg prices spike,” says Daniel Sumer, an ag economics professor at the University of California-Davis. 

He says eggs are a staple for many people and can’t be cut back on when the price rises. When prices go up, people tend to buy them anyway. “That drives the price higher and higher,” he says. “And that has to happen because the supplies are more limited.”

Eggs are more expensive than they were last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marketplace says the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the price of a dozen Grade A eggs jumped from $1.82 last year to almost $3.60 in 2022. While part of the increase is due to the rising price of chicken feed, the real culprit is highly pathogenic avian influenza. It’s infected more than 57 million hens this year, starting in the spring and continuing to flare up through the rest of 2022. “Spring was the first time we had egg prices spike,” says Daniel Sumer, an ag economics professor at the University of California-Davis. He says eggs are a staple for many people and can’t be cut back on when the price rises. When prices go up, people tend to buy them anyway. “That drives the price higher and higher,” he says. “And that has to happen because the supplies are more limited.”

Egg prices double during the past year

United Farm Worker leadership laid the blame for a lack of action in Washington on immigration at the feet of the Republican Party and the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

The Senate decided not to include worker immigration legislation in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill. 

The omnibus passed the House last week and is on the way to President Biden’s desk for his signature. 

“It’s a bitter disappointment for farm workers across the country who have earned the right to legal status through the sweat of their brow,” says UFW President Teresa Romero. She also called it unsurprising, saying that leaders of both groups want to keep farm workers living in fear and uncertainty. 

“They know that an undocumented workforce is easier to intimidate and exploit,” she says. Farm Bureau says the legislation will lead to wild swings in wage rates beyond the reach of many farmers and ranchers.

United Farm Worker leadership laid the blame for a lack of action in Washington on immigration at the feet of the Republican Party and the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Senate decided not to include worker immigration legislation in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill. The omnibus passed the House last week and is on the way to President Biden’s desk for his signature. “It’s a bitter disappointment for farm workers across the country who have earned the right to legal status through the sweat of their brow,” says UFW President Teresa Romero. She also called it unsurprising, saying that leaders of both groups want to keep farm workers living in fear and uncertainty. “They know that an undocumented workforce is easier to intimidate and exploit,” she says. Farm Bureau says the legislation will lead to wild swings in wage rates beyond the reach of many farmers and ranchers.

UFW assigns blame for lack of immigration action

President Xi Jinping is pushing for China to accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in agriculture technology. 

Farm Doc Policy News says China’s president identified seed development and core equipment among the areas he’d like the country to focus on. 

The central leadership had said in 2020 that the country’s seed industry was a weak link in its food chain and need to make more and better use of science and technology to turn that sector around. 

China is also expected to end the year with historically-low soymeal carryover stocks, which should increase its dependence on imported soybeans next year. 

Unfortunately for U.S. producers, Brazil’s soybeans, which get processed in China to make livestock feed, are currently more attractive than U.S. soybeans for February shipments. The news is considered positive for Brazilian farmers as some of them could begin harvesting their 2023 soybeans in as little as a week.

President Xi Jinping is pushing for China to accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in agriculture technology. Farm Doc Policy News says China’s president identified seed development and core equipment among the areas he’d like the country to focus on. The central leadership had said in 2020 that the country’s seed industry was a weak link in its food chain and need to make more and better use of science and technology to turn that sector around. China is also expected to end the year with historically-low soymeal carryover stocks, which should increase its dependence on imported soybeans next year. Unfortunately for U.S. producers, Brazil’s soybeans, which get processed in China to make livestock feed, are currently more attractive than U.S. soybeans for February shipments. The news is considered positive for Brazilian farmers as some of them could begin harvesting their 2023 soybeans in as little as a week.

China pushes for ag tech progress

The U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1 was 73.1 million head. 

The recent Hog and Pig Report says that’s down from December 1 of last year and one percent lower than September 1, 2022. 

The breeding inventory was 6.15 million head, up slightly from last year and slightly higher than the prior quarter. 

Market hog inventory was 67 million head on December 1, down two percent from 2021 and one percent lower than last quarter in 2022. The September-November 2022 pig crop, at 33.7 million head, was one percent lower than in 2021. 

Sows farrowing during this period totaled three million head, down one percent from 2021. The sows that farrowed during the quarter represented 49 percent of the breeding herd. 

Hog producers intend to have 2.95 million sows farrow during the December-February quarter, up one percent from the actual farrowings during the same period a year earlier.

The U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1 was 73.1 million head. The recent Hog and Pig Report says that’s down from December 1 of last year and one percent lower than September 1, 2022. The breeding inventory was 6.15 million head, up slightly from last year and slightly higher than the prior quarter. Market hog inventory was 67 million head on December 1, down two percent from 2021 and one percent lower than last quarter in 2022. The September-November 2022 pig crop, at 33.7 million head, was one percent lower than in 2021. Sows farrowing during this period totaled three million head, down one percent from 2021. The sows that farrowed during the quarter represented 49 percent of the breeding herd. Hog producers intend to have 2.95 million sows farrow during the December-February quarter, up one percent from the actual farrowings during the same period a year earlier.

U.S. hog numbers are two percent below last year

America’s leading agriculture groups applauded the Senate confirming Doug McKalip as the new Chief Agricultural Negotiator. 

The U.S. Grains Council says McKalip, “combines extensive international experience and almost 30 years of government service at USDA to help advance trade priorities and open up global markets.” 

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says McKalip has proven to be more than qualified for the position because of his experience. 

U.S. Meat Export Federation President Dan Halstrom says filling McKalip’s position was essential as the U.S. is currently engaged in negotiations with several key trading partners. 

NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says Jose Esteban’s new role in food safety is essential for ensuring consumer confidence in the U.S. beef industry. 

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council applaud the Senate’s confirmation. “This move ensures dairy farmers will be at the negotiating table,” says NMFP CEO Jim Mulhern.

America’s leading agriculture groups applauded the Senate confirming Doug McKalip as the new Chief Agricultural Negotiator. The U.S. Grains Council says McKalip, “combines extensive international experience and almost 30 years of government service at USDA to help advance trade priorities and open up global markets.” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says McKalip has proven to be more than qualified for the position because of his experience. U.S. Meat Export Federation President Dan Halstrom says filling McKalip’s position was essential as the U.S. is currently engaged in negotiations with several key trading partners. NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says Jose Esteban’s new role in food safety is essential for ensuring consumer confidence in the U.S. beef industry. The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council applaud the Senate’s confirmation. “This move ensures dairy farmers will be at the negotiating table,” says NMFP CEO Jim Mulhern.

Ag groups applaud McKalip, Esteban confirmations

The Senate approved the nominations of Doug McKalip as the chief agricultural negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and Jose Esteban as USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety. 

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow says the nominees waited three months for a long-overdue floor vote. 

“Doug McKalip has proven he’s ready for the essential task of growing new markets abroad and protecting our producers from unfair trade practices,” she says. 

During a confirmation hearing earlier this year, McKalip said, “It will be my duty to break down trade barriers to American food and ag exports.” He’ll also press trading partners to live up to existing agreements. 

As the undersecretary for food safety, Esteban will be the agency’s leader on issues ranging from preventing food-borne illnesses to the regulation of cell-cultured meat that’s now near commercialization. Ranking Senate Ag Committee Member John Boozman says Esteban brings years of experience to a crucial USDA position.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654878888454.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of NCGA" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of NCGA</figcaption>
 </figure>The Senate approved the nominations of Doug McKalip as the chief agricultural negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and Jose Esteban as USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety. Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow says the nominees waited three months for a long-overdue floor vote. “Doug McKalip has proven he’s ready for the essential task of growing new markets abroad and protecting our producers from unfair trade practices,” she says. During a confirmation hearing earlier this year, McKalip said, “It will be my duty to break down trade barriers to American food and ag exports.” He’ll also press trading partners to live up to existing agreements. As the undersecretary for food safety, Esteban will be the agency’s leader on issues ranging from preventing food-borne illnesses to the regulation of cell-cultured meat that’s now near commercialization. Ranking Senate Ag Committee Member John Boozman says Esteban brings years of experience to a crucial USDA position.

Senate confirms McKalip, Esteban

Free Republic Dot Com says the surge in price is being driven by an avian-influenza outbreak that’s killed tens of millions of chickens and turkeys in the U.S. this year. 

Wholesale prices of Midwest large eggs hit a record of $5.36 a dozen this month. 

Retail egg prices are rising faster than any other items in American supermarkets in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Egg prices are up 30 percent from January through early December compared to the same period last year and are outpacing overall food and beverage prices. 

Some suppliers are predicting potential price relief by February or Mach, but cold weather could slow production in the near term. 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has led to the death of 58 million birds, making it the deadliest outbreak in U.S. history. USDA says entire flocks have to be destroyed after an infection is confirmed to limit potential spread.

Egg prices are hitting record levels. Free Republic Dot Com says the surge in price is being driven by an avian-influenza outbreak that’s killed tens of millions of chickens and turkeys in the U.S. this year. Wholesale prices of Midwest large eggs hit a record of $5.36 a dozen this month. Retail egg prices are rising faster than any other items in American supermarkets in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Egg prices are up 30 percent from January through early December compared to the same period last year and are outpacing overall food and beverage prices. Some suppliers are predicting potential price relief by February or Mach, but cold weather could slow production in the near term. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has led to the death of 58 million birds, making it the deadliest outbreak in U.S. history. USDA says entire flocks have to be destroyed after an infection is confirmed to limit potential spread.

Egg prices hit record levels

The Senate confirmed Alexis Taylor as USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and U.S. ag groups reacted positively. 

“Alexis has a strong background in agriculture from growing up on a farm in Iowa and has a deep knowledge of trade issues,” says the U.S. Grains Council. 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Trade is critically important to U.S. agriculture, and she’ll be a strong advocate on the world stage and a capable leader for USDA staff.” 

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says Taylor will be a “tremendous asset to USDA and a champion for U.S. agriculture.” The American Soybean Association also reacted positively to the announcement. 

Stephen Censky, ASA CEO, says, “Alexis has a depth of knowledge about agricultural trade and public policy that will serve her well in this post.” Groups like NCBA and the National Milk Producers Federation welcomed the nomination.

The Senate confirmed Alexis Taylor as USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and U.S. ag groups reacted positively. “Alexis has a strong background in agriculture from growing up on a farm in Iowa and has a deep knowledge of trade issues,” says the U.S. Grains Council. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “Trade is critically important to U.S. agriculture, and she’ll be a strong advocate on the world stage and a capable leader for USDA staff.” U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says Taylor will be a “tremendous asset to USDA and a champion for U.S. agriculture.” The American Soybean Association also reacted positively to the announcement. Stephen Censky, ASA CEO, says, “Alexis has a depth of knowledge about agricultural trade and public policy that will serve her well in this post.” Groups like NCBA and the National Milk Producers Federation welcomed the nomination.

Groups respond positively to Taylor confirmation

The Senate voted to confirm Alexis Taylor as the new USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs. 

Taylor, the former director of Oregon’s Department of Agriculture, is the new top agricultural trade official with the agency. 

Food Business News says she’ll be responsible for overseeing international negotiations related to agricultural trade, developing America’s trade policies, promoting U.S. agriculture overseas, and opening up new markets for American commodities. 

At a nomination hearing in September, Taylor said her top priorities would be working with the U.S. Trade Representative on a path toward country-of-origin labeling that would be compliant with World Trade Organization rules. 

She also intends to hold Canada and Mexico to their commitments under the USMCA and will expand export markets for dairy and other farm products within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. She’ll also be involved in food safety issues by working to contain highly pathogenic avian influenza cases without market disruption.

The Senate voted to confirm Alexis Taylor as the new USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs. Taylor, the former director of Oregon’s Department of Agriculture, is the new top agricultural trade official with the agency. Food Business News says she’ll be responsible for overseeing international negotiations related to agricultural trade, developing America’s trade policies, promoting U.S. agriculture overseas, and opening up new markets for American commodities. At a nomination hearing in September, Taylor said her top priorities would be working with the U.S. Trade Representative on a path toward country-of-origin labeling that would be compliant with World Trade Organization rules. She also intends to hold Canada and Mexico to their commitments under the USMCA and will expand export markets for dairy and other farm products within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. She’ll also be involved in food safety issues by working to contain highly pathogenic avian influenza cases without market disruption.

Senate confirms Alexis Taylor to USDA post

Public agricultural research and development funding has trended lower in the United States during the last several decades. 

However, a USDA report shows several of America’s top trading partners have increased their funding. 

The EU’s expenditures have grown since 2000, as have the funding pools in India and Brazil. 

But no country has experienced as rapid an increase in funding as China, which became the largest funder of agricultural R &amp; D after 2011, surpassing the European Union. As recently as 2015, China was spending more than $10 billion yearly on agricultural R &amp; D. 

That level was roughly twice what the U.S. spent in 2015 and nearly quintupled China’s own R &amp; D spending in 2000. With China a major importer of U.S. agricultural goods and Brazil a competitor to the U.S. in global corn and soybean markets, these developments could have a significant impact on America’s export competitiveness.

Public agricultural research and development funding has trended lower in the United States during the last several decades. However, a USDA report shows several of America’s top trading partners have increased their funding. The EU’s expenditures have grown since 2000, as have the funding pools in India and Brazil. But no country has experienced as rapid an increase in funding as China, which became the largest funder of agricultural R &amp; D after 2011, surpassing the European Union. As recently as 2015, China was spending more than $10 billion yearly on agricultural R &amp; D. That level was roughly twice what the U.S. spent in 2015 and nearly quintupled China’s own R &amp; D spending in 2000. With China a major importer of U.S. agricultural goods and Brazil a competitor to the U.S. in global corn and soybean markets, these developments could have a significant impact on America’s export competitiveness.

China is world’s number one in ag research and development

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has put more streamlined processes in place for rail rate disputes that may benefit agricultural shippers. 

The STB established a voluntary arbitration program and a new procedure for rate challenges, known as the Final Offer Rate Review. 

Wheat farmers and the grain trade rely heavily on rail to transport wheat to export terminals, but rates for hauling wheat are often higher than for other crops. 

The U.S. Wheat Associates’ Working Transportation Group is pleased that the STB recognizes rail shippers need new and innovative ways to engage railroads on rate concerns. “These rulings are a welcome sign that rail customers like wheat farmers are being heard,” says Charlie Vogel, working group chair. 

“The voluntary arbitration program and the FORR process will help give smaller shippers a greater ability to challenge rail rates.” STB Chair Martin Oberman says they wanted to make smaller rail disputes reasonable and less time-consuming.

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has put more streamlined processes in place for rail rate disputes that may benefit agricultural shippers. The STB established a voluntary arbitration program and a new procedure for rate challenges, known as the Final Offer Rate Review. Wheat farmers and the grain trade rely heavily on rail to transport wheat to export terminals, but rates for hauling wheat are often higher than for other crops. The U.S. Wheat Associates’ Working Transportation Group is pleased that the STB recognizes rail shippers need new and innovative ways to engage railroads on rate concerns. “These rulings are a welcome sign that rail customers like wheat farmers are being heard,” says Charlie Vogel, working group chair. “The voluntary arbitration program and the FORR process will help give smaller shippers a greater ability to challenge rail rates.” STB Chair Martin Oberman says they wanted to make smaller rail disputes reasonable and less time-consuming.

Wheat industry rail shippers welcome STB rulings on rate disputes

The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council applaud U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s actions under USMCA regarding Canada’s dairy market. 

Tai is filing a new request for dispute settlement consultations with Canada in order to expand the scope of the second USMCA dairy dispute to include additional elements necessary to ensure Canada complies with its trade agreement obligations. 

“We thank USTR and USDA for their diligence in working to ensure that American dairy producers have the market access promised under USMCA,” says Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. 

“Canada continues to flagrantly flout its obligations, so the U.S. government needs to be ready with retaliatory measures.” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, says it’s deeply unfortunate that Canada refuses to honor the full terms of the agreement. “USMCA is a fair deal that was thoroughly negotiated and agreed to by the Canadian government,” she says.

The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council applaud U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s actions under USMCA regarding Canada’s dairy market. Tai is filing a new request for dispute settlement consultations with Canada in order to expand the scope of the second USMCA dairy dispute to include additional elements necessary to ensure Canada complies with its trade agreement obligations. “We thank USTR and USDA for their diligence in working to ensure that American dairy producers have the market access promised under USMCA,” says Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Canada continues to flagrantly flout its obligations, so the U.S. government needs to be ready with retaliatory measures.” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, says it’s deeply unfortunate that Canada refuses to honor the full terms of the agreement. “USMCA is a fair deal that was thoroughly negotiated and agreed to by the Canadian government,” she says.

U.S. Dairy applauds USTR actions against Canada’s dairy practices

American egg production totaled 8.87 billion in November, down five percent from the same time last year. 

Production included 7.62 billion table eggs and 1.25 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.16 billion were broiler-type and 92.1 million were egg-type. 

The average number of layers in November totaled 375 million, down four percent from last year. 

November egg production per 100 layers was 2,369 eggs, slightly lower than last November. Total layers in the U.S. on December 1 totaled 374 million, five percent lower than last year. 

The layers consisted of 308 million layers producing table or market-type eggs, 62 million layers were broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.74 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. 

Egg-type chicks hatched during November reached 46.5 million, up two percent from the previous November. Broiler-type chicks hatched during November totaled 810 million, one percent higher than in November 2021. Leading breeders placed 7.68 million broiler-type pullet chicks in November.

American egg production totaled 8.87 billion in November, down five percent from the same time last year. Production included 7.62 billion table eggs and 1.25 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.16 billion were broiler-type and 92.1 million were egg-type. The average number of layers in November totaled 375 million, down four percent from last year. November egg production per 100 layers was 2,369 eggs, slightly lower than last November. Total layers in the U.S. on December 1 totaled 374 million, five percent lower than last year. The layers consisted of 308 million layers producing table or market-type eggs, 62 million layers were broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.74 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Egg-type chicks hatched during November reached 46.5 million, up two percent from the previous November. Broiler-type chicks hatched during November totaled 810 million, one percent higher than in November 2021. Leading breeders placed 7.68 million broiler-type pullet chicks in November.

U.S. egg production down five percent in November

A new study shows U.S.-grown soybeans are well suited for people looking to cook, fuel up or find other sustainable solutions. 

The United Soybean Board partnered with Purdue University to evaluate whether the increased use of soybean oil in biofuels has contributed to the rising retail prices of food products for consumers. 

One key element missing from this equation is that only one-fifth of the soybean is oil, most of the soybean is meal used as a high-quality protein in animal diets. This expanded crush for oil to meet biofuel demand creates increased availability for meal, driving down the price of animal protein products. 

Jayson Lusk of Purdue University says, “What we found, after assessing the impact of rising soybean oil demand on prices at the grocery store, was little change to the Consumer Price Index.” 

While the increased demand for biofuels pushed up retail prices for oil between 0.16 percent and 4.41 percent, retail animal product prices declined between -0.01 percent and -0.16 percent.

A new study shows U.S.-grown soybeans are well suited for people looking to cook, fuel up or find other sustainable solutions. The United Soybean Board partnered with Purdue University to evaluate whether the increased use of soybean oil in biofuels has contributed to the rising retail prices of food products for consumers. One key element missing from this equation is that only one-fifth of the soybean is oil, most of the soybean is meal used as a high-quality protein in animal diets. This expanded crush for oil to meet biofuel demand creates increased availability for meal, driving down the price of animal protein products. Jayson Lusk of Purdue University says, “What we found, after assessing the impact of rising soybean oil demand on prices at the grocery store, was little change to the Consumer Price Index.” While the increased demand for biofuels pushed up retail prices for oil between 0.16 percent and 4.41 percent, retail animal product prices declined between -0.01 percent and -0.16 percent.

Study shows soybean oil for biofuels has limited impact on overall food prices

The Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are accepting applications for new members to serve on agricultural trade advisory committees. 

Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee advise the administration on implementing and enforcing existing U.S. trade agreements, negotiation of new agreements, and other trade policy matters. 

Members of the six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees, or ATACs, provide technical advice and guidance on international trade issues that affect specific agricultural commodity sectors. 

The ATACs focus on trade in animals and animal products, fruits and vegetables, grains, feed, oilseeds, and planting seeds, processed foods, sweeteners and sweetener products, tobacco, cotton, and peanuts. 

Applicants must have expertise in U.S. agriculture and experience in international trade to be considered for committee membership. Application instructions are available at fas.usda.gov. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. ET on January 31, 2023.

The Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are accepting applications for new members to serve on agricultural trade advisory committees. Members of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee advise the administration on implementing and enforcing existing U.S. trade agreements, negotiation of new agreements, and other trade policy matters. Members of the six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees, or ATACs, provide technical advice and guidance on international trade issues that affect specific agricultural commodity sectors. The ATACs focus on trade in animals and animal products, fruits and vegetables, grains, feed, oilseeds, and planting seeds, processed foods, sweeteners and sweetener products, tobacco, cotton, and peanuts. Applicants must have expertise in U.S. agriculture and experience in international trade to be considered for committee membership. Application instructions are available at fas.usda.gov. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. ET on January 31, 2023.

USDA and USTR seek new trade advisory committee members

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced an investment of $9.5 million to support the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing in the United States. 

Three successful projects are funded through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Bioproduct Pilot Program, which funds research and development of value-added products from agricultural commodities. 

Authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Bioproduct Pilot Program presents a unique opportunity to spur economic activity in the nation’s rural areas while lowering commercialization risks associated with bringing biobased products to market. 

The program’s exploration into bioproducts accelerates USDA’s efforts to develop circular bioeconomies, where agricultural resources are harvested, consumed, and regenerated sustainably. 

This pilot program also supports the objectives outlined in President Biden's recent Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy. The three awardees are Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Soylei Innovations of Ames, Iowa.

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced an investment of $9.5 million to support the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing in the United States. Three successful projects are funded through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Bioproduct Pilot Program, which funds research and development of value-added products from agricultural commodities. Authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Bioproduct Pilot Program presents a unique opportunity to spur economic activity in the nation’s rural areas while lowering commercialization risks associated with bringing biobased products to market. The program’s exploration into bioproducts accelerates USDA’s efforts to develop circular bioeconomies, where agricultural resources are harvested, consumed, and regenerated sustainably. This pilot program also supports the objectives outlined in President Biden's recent Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy. The three awardees are Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Soylei Innovations of Ames, Iowa.

USDA invests $9.5M to develop new bioproducts from agricultural commodities

The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and the Department of Agriculture are evaluating proposed amendments to Mexico’s decree to ban the use and purchase of biotech commodities. 

In a joint statement, USTR Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack say, “We agreed to review their proposal closely and follow up with questions or concerns in short order,” adding, “There is a joint recognition that time is of the essence and we must determine a path forward soon.” 

The two officials met with a delegation of senior Mexican Government officials in Washington, D.C. late last week. On the same day, a group of more than 20 farm-state Senators urged USTR and USDA to take action against Mexico’s proposal to ban U.S. genetically-engineered corn. 

The Senators write, “It would be detrimental to food security in Mexico, hurt U.S. agricultural sustainability, and stifle future agricultural technology innovations that would benefit both nations.”

The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and the Department of Agriculture are evaluating proposed amendments to Mexico’s decree to ban the use and purchase of biotech commodities. In a joint statement, USTR Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack say, “We agreed to review their proposal closely and follow up with questions or concerns in short order,” adding, “There is a joint recognition that time is of the essence and we must determine a path forward soon.” The two officials met with a delegation of senior Mexican Government officials in Washington, D.C. late last week. On the same day, a group of more than 20 farm-state Senators urged USTR and USDA to take action against Mexico’s proposal to ban U.S. genetically-engineered corn. The Senators write, “It would be detrimental to food security in Mexico, hurt U.S. agricultural sustainability, and stifle future agricultural technology innovations that would benefit both nations.”

Mexico offers amendments to biotech decree

Alltech recently announced Applications are now open for the Women in Food &amp; Agriculture Mentorship Program. 

Now in its third year, the free-to-join program matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include gender of mentor, areas of expertise, language and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. 

Alltech President and CEO Mark Lyons says, “We view our involvement in the Women in Food &amp; Agriculture mentorship program as an investment not only in the lives of women but in the future of agriculture.” 

Women in Food &amp; Agriculture is looking for mentors of any gender who have at least one year of experience in the food and ag sector. 

During matching, the organization will ensure all mentors have more work experience than mentees, so this should not be a barrier to mentors applying. For more information and to apply to be a mentor or mentee, visit wfa-initiative.com

Alltech recently announced Applications are now open for the Women in Food &amp; Agriculture Mentorship Program. Now in its third year, the free-to-join program matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include gender of mentor, areas of expertise, language and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. Alltech President and CEO Mark Lyons says, “We view our involvement in the Women in Food &amp; Agriculture mentorship program as an investment not only in the lives of women but in the future of agriculture.” Women in Food &amp; Agriculture is looking for mentors of any gender who have at least one year of experience in the food and ag sector. During matching, the organization will ensure all mentors have more work experience than mentees, so this should not be a barrier to mentors applying. For more information and to apply to be a mentor or mentee, visit wfa-initiative.com

Applications open for Women in Food & Agriculture Mentorship Program

The Department of Agriculture Last week mailed the 2022 Census of Agriculture paper questionnaires to all known agriculture producers across the nation and Puerto Rico. 

Producers in the states received their survey codes last month with an invitation to respond online. 

Any producer who has yet to respond online now has the option to complete the ag census at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. 

Producers who have already responded online do not need to respond again. The deadline for response is February 6, 2023. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Administrator Hubert Hamer says, “We know producers are busy, which is why NASS worked to make responding to the ag census more convenient than ever before.” 

The Census of Agriculture remains the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and U.S. territory. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by law, and the same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential.

The Department of Agriculture Last week mailed the 2022 Census of Agriculture paper questionnaires to all known agriculture producers across the nation and Puerto Rico. Producers in the states received their survey codes last month with an invitation to respond online. Any producer who has yet to respond online now has the option to complete the ag census at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. Producers who have already responded online do not need to respond again. The deadline for response is February 6, 2023. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Administrator Hubert Hamer says, “We know producers are busy, which is why NASS worked to make responding to the ag census more convenient than ever before.” The Census of Agriculture remains the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and U.S. territory. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by law, and the same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential.

2022 Census of Agriculture underway

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed changes to the nation’s biofuel blending mandates through 2025 will cause a short-term increase in greenhouse gas emissions. 

However, agency documents also say the changes will yield long-term reductions. 

The new proposal will add to greenhouse gas emissions over the next three years by between 81 million and 266 million tons. 

A Reuters review of the documents says the rise will come from new tiling for corn, soy, and other plantings that release carbon from the soil. EPA’s GHG calculator says that’s the climate equivalent of driving 17 million and 57 million vehicles for one year. 

However, EPA also projects those emissions will be more than offset in the long term due to reduced tailpipe emissions and other factors. Those figures are assuming biofuel volume mandates don’t change after 2025. EPA says the proposal would reduce GHGs by between 128 million and 1.6 billion metric tons.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed changes to the nation’s biofuel blending mandates through 2025 will cause a short-term increase in greenhouse gas emissions. However, agency documents also say the changes will yield long-term reductions. The new proposal will add to greenhouse gas emissions over the next three years by between 81 million and 266 million tons. A Reuters review of the documents says the rise will come from new tiling for corn, soy, and other plantings that release carbon from the soil. EPA’s GHG calculator says that’s the climate equivalent of driving 17 million and 57 million vehicles for one year. However, EPA also projects those emissions will be more than offset in the long term due to reduced tailpipe emissions and other factors. Those figures are assuming biofuel volume mandates don’t change after 2025. EPA says the proposal would reduce GHGs by between 128 million and 1.6 billion metric tons.

EPA: New biofuel mandates will boost GHG in short term

A total of 20 agricultural groups argued before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., about chlorpyrifos. 

Specifically, they asked the court to reinstate chlorpyrifos tolerances that the Environmental Protection Agency has found safe. 

EPA revoked those safe tolerances, which effectively ended agriculture’s chance to use an important pesticide. 

The decision has inflicted enormous costs on thousands of American farmers and undermined their ability to protect their crops from potentially devastating insect pests. The groups say EPA revoked the safety tolerances despite finding on multiple occasions that at least 11 high-benefit crop uses could be safely maintained. 

American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates says, “Farmers rely on regulators following the law. Congress wrote the pesticide laws that way to provide growers access to the tools they need to be successful and ensure those tools can be used safely.” The groups are hopeful for a ruling in the coming months.

A total of 20 agricultural groups argued before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., about chlorpyrifos. Specifically, they asked the court to reinstate chlorpyrifos tolerances that the Environmental Protection Agency has found safe. EPA revoked those safe tolerances, which effectively ended agriculture’s chance to use an important pesticide. The decision has inflicted enormous costs on thousands of American farmers and undermined their ability to protect their crops from potentially devastating insect pests. The groups say EPA revoked the safety tolerances despite finding on multiple occasions that at least 11 high-benefit crop uses could be safely maintained. American Soybean Association President Daryl Cates says, “Farmers rely on regulators following the law. Congress wrote the pesticide laws that way to provide growers access to the tools they need to be successful and ensure those tools can be used safely.” The groups are hopeful for a ruling in the coming months.