The American Business Coalition Immigration Action group applauded the Senate introduction of the Affordable and Safe Food Act. 

The legislation would modernize the nation’s farm guest worker H-2A visa program by opening it up to more farmers. 

“ABIC Action fully endorses this bill and is so grateful for the leadership of Senator Michael Bennet in introducing the legislation,” says ABIC executive director Rebecca Shi. 

The bill would make visas available for year-round work in the dairy industry and other agricultural sectors, put a down payment on border security with mandatory e-verify, stabilize wages for farmers, and create legal protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented decade-plus farm workers. 

Senator Bennet says the cost of farm labor has gone up almost 50 percent over the past decade, much higher than wage costs in other sectors of the economy. The bill would save farmers $23 billion over the next 12 years.

The American Business Coalition Immigration Action group applauded the Senate introduction of the Affordable and Safe Food Act. The legislation would modernize the nation’s farm guest worker H-2A visa program by opening it up to more farmers. “ABIC Action fully endorses this bill and is so grateful for the leadership of Senator Michael Bennet in introducing the legislation,” says ABIC executive director Rebecca Shi. The bill would make visas available for year-round work in the dairy industry and other agricultural sectors, put a down payment on border security with mandatory e-verify, stabilize wages for farmers, and create legal protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented decade-plus farm workers. Senator Bennet says the cost of farm labor has gone up almost 50 percent over the past decade, much higher than wage costs in other sectors of the economy. The bill would save farmers $23 billion over the next 12 years.

Group supports modernizing H-2A visa program

Taylor Sheridan will speak during the Opening General Session of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention &amp; NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans on February 1. 

Sheridan will join NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer, for a conversation about ranch life. 

Sheridan says, “My passion for the ranching lifestyle has inspired me to write stories that are rich in history, led by complex characters, and focus on family dynamics.” 

Sheridan is an Academy Award®-nominated writer and actor as well as a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. A Texas native himself, Sheridan excels in the Western horse performance industry as an avid supporter and competitor in reining and cutting. 

He also owns and operates two Texas ranches, including the legendary 6666 or Four Sixes Ranch, a 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award Program regional winner, and Bosque Ranch. Sheridan recently launched Four Sixes® Ranch Brand Beef which retails beef sourced from 6666 and a network of ranches.

Taylor Sheridan will speak during the Opening General Session of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention &amp; NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans on February 1. Sheridan will join NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer, for a conversation about ranch life. Sheridan says, “My passion for the ranching lifestyle has inspired me to write stories that are rich in history, led by complex characters, and focus on family dynamics.” Sheridan is an Academy Award®-nominated writer and actor as well as a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. A Texas native himself, Sheridan excels in the Western horse performance industry as an avid supporter and competitor in reining and cutting. He also owns and operates two Texas ranches, including the legendary 6666 or Four Sixes Ranch, a 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award Program regional winner, and Bosque Ranch. Sheridan recently launched Four Sixes® Ranch Brand Beef which retails beef sourced from 6666 and a network of ranches.

“Yellowstone” creator to speak at annual Cattle Industry Convention

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday announced USDA is investing $285 million in critical infrastructure. 

The investment seeks to lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy for people across rural America, and combat climate change. 

USDA is also making an additional $300 million available under the Rural Energy for America Program, including $250 million through the Inflation Reduction Act, to spur further investment. 

Vilsack says, "People in rural America are on the front lines of climate change, and our communities deserve investments that will strengthen our Country's resilience." 

USDA is making 844 investments through the Rural Energy for America Program. The program helps farmers purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. 

USDA also announced that it will make $300 million available under the Rural Energy for America Program to expand renewable energy and support energy-efficiency projects. 

The deadline to apply for grants is March 31, 2023. Applications for technical assistance grants are due January 31, 2023. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday announced USDA is investing $285 million in critical infrastructure. The investment seeks to lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy for people across rural America, and combat climate change. USDA is also making an additional $300 million available under the Rural Energy for America Program, including $250 million through the Inflation Reduction Act, to spur further investment. Vilsack says, "People in rural America are on the front lines of climate change, and our communities deserve investments that will strengthen our Country's resilience." USDA is making 844 investments through the Rural Energy for America Program. The program helps farmers purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. USDA also announced that it will make $300 million available under the Rural Energy for America Program to expand renewable energy and support energy-efficiency projects. The deadline to apply for grants is March 31, 2023. Applications for technical assistance grants are due January 31, 2023. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round.

USDA invests in infrastructure to combat climate change in rural America

In a last-minute effort to get H-2A reform finished before Congress adjourns, lawmakers have introduced a new bill. 

Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado and Representative Dan Newhouse, a Washington state Republican, introduced the Affordable and Secure Food Act Thursday. 

The legislation will reform the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker program by expanding H-2A visas to year-round jobs for the first time, modernizing the application process, creating more wage certainty, and ensuring critical protections for farm workers. 

Senator Bennet says, “This plan is broadly supported by farmers, by labor, by immigration advocates, and business,” adding, “There is no reason that we shouldn’t get this done.” 

Representative Newhouse says, “let’s stop waiting, and start acting,” and “reform our broken immigration laws.” The legislation reflects years of close input from farmers and ranchers, agricultural workers, and labor organizations, and would establish a program for agriculture workers, along with their spouses and minor children, to earn legal status.

In a last-minute effort to get H-2A reform finished before Congress adjourns, lawmakers have introduced a new bill. Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado and Representative Dan Newhouse, a Washington state Republican, introduced the Affordable and Secure Food Act Thursday. The legislation will reform the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker program by expanding H-2A visas to year-round jobs for the first time, modernizing the application process, creating more wage certainty, and ensuring critical protections for farm workers. Senator Bennet says, “This plan is broadly supported by farmers, by labor, by immigration advocates, and business,” adding, “There is no reason that we shouldn’t get this done.” Representative Newhouse says, “let’s stop waiting, and start acting,” and “reform our broken immigration laws.” The legislation reflects years of close input from farmers and ranchers, agricultural workers, and labor organizations, and would establish a program for agriculture workers, along with their spouses and minor children, to earn legal status.

Bennet, Newhouse, introduce last minute farm labor bill

Leaders of state corn groups and the National Corn Growers Association called on President Biden to take additional steps to address the pending decree by Mexico that would block imports of biotech corn. 

A letter sent to the President Wednesday encouraged Biden to raise the issue during upcoming trade talks and to file a dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement if Mexico doesn't act expeditiously to withdraw the decree. 

The leaders say, "Corn farmers are right now in the process of making planting decisions for next spring, and any additional uncertainty in the market affects their ability to appropriately respond to multiple market signals." 

Mexico's Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard plans to visit Washington this week to discuss the issue ahead of a planned meeting on trade between Biden, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early January. The state corn grower leaders urged Biden to raise the issue at the meeting.

Leaders of state corn groups and the National Corn Growers Association called on President Biden to take additional steps to address the pending decree by Mexico that would block imports of biotech corn. A letter sent to the President Wednesday encouraged Biden to raise the issue during upcoming trade talks and to file a dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement if Mexico doesn't act expeditiously to withdraw the decree. The leaders say, "Corn farmers are right now in the process of making planting decisions for next spring, and any additional uncertainty in the market affects their ability to appropriately respond to multiple market signals." Mexico's Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard plans to visit Washington this week to discuss the issue ahead of a planned meeting on trade between Biden, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early January. The state corn grower leaders urged Biden to raise the issue at the meeting.

Corn growers call on Biden to set quick, firm timeline with Mexico

Fresh data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows counties with continuous high poverty since 1960 are largely rural. 

In 1960, 78 percent of U.S. counties had poverty rates of 20 percent or more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among them, 28 percent continued to have high poverty through 1980. 

After enactment of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, commonly known as the War on Poverty initiatives, many counties reported reduced poverty rates. 

Between 1980 and 2019, poverty rates were relatively stable, mainly fluctuating with cyclical changes in the macroeconomy. As of 2019, there were 304 counties—13 percent of the counties with high poverty in 1960—that consistently had poverty rates of 20 percent or more over the last 60 years. 

The majority—264 counties—are rural counties and are clustered in the Appalachian States; the Black Belt in the South; the Mississippi Delta; the Ozarks region of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and southeast Kansas; the Southwest; and in counties with large American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Fresh data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows counties with continuous high poverty since 1960 are largely rural. In 1960, 78 percent of U.S. counties had poverty rates of 20 percent or more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Among them, 28 percent continued to have high poverty through 1980. After enactment of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, commonly known as the War on Poverty initiatives, many counties reported reduced poverty rates. Between 1980 and 2019, poverty rates were relatively stable, mainly fluctuating with cyclical changes in the macroeconomy. As of 2019, there were 304 counties—13 percent of the counties with high poverty in 1960—that consistently had poverty rates of 20 percent or more over the last 60 years. The majority—264 counties—are rural counties and are clustered in the Appalachian States; the Black Belt in the South; the Mississippi Delta; the Ozarks region of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and southeast Kansas; the Southwest; and in counties with large American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Counties with continuous high poverty since 1960 largely rural

NOAA Fisheries Wednesday announced $105 million in funding for 36 new fish passage projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

The announcement includes significant funding to implement fish passage projects that meet tribal priorities and build tribal organizational capacity to support their role as stewards of tribal resources. 

Through the funding, NOAA prioritized projects that demonstrate a broad base of stakeholder and community support. 

Selected projects will span the full range of fish passage types, including dam removals, fish ladders, culvert improvements and in-stream fish passage improvements. NOAA says 15 of the projects, encompassing more than $26.3 million in funding, will be led by tribal applicants for fish passage. 

Fish passage is about improving access for fish to the habitats they need or reconnecting access to historic habitat blocked by humans. Migratory fish like salmon require access to high-quality rearing and spawning habitats, and unimpeded migratory corridors, to be successful and resilient.

NOAA Fisheries Wednesday announced $105 million in funding for 36 new fish passage projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The announcement includes significant funding to implement fish passage projects that meet tribal priorities and build tribal organizational capacity to support their role as stewards of tribal resources. Through the funding, NOAA prioritized projects that demonstrate a broad base of stakeholder and community support. Selected projects will span the full range of fish passage types, including dam removals, fish ladders, culvert improvements and in-stream fish passage improvements. NOAA says 15 of the projects, encompassing more than $26.3 million in funding, will be led by tribal applicants for fish passage. Fish passage is about improving access for fish to the habitats they need or reconnecting access to historic habitat blocked by humans. Migratory fish like salmon require access to high-quality rearing and spawning habitats, and unimpeded migratory corridors, to be successful and resilient.

NOAA announces funding for fish habitats across U.S.

The current 2022-2023 U.S. soybean balance sheet remains unchanged for now as export and crush volumes are in line with current forecasts. 

Although soybean meal is off to the projected start, the same can’t be said for soybean oil. 

Abysmal export volumes and commitments have resulted in a lower soybean oil export forecast for the current marketing year, dropping by 200 million pounds to 1.1 million pounds. 

Total commitments were down 90 percent on December 1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its renewable fuel obligation targets for 2023-2025, which included a slight bump in the biomass-based diesel mandate during the first year. 

The EPA also approved and finalized a pathway for canola oil used in renewable diesel production. As a result, America’s soybean and canola oil balance sheets are changed to nearly offset the expected impacts on domestic use. Ultimately, the soybean oil ending stocks forecast got raised to 1.9 billion pounds.

The current 2022-2023 U.S. soybean balance sheet remains unchanged for now as export and crush volumes are in line with current forecasts. Although soybean meal is off to the projected start, the same can’t be said for soybean oil. Abysmal export volumes and commitments have resulted in a lower soybean oil export forecast for the current marketing year, dropping by 200 million pounds to 1.1 million pounds. Total commitments were down 90 percent on December 1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its renewable fuel obligation targets for 2023-2025, which included a slight bump in the biomass-based diesel mandate during the first year. The EPA also approved and finalized a pathway for canola oil used in renewable diesel production. As a result, America’s soybean and canola oil balance sheets are changed to nearly offset the expected impacts on domestic use. Ultimately, the soybean oil ending stocks forecast got raised to 1.9 billion pounds.

Lower soybean oil demand means higher ending stocks

Americans are paying up to 40 percent more for their vegetables than in 2021, and drought is a big reason for the price hike. 

A new report from Daily Mail says the increase is due, in large part, to states that grow fresh produce getting hit with water cuts because of droughts and storms destroying some crops as well. 

For example, Arizona produces 90 percent of the leafy greens in the U.S. and experienced its worst drought in 1,200 years. 

Water levels in the Colorado River are dramatically low, cutting down on the amount of water available to farmers. No relief is coming for Arizona’s farmers as officials will cut Arizona’s water intake from the Colorado River by 21 percent starting on January 1, 2023. 

The nation’s top agricultural state, California, is also getting hurt by severe drought. The biggest increase was a 38 percent jump in the price of fresh and dry vegetables.

Americans are paying up to 40 percent more for their vegetables than in 2021, and drought is a big reason for the price hike. A new report from Daily Mail says the increase is due, in large part, to states that grow fresh produce getting hit with water cuts because of droughts and storms destroying some crops as well. For example, Arizona produces 90 percent of the leafy greens in the U.S. and experienced its worst drought in 1,200 years. Water levels in the Colorado River are dramatically low, cutting down on the amount of water available to farmers. No relief is coming for Arizona’s farmers as officials will cut Arizona’s water intake from the Colorado River by 21 percent starting on January 1, 2023. The nation’s top agricultural state, California, is also getting hurt by severe drought. The biggest increase was a 38 percent jump in the price of fresh and dry vegetables.

Vegetable prices up 40 percent

USDA says inspections of soybeans and grain for overseas delivery all fell in the seven days ending on December 8. 

Soybean assessments came in at 1.84 million metric tons, down from over two million tons the prior week. 

That’s still better than the 1.75 million reported during the same week last year. Corn inspections also fell, dropping to 505,000 metric tons. 

That number was down from almost 825,000 the previous week. That corn number was also below the total from the same time last year of 930,000 metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wheat inspections totaled just 218,500 metric tons, down from more than 341,000 the week before and 269,000 during the same week last year. 

Since the start of the marketing year, USDA has inspected 7.15 million metric tons of corn for export, 23.4 million metric tons of soybeans, and 11.1 million metric tons of wheat. The wheat marketing year began on June 1.

USDA says inspections of soybeans and grain for overseas delivery all fell in the seven days ending on December 8. Soybean assessments came in at 1.84 million metric tons, down from over two million tons the prior week. That’s still better than the 1.75 million reported during the same week last year. Corn inspections also fell, dropping to 505,000 metric tons. That number was down from almost 825,000 the previous week. That corn number was also below the total from the same time last year of 930,000 metric tons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wheat inspections totaled just 218,500 metric tons, down from more than 341,000 the week before and 269,000 during the same week last year. Since the start of the marketing year, USDA has inspected 7.15 million metric tons of corn for export, 23.4 million metric tons of soybeans, and 11.1 million metric tons of wheat. The wheat marketing year began on June 1.

Weekly export inspection numbers drop

Missouri transportation officials are lifting some regulations to make it easier to transport large loads of hay to drought-stricken central and southern Missouri.&nbsp;

MoDot has announced an extension to permits for over-width hauling through March 1st of next year.&nbsp;

MoDot Project manager DeAnne Richabaugh says this single trip permit will allow for transportation of wide loads of hay.&nbsp;

"Normally a load cannot exceed eight feet six inches, but for those who are hauling double bales we might exceed eight feet, six inches," Richabaugh tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, for those who have loads that are wider than eight feet six inches, we still require a permit, but we will issue them at no charge."&nbsp;

The permits will only be valid in transporting hay through Missouri. &nbsp;

Richabaugh says these permits allow for loads up to 14 feet wide, and drivers should be aware of this when hitting the road.&nbsp;

"So, drivers just need to be attentive and make sure that if they go to pass one of these loads, they have a clear berth, and just make room, "Richabaugh explains.&nbsp;

The new allowance for travel also allows farmers to haul hay over the holidays and at night.&nbsp;

"So, these loads could be on the highway at any time," Richabaugh says. "At night drivers will see an oversize load sign that's reflective and there will be special clearance lights so other drivers can see the edges and know how wide the load is."&nbsp;

Single trip permits can be acquired by calling MoDot or by going on the MoDot website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670955425230.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Missouri transportation officials are lifting some regulations to make it easier to transport large loads of hay to drought-stricken central and southern Missouri.&nbsp;MoDot has announced an extension to permits for over-width hauling through March 1st of next year.&nbsp;MoDot Project manager DeAnne Richabaugh says this single trip permit will allow for transportation of wide loads of hay.&nbsp;"Normally a load cannot exceed eight feet six inches, but for those who are hauling double bales we might exceed eight feet, six inches," Richabaugh tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, for those who have loads that are wider than eight feet six inches, we still require a permit, but we will issue them at no charge."&nbsp;The permits will only be valid in transporting hay through Missouri. &nbsp;Richabaugh says these permits allow for loads up to 14 feet wide, and drivers should be aware of this when hitting the road.&nbsp;"So, drivers just need to be attentive and make sure that if they go to pass one of these loads, they have a clear berth, and just make room, "Richabaugh explains.&nbsp;The new allowance for travel also allows farmers to haul hay over the holidays and at night.&nbsp;"So, these loads could be on the highway at any time," Richabaugh says. "At night drivers will see an oversize load sign that's reflective and there will be special clearance lights so other drivers can see the edges and know how wide the load is."&nbsp;Single trip permits can be acquired by calling MoDot or by going on the MoDot website.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

State lifts rules so large loads of hay can be taken to drought-stricken parts of Missouri

Portland, Oregon’s city council recently voted to phase out petroleum diesel sales and replace the product with biofuels. 

The policy focuses on diesel fuel, phasing in requirements for cleaner, renewable fuels, with the goal of achieving 99 percent renewable blend of all diesel fuel sales in Portland by 2030. 

The rulemaking process and the interim rule allows flexibility to adjust the policy based on real market conditions. 

While renewable fuel producers are confident that supply will be available in Oregon by 2026, the rollout timeline was extended to 2030 in response to concerns from local industry about supply and cost. 

City leaders say the efforts reduce dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels by increasing the required percentage of renewable fuels blended with petroleum diesel. 

The standard only applies to retailers of diesel fuel located within the city of Portland. Replacing petroleum diesel at the pump is one of the 43 priority actions listed in the Portland Climate Emergency Workplan.

Portland, Oregon’s city council recently voted to phase out petroleum diesel sales and replace the product with biofuels. The policy focuses on diesel fuel, phasing in requirements for cleaner, renewable fuels, with the goal of achieving 99 percent renewable blend of all diesel fuel sales in Portland by 2030. The rulemaking process and the interim rule allows flexibility to adjust the policy based on real market conditions. While renewable fuel producers are confident that supply will be available in Oregon by 2026, the rollout timeline was extended to 2030 in response to concerns from local industry about supply and cost. City leaders say the efforts reduce dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels by increasing the required percentage of renewable fuels blended with petroleum diesel. The standard only applies to retailers of diesel fuel located within the city of Portland. Replacing petroleum diesel at the pump is one of the 43 priority actions listed in the Portland Climate Emergency Workplan.

Portland to replace petroleum diesel sales with biodiesel

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for a regional trade mission to Panama from March 19-23, 2023. 

FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley says, "This is a perfect time to increase U.S. agricultural and food exports to Central America." 

USDA staff and regional experts will provide in-depth market briefings while in the country. 

The agency will also arrange targeted business meetings with potential customers from Panama, a bilateral Free Trade Agreement partner, and buyers from countries in the multilateral Central America and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. The region offers strong capabilities in logistics, distribution, processing, cold chain, and more. 

Strong opportunities exist for exporters across many industries, including poultry, pork, dairy, beer and wine, snack foods and health foods. This will be the first USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission in 2023. The deadline to apply for the CAFTA-DR trade mission is Friday, December 30. Complete information is available at fas.usda.gov/.

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for a regional trade mission to Panama from March 19-23, 2023. FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley says, "This is a perfect time to increase U.S. agricultural and food exports to Central America." USDA staff and regional experts will provide in-depth market briefings while in the country. The agency will also arrange targeted business meetings with potential customers from Panama, a bilateral Free Trade Agreement partner, and buyers from countries in the multilateral Central America and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. The region offers strong capabilities in logistics, distribution, processing, cold chain, and more. Strong opportunities exist for exporters across many industries, including poultry, pork, dairy, beer and wine, snack foods and health foods. This will be the first USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission in 2023. The deadline to apply for the CAFTA-DR trade mission is Friday, December 30. Complete information is available at fas.usda.gov/.

USDA accepting applications for Panama Agribusiness Trade Mission

The Federal Trade Commission recently finalized a consent order settling Tractor Supply Company’s acquisition of rival chain Orscheln Farm and Home LLC. 

Following a public comment period, the FTC determined the acquisition would have harmed competition among farm stores in the Midwest and South. 

The consent order imposes a number of requirements, including that Tractor Supply divest some Orscheln stores, as well as Orscheln’s corporate offices and Missouri distribution center, to Bomgaars ), an Iowa-based farm store chain, and other stores to Buchheit, another chain with farm stores in Missouri and Illinois. 

Tractor Supply Company announced it closed the Orscheln Farm and Home acquisition in October in a deal valued at $320 million. 

The consent agreement also requires that for a period of three years, the companies buying the divested farm stores must obtain prior approval from the FTC before selling any of the Orscheln stores they acquired.

The Federal Trade Commission recently finalized a consent order settling Tractor Supply Company’s acquisition of rival chain Orscheln Farm and Home LLC. Following a public comment period, the FTC determined the acquisition would have harmed competition among farm stores in the Midwest and South. The consent order imposes a number of requirements, including that Tractor Supply divest some Orscheln stores, as well as Orscheln’s corporate offices and Missouri distribution center, to Bomgaars ), an Iowa-based farm store chain, and other stores to Buchheit, another chain with farm stores in Missouri and Illinois. Tractor Supply Company announced it closed the Orscheln Farm and Home acquisition in October in a deal valued at $320 million. The consent agreement also requires that for a period of three years, the companies buying the divested farm stores must obtain prior approval from the FTC before selling any of the Orscheln stores they acquired.

FTC: Tractor Supply Company must sell some Orscheln stores

Twenty-four members of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai about Mexico. 

They want a resolution to a lingering trade dispute with Mexico over biotech corn imports. 

“We’ve been working closely with Congress on this issue, and it’s inspiring to see congressional champions faithfully taking up the mantle,” says National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. 

“These members are now looking to Ambassador Tai to uphold the integrity of USMCA.” The letter is the latest development and response from U.S. officials as the ag community braces for a fallout if Mexico follows through on its promise to ban biotech corn shipments in early 2024. 

Ninety percent of U.S. corn is biotech corn. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack traveled to Mexico City and met with Mexican President Lopez Obrador, saying the U.S. would consider all options, including formal steps to enforce the terms of USMCA.

Twenty-four members of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai about Mexico. They want a resolution to a lingering trade dispute with Mexico over biotech corn imports. “We’ve been working closely with Congress on this issue, and it’s inspiring to see congressional champions faithfully taking up the mantle,” says National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. “These members are now looking to Ambassador Tai to uphold the integrity of USMCA.” The letter is the latest development and response from U.S. officials as the ag community braces for a fallout if Mexico follows through on its promise to ban biotech corn shipments in early 2024. Ninety percent of U.S. corn is biotech corn. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack traveled to Mexico City and met with Mexican President Lopez Obrador, saying the U.S. would consider all options, including formal steps to enforce the terms of USMCA.

Representatives send letter to USTR on Mexico’s upcoming corn ban

The Farm Credit Administration received a quarterly report on economic issues affecting U.S. agriculture and an update on the performance of the Farm Credit System. 

Inflation and rising interest rates continue to be major economic issues despite a recent slowdown in inflation. 

Consumer reaction to inflation, higher interest rates, and the labor market will be key drivers for the economy in 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;Input costs will be important for farmers next year. 

Volatility in the price of natural gas will continue to be passed on through fertilizer prices. Supply chain difficulties persist with agricultural equipment, leading to high prices and long waits for new equipment and replacement parts. 

Through the first nine months of 2022, the Farm Credit System reported favorable financial results, including continued loan growth, increased earnings, and robust capital levels despite some decline in the System’s capital-to-asset ratio. Portfolios remained strong despite challenging operating conditions in certain sectors and regions.

The Farm Credit Administration received a quarterly report on economic issues affecting U.S. agriculture and an update on the performance of the Farm Credit System. Inflation and rising interest rates continue to be major economic issues despite a recent slowdown in inflation. Consumer reaction to inflation, higher interest rates, and the labor market will be key drivers for the economy in 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;Input costs will be important for farmers next year. Volatility in the price of natural gas will continue to be passed on through fertilizer prices. Supply chain difficulties persist with agricultural equipment, leading to high prices and long waits for new equipment and replacement parts. Through the first nine months of 2022, the Farm Credit System reported favorable financial results, including continued loan growth, increased earnings, and robust capital levels despite some decline in the System’s capital-to-asset ratio. Portfolios remained strong despite challenging operating conditions in certain sectors and regions.

FCA issues latest report on the Ag economy

U.S. Trade Rep Katherine Tai and Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. confirmed that amendments to the beef safeguard trigger level under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement will trigger on January 1, 2023. 

The letters confirmed both countries completed their procedures to put the protocol in place. 

“The new beef safeguard agreement will ensure that America’s farmers and ranchers can continue to meet Japan’s strong demand for high-quality U.S. beef,” says Tai. 

“I’m grateful to leaders and stakeholders in both countries for their dedication and ingenuity, which were important in reaching this outcome.” The new protocol amends the beef safeguard trigger level with a new three-trigger safeguard mechanism. 

The new amendment allows U.S. beef exporters to more reliably meet Japan’s growing demand for high-quality beef, provides more predictability, and reduces the probability that safeguard duties would get imposed on U.S. beef. All three criteria must be met to impose a tariff on U.S. beef.

U.S. Trade Rep Katherine Tai and Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. confirmed that amendments to the beef safeguard trigger level under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement will trigger on January 1, 2023. The letters confirmed both countries completed their procedures to put the protocol in place. “The new beef safeguard agreement will ensure that America’s farmers and ranchers can continue to meet Japan’s strong demand for high-quality U.S. beef,” says Tai. “I’m grateful to leaders and stakeholders in both countries for their dedication and ingenuity, which were important in reaching this outcome.” The new protocol amends the beef safeguard trigger level with a new three-trigger safeguard mechanism. The new amendment allows U.S. beef exporters to more reliably meet Japan’s growing demand for high-quality beef, provides more predictability, and reduces the probability that safeguard duties would get imposed on U.S. beef. All three criteria must be met to impose a tariff on U.S. beef.

Beef agreement between U.S., Japan officially set for January 1, 2023

The prospect of permanent, nationwide availability of the E15 ethanol blend moves closer with new House legislation, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. 

Representatives Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, and Adrian Smith, a Nebraska Republican, this week introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022. 

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the legislation will “finally remove a burdensome and nonsensical barrier to the broader deployment of cleaner, more affordable fuels.” 

Specifically, the legislation would harmonize fuel volatility regulations for ethanol-blended fuels across the country, allowing for the year-round sale of E15 in conventional gasoline markets. 

It also would supersede an effort by Midwest state governors to make regulatory changes that would assure the availability of E15 sales year-round in their states. In November, RFA and the American Petroleum Institute led a broad coalition that called on Congress to quickly adopt legislation to permanently resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations.

The prospect of permanent, nationwide availability of the E15 ethanol blend moves closer with new House legislation, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. Representatives Angie Craig, a Minnesota Democrat, and Adrian Smith, a Nebraska Republican, this week introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the legislation will “finally remove a burdensome and nonsensical barrier to the broader deployment of cleaner, more affordable fuels.” Specifically, the legislation would harmonize fuel volatility regulations for ethanol-blended fuels across the country, allowing for the year-round sale of E15 in conventional gasoline markets. It also would supersede an effort by Midwest state governors to make regulatory changes that would assure the availability of E15 sales year-round in their states. In November, RFA and the American Petroleum Institute led a broad coalition that called on Congress to quickly adopt legislation to permanently resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations.

Lawmakers introduce Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022

October exports of U.S. pork were the largest in more than a year, and beef export volume also increased from a year ago, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. 

U.S. beef exports are on a record pace in 2022 and have already exceeded $10 billion. 

Pork exports reached 238,190 metric tons in October, up five percent from a year ago and the largest since June 2021. 

Pork export value increased 13 percent to $697.3 million, the highest since May 2021. 

For January through October, pork exports were 12 percent below last year at 2.18 million metric tons, valued at $6.26 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;October beef exports totaled 125,466 metric tons, up eight percent from a year ago. 

Export value was $929.8 million, down three percent from the large total reported in October 2021. In the first ten months of 2022, beef export value increased 18 percent from last year's record pace to reach $10.05 billion.

October exports of U.S. pork were the largest in more than a year, and beef export volume also increased from a year ago, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. U.S. beef exports are on a record pace in 2022 and have already exceeded $10 billion. Pork exports reached 238,190 metric tons in October, up five percent from a year ago and the largest since June 2021. Pork export value increased 13 percent to $697.3 million, the highest since May 2021. For January through October, pork exports were 12 percent below last year at 2.18 million metric tons, valued at $6.26 billion.&nbsp;&nbsp;October beef exports totaled 125,466 metric tons, up eight percent from a year ago. Export value was $929.8 million, down three percent from the large total reported in October 2021. In the first ten months of 2022, beef export value increased 18 percent from last year's record pace to reach $10.05 billion.

October pork exports largest in 16 months; beef exports already top $10 billion

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack travels to Alabama Monday to announce the second round of investments of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding. 

Projects from the second funding pool will emphasize the enrollment of small farming and ranching operations, including underserved producers, as well as measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification activities developed at minority-serving institutions. 

The investment in projects nationwide will expand markets for climate-smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, according to USDA. 

In September, Vilsack announced USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. 

USDA first announced details of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity in February 2022. The 70 projects announced in September are from the first funding pool, which included proposals seeking funds ranging from $5 million to $100 million.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack travels to Alabama Monday to announce the second round of investments of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding. Projects from the second funding pool will emphasize the enrollment of small farming and ranching operations, including underserved producers, as well as measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification activities developed at minority-serving institutions. The investment in projects nationwide will expand markets for climate-smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, according to USDA. In September, Vilsack announced USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. USDA first announced details of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity in February 2022. The 70 projects announced in September are from the first funding pool, which included proposals seeking funds ranging from $5 million to $100 million.

Vilsack to announce second round of Climate-Smart Commodities investments

The U.S. is about to more than double its production capacity for renewable diesel. 

Reuters says that prediction comes from Greg Heckman, the CEO of Bunge, who says the country’s production capacity should hit five billion gallons by 2024. 

Heckman recently said his company hasn’t changed its own capacity plans after the recent RFS blending requirements didn’t increase as much as the industry expected. 

“Demand is up,” he says. “It’s sure not affecting us as we’ve been making plans for the long term.” Bunge formed a joint venture with Chevron in 2021 and announced plans to expand processing capacity by 2024 at Bunge’s soy-crushing facilities in Illinois and Louisiana. 

Those beans can be used to produce soy-based biodiesel. Other companies like JP Morgan say the EPA’s proposal on biofuel blending requirements calls for a “surprisingly low amount of growth,” and they worry about an oversupply of biodiesel without large enough mandates.

The U.S. is about to more than double its production capacity for renewable diesel. Reuters says that prediction comes from Greg Heckman, the CEO of Bunge, who says the country’s production capacity should hit five billion gallons by 2024. Heckman recently said his company hasn’t changed its own capacity plans after the recent RFS blending requirements didn’t increase as much as the industry expected. “Demand is up,” he says. “It’s sure not affecting us as we’ve been making plans for the long term.” Bunge formed a joint venture with Chevron in 2021 and announced plans to expand processing capacity by 2024 at Bunge’s soy-crushing facilities in Illinois and Louisiana. Those beans can be used to produce soy-based biodiesel. Other companies like JP Morgan say the EPA’s proposal on biofuel blending requirements calls for a “surprisingly low amount of growth,” and they worry about an oversupply of biodiesel without large enough mandates.

Bunge expecting big jump in renewable diesel production

The top Republican on the House Ag Committee wants a stronger safety net for U.S. farmers. 

Pennsylvania Republican Glenn Thompson wants Congress to strengthen crop insurance and farm subsidy programs so producers don’t have to rely on stop-gap federal aid to survive challenges like trade wars, natural disasters, and COVID-19. 

“The need for a reliable farm safety net is paramount,” says Thompson.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will likely become the committee chair in January when Republicans gain a slim majority in the House. 

Agriculture Dot Com says almost 80 percent of federal agriculture funding has moved through bailout programs since 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;Farm groups want higher reference prices, a factor in calculating subsidy payments, and more protection under the federal crop insurance program. 

Some industry experts say a status-quo farm bill is possible because of the small majorities in the House and Senate and a potential lack of new funding sources for the farm bill.

The top Republican on the House Ag Committee wants a stronger safety net for U.S. farmers. Pennsylvania Republican Glenn Thompson wants Congress to strengthen crop insurance and farm subsidy programs so producers don’t have to rely on stop-gap federal aid to survive challenges like trade wars, natural disasters, and COVID-19. “The need for a reliable farm safety net is paramount,” says Thompson.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will likely become the committee chair in January when Republicans gain a slim majority in the House. Agriculture Dot Com says almost 80 percent of federal agriculture funding has moved through bailout programs since 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;Farm groups want higher reference prices, a factor in calculating subsidy payments, and more protection under the federal crop insurance program. Some industry experts say a status-quo farm bill is possible because of the small majorities in the House and Senate and a potential lack of new funding sources for the farm bill.

Top House ag republican wants enhanced safety net

The Christmas tree industry wants Americans to know there will be enough trees available to meet the demand for real Christmas trees. 

Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, says,” The industry met the demand in 2021 and will do so again this year. This is a year with few surprises.” 

Gray also says their annual survey found that 86 percent of real Christmas tree buyers had no problems finding a nearby place to get their trees in 2021. 

“Our grower survey tells us the demand for real trees is healthy,” Gray says. “Retailers see steady consumer interest in real Christmas trees and supply is pretty well matched to that interest.” 

Like many other sectors of U.S. agriculture, Christmas tree growers say their input costs have risen compared to last year. Consequently, many growers had a five to 15 percent increase in their wholesale prices compared to last year.

The Christmas tree industry wants Americans to know there will be enough trees available to meet the demand for real Christmas trees. Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board, says,” The industry met the demand in 2021 and will do so again this year. This is a year with few surprises.” Gray also says their annual survey found that 86 percent of real Christmas tree buyers had no problems finding a nearby place to get their trees in 2021. “Our grower survey tells us the demand for real trees is healthy,” Gray says. “Retailers see steady consumer interest in real Christmas trees and supply is pretty well matched to that interest.” Like many other sectors of U.S. agriculture, Christmas tree growers say their input costs have risen compared to last year. Consequently, many growers had a five to 15 percent increase in their wholesale prices compared to last year.

There are enough Christmas trees to meet the demand

Fertilizer consumption suffered in 2022 due to market volatility and record-high prices. 

However, a new Rabobank report says a recovery in consumption is possible in some regions next year, with fertilizer prices lowering and commodity prices at historically high levels. 

“The affordability index’s moving average is trending lower as fertilizer prices are returning to pre-Ukraine War levels,” says Rabobank. 

“For the next three months, the index will continue to trend downward but remain above normal.” The key point to watch for is nitrogen products, as the natural gas crisis in Europe has the potential to make urea and ammonia more expensive and could keep the index at a high level. 

Rabobank says the nitrogen-based fertilizer market is the most volatile among all fertilizers due to its connection with oil and natural gas markets. As those commodities get more volatile, urea and ammonia prices are expected to go along with the tide.

Fertilizer consumption suffered in 2022 due to market volatility and record-high prices. However, a new Rabobank report says a recovery in consumption is possible in some regions next year, with fertilizer prices lowering and commodity prices at historically high levels. “The affordability index’s moving average is trending lower as fertilizer prices are returning to pre-Ukraine War levels,” says Rabobank. “For the next three months, the index will continue to trend downward but remain above normal.” The key point to watch for is nitrogen products, as the natural gas crisis in Europe has the potential to make urea and ammonia more expensive and could keep the index at a high level. Rabobank says the nitrogen-based fertilizer market is the most volatile among all fertilizers due to its connection with oil and natural gas markets. As those commodities get more volatile, urea and ammonia prices are expected to go along with the tide.

Rabobank: Fertilizer prices lower in 2023

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the release of the final rule from the USDA to establish the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program. 

This program was authorized following NCBA’s congressional engagement on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. 

“We are pleased that USDA listened to the feedback from industry stakeholders like NCBA while crafting the final rule for the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program,” says NCBA senior director of government affairs Tanner Beymer. 

“We are hopeful that this pilot program will strike an appropriate balance between offering cattle producers additional insight into the market while also protecting their proprietary business information.” 

Beymer also says a Cattle Contract Library is just one of the many tools that NCBA has advocated for to help producers make informed business decisions and capture the most value possible for their cattle at sale time. NCBA provided USDA with feedback throughout the testing phase of the program.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the release of the final rule from the USDA to establish the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program. This program was authorized following NCBA’s congressional engagement on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. “We are pleased that USDA listened to the feedback from industry stakeholders like NCBA while crafting the final rule for the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program,” says NCBA senior director of government affairs Tanner Beymer. “We are hopeful that this pilot program will strike an appropriate balance between offering cattle producers additional insight into the market while also protecting their proprietary business information.” Beymer also says a Cattle Contract Library is just one of the many tools that NCBA has advocated for to help producers make informed business decisions and capture the most value possible for their cattle at sale time. NCBA provided USDA with feedback throughout the testing phase of the program.