Extremely dry conditions are putting a strain on the Fed’s Eleventh District. Ag bankers responding to a third-quarter survey report overall weaker economic conditions because of drought that’s pressuring agricultural production. 

The cotton crop and pastureland are especially hurting because of a lack of moisture. “The Southern Plains cotton crop is a disaster,” one survey participant says. 

“Almost all dryland crop has already been abandoned because of drought, and the irrigated crop still standing is pitiful.” 

Ag loan demand decreased during the third quarter of this year, the third-straight drop in the past three quarters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Loan renewals or extensions fell for the seventh-straight quarter, but the rate of loan repayments increased. 

Loan volume decreased for all categories compared with last year. Ranchland and dryland values rose during the quarter, while irrigated cropland values were steady. Cropland, dryland, and ranchland values increased the most in Texas, rising at least 10 percent year-over-year.

Extremely dry conditions are putting a strain on the Fed’s Eleventh District. Ag bankers responding to a third-quarter survey report overall weaker economic conditions because of drought that’s pressuring agricultural production. The cotton crop and pastureland are especially hurting because of a lack of moisture. “The Southern Plains cotton crop is a disaster,” one survey participant says. “Almost all dryland crop has already been abandoned because of drought, and the irrigated crop still standing is pitiful.” Ag loan demand decreased during the third quarter of this year, the third-straight drop in the past three quarters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Loan renewals or extensions fell for the seventh-straight quarter, but the rate of loan repayments increased. Loan volume decreased for all categories compared with last year. Ranchland and dryland values rose during the quarter, while irrigated cropland values were steady. Cropland, dryland, and ranchland values increased the most in Texas, rising at least 10 percent year-over-year.

Southern Plains economic conditions weakening

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri senators on Tuesday passed $40 million in annual tax breaks for farmers, ranchers and other agriculture-related businesses as part of a special legislative session.

Senators voted 26-3 in favor of the tax incentive package, which primarily renewed tax credits that had expired. The measure includes tax credits to benefit companies involved in meat processing, biodiesel, ethanol fuel and urban farms. It also expands government loan programs for farmers.

“The bill that we passed is a big win for rural Missouri," Republican Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz told reporters Tuesday.

Republican Sen. Mike Moon, a cattle rancher, during Tuesday debate raised concerns about foreign-owned Missouri farm companies benefitting from the tax breaks. Moon voted against the bill.

“We want to protect Missouri farmland for our families who come after us,” Moon said, adding that he wants “to make sure it stays in the hands of Missourians.”

Republican state Sen. Jason Bean, a farmer who ushered the agricultural tax credits through the Senate, said he expects lawmakers to debate foreign ownership of Missouri farms during the next legislative session, which begins in January.

The Republican-led Missouri Legislature passed a bill with similar agricultural tax credits during the regular legislative session, which ended in May.

GOP Gov. Mike Parson vetoed the measure, citing a two-year sunset attached to many of the tax credits that he said was too short. He called lawmakers back for a special session to extend agricultural tax breaks for another six years, as well as spend some of the state’s revenue surplus on an income tax cut for individuals.

The House last week sent Parson a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-corporate-taxes-missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-0f1b81cef03a49fbe16199f24b5e22bd">cut individual income taxes</a>&nbsp;from 5.3% to 4.95% beginning next year and phase in additional cuts until the rate hits 4.5%.

The Senate's passage of the agricultural tax incentive bill caps off the rest of lawmakers' unfinished business for the special legislative session.

Parson has not indicated when he will sign the bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594500802802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri senators on Tuesday passed $40 million in annual tax breaks for farmers, ranchers and other agriculture-related businesses as part of a special legislative session.Senators voted 26-3 in favor of the tax incentive package, which primarily renewed tax credits that had expired. The measure includes tax credits to benefit companies involved in meat processing, biodiesel, ethanol fuel and urban farms. It also expands government loan programs for farmers.“The bill that we passed is a big win for rural Missouri," Republican Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz told reporters Tuesday.Republican Sen. Mike Moon, a cattle rancher, during Tuesday debate raised concerns about foreign-owned Missouri farm companies benefitting from the tax breaks. Moon voted against the bill.“We want to protect Missouri farmland for our families who come after us,” Moon said, adding that he wants “to make sure it stays in the hands of Missourians.”Republican state Sen. Jason Bean, a farmer who ushered the agricultural tax credits through the Senate, said he expects lawmakers to debate foreign ownership of Missouri farms during the next legislative session, which begins in January.The Republican-led Missouri Legislature passed a bill with similar agricultural tax credits during the regular legislative session, which ended in May.GOP Gov. Mike Parson vetoed the measure, citing a two-year sunset attached to many of the tax credits that he said was too short. He called lawmakers back for a special session to extend agricultural tax breaks for another six years, as well as spend some of the state’s revenue surplus on an income tax cut for individuals.The House last week sent Parson a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-corporate-taxes-missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-0f1b81cef03a49fbe16199f24b5e22bd">cut individual income taxes</a>&nbsp;from 5.3% to 4.95% beginning next year and phase in additional cuts until the rate hits 4.5%.The Senate's passage of the agricultural tax incentive bill caps off the rest of lawmakers' unfinished business for the special legislative session.Parson has not indicated when he will sign the bills.

Missouri lawmakers approve $40M in tax breaks for farmers

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called on the Environmental Protection Agency to pause their Waters of the United States rulemaking. 

The action follows Monday’s Supreme Court oral arguments in the case Sackett v. EPA, a case that will determine the EPA’s authority to regulate bodies of water under the Clean Water Act. 

NCBA’s Kaitlynn Glover says, "we call on the EPA to suspend their rulemaking until the outcome of the case is clear." 

In April, NCBA filed an amicus brief before the Supreme Court, calling for a new test for determining whether a water feature fell under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. 

NCBA's argument would allow the government to protect substantial bodies of water while preventing overreach on small isolated agricultural water features. 

NCBA also commented on the Biden administration's proposed "Waters of the U.S." rule. NCBA calls for this rulemaking to halt until the Supreme Court issues a ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association called on the Environmental Protection Agency to pause their Waters of the United States rulemaking. The action follows Monday’s Supreme Court oral arguments in the case Sackett v. EPA, a case that will determine the EPA’s authority to regulate bodies of water under the Clean Water Act. NCBA’s Kaitlynn Glover says, "we call on the EPA to suspend their rulemaking until the outcome of the case is clear." In April, NCBA filed an amicus brief before the Supreme Court, calling for a new test for determining whether a water feature fell under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. NCBA's argument would allow the government to protect substantial bodies of water while preventing overreach on small isolated agricultural water features. NCBA also commented on the Biden administration's proposed "Waters of the U.S." rule. NCBA calls for this rulemaking to halt until the Supreme Court issues a ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case.

NCBA urges EPA to pause WOTUS rulemaking

The Florida Farm Bureau says farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings and fencing from Hurricane Ian last week. 

Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage. The organization says significant fruit has been dropped from the trees in areas of the citrus belt. 

Fall vegetables once rooted are now lost. Not only has there been loss of human life, but livestock and dairy farms have been devastated by the wrath of Hurricane Ian. 

Farmers and ranchers are repairing greenhouses, structures, irrigation systems and other machinery and equipment throughout the region. Many farm families are still cutting their way through down trees and power lines and battling flooded roads and blown-out culverts to evaluate the damage. 

One thing is for certain, the organization says, is that "Florida farmers and ranchers remain unwavering in their commitment to produce the food and fiber that millions of Americans depend on."

The Florida Farm Bureau says farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings and fencing from Hurricane Ian last week. Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage. The organization says significant fruit has been dropped from the trees in areas of the citrus belt. Fall vegetables once rooted are now lost. Not only has there been loss of human life, but livestock and dairy farms have been devastated by the wrath of Hurricane Ian. Farmers and ranchers are repairing greenhouses, structures, irrigation systems and other machinery and equipment throughout the region. Many farm families are still cutting their way through down trees and power lines and battling flooded roads and blown-out culverts to evaluate the damage. One thing is for certain, the organization says, is that "Florida farmers and ranchers remain unwavering in their commitment to produce the food and fiber that millions of Americans depend on."

Hurricane Ian devastates Southwest Florida agriculture

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration Monday for the 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention. 

The convention will be held in-person January 6-11, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

AFBF assessed the status of San Juan and the convention facilities following Hurricane Fiona and determined that all are fully operational. 

AFBF President Zippy Duvall says, “This is your opportunity to gain insights about the future of agriculture, sharpen your skills and help define the agenda in Washington.” 

Workshop topics include the 2023 farm bill, policy updates, market outlooks, trade, the latest ag education resources and strategies for coping with farm stress. 

An exciting aspect of the convention is the opportunity for farmers and ranchers from the 50 states to see and learn about crops and agricultural practices unique to Puerto Rico. You can view the high-level convention agenda and register online to attend at annualconvention.fb.org.

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration Monday for the 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held in-person January 6-11, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. AFBF assessed the status of San Juan and the convention facilities following Hurricane Fiona and determined that all are fully operational. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says, “This is your opportunity to gain insights about the future of agriculture, sharpen your skills and help define the agenda in Washington.” Workshop topics include the 2023 farm bill, policy updates, market outlooks, trade, the latest ag education resources and strategies for coping with farm stress. An exciting aspect of the convention is the opportunity for farmers and ranchers from the 50 states to see and learn about crops and agricultural practices unique to Puerto Rico. You can view the high-level convention agenda and register online to attend at annualconvention.fb.org.

Registration open for 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention

Harvest season is in high gear, and U.S. farmers have another supply chain challenge. 

Bloomberg says there aren’t enough barges moving goods up and down the shrinking Mississippi River. 

Drought is drying a vital American waterway, which means a lot less room for vessels moving corn and soybeans from farms to U.S. ports.&nbsp;&nbsp;At one point last week, barge rates hit $49.88 per ton. 

That’s the highest price on record and a 50 percent jump from 2021 shipping rates. More than half of the corn and soybean shipments heading to world markets travel along the Mississippi.&nbsp;&nbsp;The barge problems are hitting at harvest when the supplies of grain will be at their largest. 

It also follows a challenging growing season filled with weather problems and soaring inflation for things like fuel and fertilizer. Fertilizers needed by producers to grow grain are also at risk as they ship along the Mississippi.

Harvest season is in high gear, and U.S. farmers have another supply chain challenge. Bloomberg says there aren’t enough barges moving goods up and down the shrinking Mississippi River. Drought is drying a vital American waterway, which means a lot less room for vessels moving corn and soybeans from farms to U.S. ports.&nbsp;&nbsp;At one point last week, barge rates hit $49.88 per ton. That’s the highest price on record and a 50 percent jump from 2021 shipping rates. More than half of the corn and soybean shipments heading to world markets travel along the Mississippi.&nbsp;&nbsp;The barge problems are hitting at harvest when the supplies of grain will be at their largest. It also follows a challenging growing season filled with weather problems and soaring inflation for things like fuel and fertilizer. Fertilizers needed by producers to grow grain are also at risk as they ship along the Mississippi.

Mississippi River shipping rates hit record high

The Federal Trade Commission and a group of 10 state attorneys general filed a complaint in federal court against pesticide makers Syngenta Crop Protection and Corteva. 

The complaint accuses the manufacturers of allegedly paying distributors to block competitors from selling their cheaper generic products to farmers. 

The complaint says the firms run “loyalty programs” in which distributors only get paid if they limit business with competing manufacturers. 

Cutting off the competition allowed the defendants to inflate their prices and force American farmers to spend millions of dollars more on their products. The complaint seeks to shut down the illegal pay-to-block scheme and restore competition to affected markets. 

“The FTC is suing to stop Syngenta and Corteva from maintaining their monopolies through harmful tactics that have jacked up pesticide prices for farmers,” says FTC Chair Lina Khan. “By paying to block generic producers from the market, these companies deprived farmers of cheaper options.”

The Federal Trade Commission and a group of 10 state attorneys general filed a complaint in federal court against pesticide makers Syngenta Crop Protection and Corteva. The complaint accuses the manufacturers of allegedly paying distributors to block competitors from selling their cheaper generic products to farmers. The complaint says the firms run “loyalty programs” in which distributors only get paid if they limit business with competing manufacturers. Cutting off the competition allowed the defendants to inflate their prices and force American farmers to spend millions of dollars more on their products. The complaint seeks to shut down the illegal pay-to-block scheme and restore competition to affected markets. “The FTC is suing to stop Syngenta and Corteva from maintaining their monopolies through harmful tactics that have jacked up pesticide prices for farmers,” says FTC Chair Lina Khan. “By paying to block generic producers from the market, these companies deprived farmers of cheaper options.”

FTC sues companies over pay-to-block scheme

The National Milk Producers Federation says the temporary, short-term lifting of restrictions on infant formula imports to address the rare infant formula shortage is a positive move to fill the supply gap. 

“We did not oppose the just-passed Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act given its targeted volume and limited time frame,” says NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. 

“Those guardrails are necessary to ensure that imports temporarily complement U.S. supplies rather than displace existing available dairy formula ingredients.” 

However, Mulhern says his group “emphatically” opposes efforts that would create long-term dependence on foreign suppliers for a critical nutritional food. “The focus must be to develop additional production in the U.S. necessary to ensure that this crisis isn’t repeated,” Mulhern adds. 

“As COVID taught us, only a robust domestic supply chain with American workers and U.S. sources of production can best protect families from disruptions of critically-needed products.”

The National Milk Producers Federation says the temporary, short-term lifting of restrictions on infant formula imports to address the rare infant formula shortage is a positive move to fill the supply gap. “We did not oppose the just-passed Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act given its targeted volume and limited time frame,” says NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “Those guardrails are necessary to ensure that imports temporarily complement U.S. supplies rather than displace existing available dairy formula ingredients.” However, Mulhern says his group “emphatically” opposes efforts that would create long-term dependence on foreign suppliers for a critical nutritional food. “The focus must be to develop additional production in the U.S. necessary to ensure that this crisis isn’t repeated,” Mulhern adds. “As COVID taught us, only a robust domestic supply chain with American workers and U.S. sources of production can best protect families from disruptions of critically-needed products.”

NMPF on short-term infant formula imports

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A $40 million tax credit package for Missouri farmers and other agricultural businesses neared passage Monday, when a committee voted to send the bill to the full state Senate.

The bill is expected to come up for a final Senate vote Tuesday.

The measure extends several agricultural tax credits that expired and creates some new tax credits, including breaks for gas stations that sell biodiesel and fuel with a higher percentage of ethanol.

The legislation also would expand government loan programs for farmers in the state.

The Republican-led Missouri Legislature passed a bill with similar provisions during the regular legislative session this year, which ended in May.

But GOP Gov. Mike Parson&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/hb-1720-veto-letter">vetoed the measure</a>, citing a two-year sunset attached to the tax credits that he said was too short. He also said the bill unconstitutionally included a provision on recycled asphalt shingles, violating a rule against including multiple topics in the same legislation.

Parson called a special session — primarily focused on cutting individual income taxes in the state — and tasked lawmakers with extending the agricultural tax breaks for at least six years. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-corporate-taxes-missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-0f1b81cef03a49fbe16199f24b5e22bd">last week</a>&nbsp;sent Parson a bill to cut individual income taxes from 5.3% to 4.95% beginning next year.

“I really believe these tax credits will help small farmers compete on a bigger scale and help those family farmers stay in business,” said Republican Rep. Brad Pollitt, who owns a cattle ranch and sponsored the agriculture tax breaks.

House Democrats unsuccessfully had tried to amend the bill to exclude state lawmakers getting any tax breaks in the measure.

Pollitt told Senate Appropriations Committee members on Monday that he's not sure which lawmakers would qualify for tax breaks under his bill.

Although there are no prohibitions on state lawmakers benefitting from the tax breaks, Pollitt said the measure is aimed at helping small farmers, not lawmakers.

“I probably qualify,” Pollitt said. “I have no interest in this. This is not something that I need.”

A number of Missouri lawmakers work as farmers or ranchers, and Parson is a cattle rancher. Missouri's Legislature is not in session year round, meaning most members work other jobs once the regular session ends in mid-May.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A $40 million tax credit package for Missouri farmers and other agricultural businesses neared passage Monday, when a committee voted to send the bill to the full state Senate.The bill is expected to come up for a final Senate vote Tuesday.The measure extends several agricultural tax credits that expired and creates some new tax credits, including breaks for gas stations that sell biodiesel and fuel with a higher percentage of ethanol.The legislation also would expand government loan programs for farmers in the state.The Republican-led Missouri Legislature passed a bill with similar provisions during the regular legislative session this year, which ended in May.But GOP Gov. Mike Parson&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/hb-1720-veto-letter">vetoed the measure</a>, citing a two-year sunset attached to the tax credits that he said was too short. He also said the bill unconstitutionally included a provision on recycled asphalt shingles, violating a rule against including multiple topics in the same legislation.Parson called a special session — primarily focused on cutting individual income taxes in the state — and tasked lawmakers with extending the agricultural tax breaks for at least six years. Lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-corporate-taxes-missouri-columbia-government-and-politics-0f1b81cef03a49fbe16199f24b5e22bd">last week</a>&nbsp;sent Parson a bill to cut individual income taxes from 5.3% to 4.95% beginning next year.“I really believe these tax credits will help small farmers compete on a bigger scale and help those family farmers stay in business,” said Republican Rep. Brad Pollitt, who owns a cattle ranch and sponsored the agriculture tax breaks.House Democrats unsuccessfully had tried to amend the bill to exclude state lawmakers getting any tax breaks in the measure.Pollitt told Senate Appropriations Committee members on Monday that he's not sure which lawmakers would qualify for tax breaks under his bill.Although there are no prohibitions on state lawmakers benefitting from the tax breaks, Pollitt said the measure is aimed at helping small farmers, not lawmakers.“I probably qualify,” Pollitt said. “I have no interest in this. This is not something that I need.”A number of Missouri lawmakers work as farmers or ranchers, and Parson is a cattle rancher. Missouri's Legislature is not in session year round, meaning most members work other jobs once the regular session ends in mid-May.

Tax breaks for farmers near passage In Missouri legislature

By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/usda-hopes-to-boost-fertilizer-production-as-soon-as-next-year/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $500 million to 
increase domestic fertilizer production, doubling its previous 
commitment, the agency announced.

The federal dollars would boost long-term projects and ready-to-go proposals that might have an effect as early as next year.

Some of the first projects to get funding from the Fertilizer 
Production Expansion Program are likely to include fertilizer plants 
that are already under construction and could be completed more quickly 
with an infusion of cash, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said
 Tuesday.

“There are facilities that have been underway, are in construction, 
where opportunities may be accelerated to be able to deal with more 
product in 2023 or 2024,” he told reporters.

Vilsack mentioned an unspecified Michigan facility that might be a 
candidate for the funding. The Michigan Potash &amp; Salt Company was 
expected to start construction this year on a $1.1 billion facility to 
process potash that is mined in the state, and one of the company’s 
executives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/michigan-potash-plans-to-break-ground-in-coming-months-on-a-billion-dollar-processing-plant/">has said</a>&nbsp;the new federal funding would help the long-awaited project advance.

Potash — a potassium compound — is one of the most widely used 
fertilizers in agriculture. The United States is not a major global 
producer of it, according to USDA data. Canada, Russia and Belarus have 
accounted for about two-thirds of global production.

Michigan Potash has said its facility will have the capacity to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michigan-potash-stands-to-replace-russian-potash-fertilizer-imports-301497352.html">fully supplant</a>&nbsp;Russian imports of the fertilizer, but full production isn’t expected for three years.

The company did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.

The federal funding for fertilizer production is a result of costs that spiked&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/08/high-cost-short-supply-of-fertilizer-to-alter-2022-planting/">in late 2021</a>&nbsp;and
 early 2022. Those prices have subsided somewhat but are still about 
double what they were at the start of 2021, according to a Green 
Markets’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fertilizerpricing.com/priceindex/">fertilizer price index</a>.

The price increases were driven by a number of factors, including 
shortages of natural gas used to make nitrogen fertilizers, limited 
fertilizer stockpiles and production disruptions caused by an August 
2021 hurricane that struck Louisiana. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 
exacerbated the problem.

So in March, the USDA announced a new grant program to increase 
domestic production with an eye toward supporting new, independent 
operations. The Biden administration has sought to reduce consolidation 
in agriculture-related industries.

The USDA is expected to start soliciting grant applications soon for 
awards ranging from $1 million to $100 million, Vilsack said.

A first group of applications due within 45 days will be geared 
toward projects that might increase fertilizer supplies in 2023 and 
2024. A second round of applications due within 90 days will be for 
longer-term projects.

The grants will be paid through the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
which has traditionally funded loans and payments to farmers and 
conservations programs of the farm bill. Earlier this month, the USDA 
announced CCC money would be used to support a more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/09/14/usda-more-than-triples-funding-for-climate-smart-agriculture/">$3 billion “climate smart” program</a>. At the time, Vilsack said the CCC has sufficient funds to support the new programs and fulfill its farm bill obligations.

The fertilizer grant program is part of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/08/18/biden-administration-plays-long-game-for-agriculture-and-trade/">a longer-term strategy</a>&nbsp;to reduce prices and the country’s reliance on foreign products. The Biden administration has resisted calls&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/07/29/ag-groups-want-tariff-lifted-on-moroccan-fertilizer/">to cut tariffs</a>&nbsp;on
 certain fertilizers to help alleviate the recent high costs, saying the
 short-term benefits do not outweigh long-term trade goals.

Vilsack said increased domestic fertilizer production combined with 
better techniques to avoid the excessive use of fertilizers will help 
stabilize supplies and farmers’ costs.

“We’re excited about this,” he said of the new grant program. “We 
think it’s going to help reduce the cost, increase the supply, maybe 
generate opportunities for farmer-owned cooperatives as well.”

The USDA is set to hold two online seminars to explain the&nbsp; Fertilizer Production Expansion Program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dTRONOeRRVu2aTEvGjwx6A">on Oct. 4</a>&nbsp;and how to apply&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dUsGJWFZQtGuh_BWcC7EZQ">on Oct. 6</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664372269646.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said $500 million of new federal grants will support domestic fertilizer production. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said $500 million of new federal grants will support domestic fertilizer production. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JARED STRONG <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/usda-hopes-to-boost-fertilizer-production-as-soon-as-next-year/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $500 million to 
increase domestic fertilizer production, doubling its previous 
commitment, the agency announced.The federal dollars would boost long-term projects and ready-to-go proposals that might have an effect as early as next year.Some of the first projects to get funding from the Fertilizer 
Production Expansion Program are likely to include fertilizer plants 
that are already under construction and could be completed more quickly 
with an infusion of cash, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said
 Tuesday.“There are facilities that have been underway, are in construction, 
where opportunities may be accelerated to be able to deal with more 
product in 2023 or 2024,” he told reporters.Vilsack mentioned an unspecified Michigan facility that might be a 
candidate for the funding. The Michigan Potash &amp; Salt Company was 
expected to start construction this year on a $1.1 billion facility to 
process potash that is mined in the state, and one of the company’s 
executives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://brownfieldagnews.com/news/michigan-potash-plans-to-break-ground-in-coming-months-on-a-billion-dollar-processing-plant/">has said</a>&nbsp;the new federal funding would help the long-awaited project advance.Potash — a potassium compound — is one of the most widely used 
fertilizers in agriculture. The United States is not a major global 
producer of it, according to USDA data. Canada, Russia and Belarus have 
accounted for about two-thirds of global production.Michigan Potash has said its facility will have the capacity to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michigan-potash-stands-to-replace-russian-potash-fertilizer-imports-301497352.html">fully supplant</a>&nbsp;Russian imports of the fertilizer, but full production isn’t expected for three years.The company did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article.The federal funding for fertilizer production is a result of costs that spiked&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/08/high-cost-short-supply-of-fertilizer-to-alter-2022-planting/">in late 2021</a>&nbsp;and
 early 2022. Those prices have subsided somewhat but are still about 
double what they were at the start of 2021, according to a Green 
Markets’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fertilizerpricing.com/priceindex/">fertilizer price index</a>.The price increases were driven by a number of factors, including 
shortages of natural gas used to make nitrogen fertilizers, limited 
fertilizer stockpiles and production disruptions caused by an August 
2021 hurricane that struck Louisiana. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 
exacerbated the problem.So in March, the USDA announced a new grant program to increase 
domestic production with an eye toward supporting new, independent 
operations. The Biden administration has sought to reduce consolidation 
in agriculture-related industries.The USDA is expected to start soliciting grant applications soon for 
awards ranging from $1 million to $100 million, Vilsack said.A first group of applications due within 45 days will be geared 
toward projects that might increase fertilizer supplies in 2023 and 
2024. A second round of applications due within 90 days will be for 
longer-term projects.The grants will be paid through the Commodity Credit Corporation, 
which has traditionally funded loans and payments to farmers and 
conservations programs of the farm bill. Earlier this month, the USDA 
announced CCC money would be used to support a more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/09/14/usda-more-than-triples-funding-for-climate-smart-agriculture/">$3 billion “climate smart” program</a>. At the time, Vilsack said the CCC has sufficient funds to support the new programs and fulfill its farm bill obligations.The fertilizer grant program is part of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/08/18/biden-administration-plays-long-game-for-agriculture-and-trade/">a longer-term strategy</a>&nbsp;to reduce prices and the country’s reliance on foreign products. The Biden administration has resisted calls&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/07/29/ag-groups-want-tariff-lifted-on-moroccan-fertilizer/">to cut tariffs</a>&nbsp;on
 certain fertilizers to help alleviate the recent high costs, saying the
 short-term benefits do not outweigh long-term trade goals.Vilsack said increased domestic fertilizer production combined with 
better techniques to avoid the excessive use of fertilizers will help 
stabilize supplies and farmers’ costs.“We’re excited about this,” he said of the new grant program. “We 
think it’s going to help reduce the cost, increase the supply, maybe 
generate opportunities for farmer-owned cooperatives as well.”The USDA is set to hold two online seminars to explain the&nbsp; Fertilizer Production Expansion Program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dTRONOeRRVu2aTEvGjwx6A">on Oct. 4</a>&nbsp;and how to apply&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dUsGJWFZQtGuh_BWcC7EZQ">on Oct. 6</a>.

USDA hopes to boost fertilizer production as soon as next year

A new report from CoBank says the recent investment surge in U.S. renewable diesel production capacity is likely to ignite a period of growth and transition for the biofuels industry. 

“The outlook for biofuels is good as the U.S. and other developed countries embrace renewable liquid transportation fuels as a solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Ken Zuckerberg, lead grain and farm supply economist for CoBank. 

“Renewable diesel offers the most intriguing opportunity in the biofuels space because the growth potential is extraordinary.” 

Several industry stakeholders are planning to build new soybean crush and refineries during the next two years, which would increase U.S. renewable diesel production capacity to 6.5 billion gallons by 2030. 

Soybean oil is the most common feedstock for producing renewable diesel. CoBank says U.S. soybean acreage would need to grow by 17.9 million acres to fill the supply gap created by the additional crush and refinery projects.

A new report from CoBank says the recent investment surge in U.S. renewable diesel production capacity is likely to ignite a period of growth and transition for the biofuels industry. “The outlook for biofuels is good as the U.S. and other developed countries embrace renewable liquid transportation fuels as a solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Ken Zuckerberg, lead grain and farm supply economist for CoBank. “Renewable diesel offers the most intriguing opportunity in the biofuels space because the growth potential is extraordinary.” Several industry stakeholders are planning to build new soybean crush and refineries during the next two years, which would increase U.S. renewable diesel production capacity to 6.5 billion gallons by 2030. Soybean oil is the most common feedstock for producing renewable diesel. CoBank says U.S. soybean acreage would need to grow by 17.9 million acres to fill the supply gap created by the additional crush and refinery projects.

Biodiesel to turbo charge American Biofuel growth

USDA says it has expanded its Post-Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) insurance option for corn farmers who “split-apply” nitrogen on their crops. 

The coverage now includes most counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, where non-irrigate corn is insurable. 

USDA rolled out PACE earlier this year to support stewardship of fertilizer and will continue to offer it in select counties of Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and the Dakotas. 

“PACE provides an additional risk management tool for corn growers,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. PACE provides coverage for the projected yield lost when producers are unable to apply the post-nitrogen application due to field conditions created by the weather during the V3 through V10 stages. 

“We’re always working to offer risk management options and opportunities in the best interest of producers and their operations, and that also support and encourage environmental and climate-smart practices,” says Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger.

USDA says it has expanded its Post-Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) insurance option for corn farmers who “split-apply” nitrogen on their crops. The coverage now includes most counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, where non-irrigate corn is insurable. USDA rolled out PACE earlier this year to support stewardship of fertilizer and will continue to offer it in select counties of Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and the Dakotas. “PACE provides an additional risk management tool for corn growers,” says NCGA President Chris Edgington. PACE provides coverage for the projected yield lost when producers are unable to apply the post-nitrogen application due to field conditions created by the weather during the V3 through V10 stages. “We’re always working to offer risk management options and opportunities in the best interest of producers and their operations, and that also support and encourage environmental and climate-smart practices,” says Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger.

USDA expands PACE coverage

Smithfield Foods agreed to pay $75 million to settle a price-fixing lawsuit. 

Reuters says consumers accused the meat producer and several competitors of conspiring to inflate prices in the U.S. pork market by limiting supply. 

Smithfield spokesman Jim Monroe says the company denied liability in settling, and that the accord reduces the distraction, risk, and cost of protracted litigation. 

“The agreement also limits a substantial portion of Smithfield’s remaining liability in the nationwide case,” he says. In other litigation, Smithfield previously reached settlements worth $83 million with direct purchasers and $42 million with commercial purchasers, including restaurants. 

Some of the other defendants include Hormel Foods, Tyson Foods, and data provider Agri Stats, Inc. Smithfield agreed to provide cooperation that the plaintiffs’ lawyers say will strengthen their cases against the remaining defendants. 

Smithfield is based in Virginia and owned by Hong Kong-listed WH Group, which calls itself the world’s largest pork company.

Smithfield Foods agreed to pay $75 million to settle a price-fixing lawsuit. Reuters says consumers accused the meat producer and several competitors of conspiring to inflate prices in the U.S. pork market by limiting supply. Smithfield spokesman Jim Monroe says the company denied liability in settling, and that the accord reduces the distraction, risk, and cost of protracted litigation. “The agreement also limits a substantial portion of Smithfield’s remaining liability in the nationwide case,” he says. In other litigation, Smithfield previously reached settlements worth $83 million with direct purchasers and $42 million with commercial purchasers, including restaurants. Some of the other defendants include Hormel Foods, Tyson Foods, and data provider Agri Stats, Inc. Smithfield agreed to provide cooperation that the plaintiffs’ lawyers say will strengthen their cases against the remaining defendants. Smithfield is based in Virginia and owned by Hong Kong-listed WH Group, which calls itself the world’s largest pork company.

Smithfield to pay $75 million to settle price-fixing suit

The Department of Agriculture plans to invest $8 million to support and expand carbon monitoring in soils. The investment also supports the assessment of how climate-smart practices affect carbon sequestration. The investment is part of USDA's efforts to build out a national soil carbon monitoring network, which was kicked off with soil carbon monitoring on Conservation Reserve Program acres in 2021. 

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service requests proposals for regional projects focused on soil organic carbon stock monitoring, which are due November 28, 2022. The investment in building out the soil carbon monitoring network is part of USDA's comprehensive effort to address climate change through climate-smart agriculture and forestry. 

NRCS Chief Terry Cosby says, “Soil health management practices and activities are a tremendous part of our strategy when it comes to climate-smart agriculture and forestry.” Additional information is available in the notice of funding, which will appear on grants.gov

The Department of Agriculture plans to invest $8 million to support and expand carbon monitoring in soils. The investment also supports the assessment of how climate-smart practices affect carbon sequestration. The investment is part of USDA's efforts to build out a national soil carbon monitoring network, which was kicked off with soil carbon monitoring on Conservation Reserve Program acres in 2021. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service requests proposals for regional projects focused on soil organic carbon stock monitoring, which are due November 28, 2022. The investment in building out the soil carbon monitoring network is part of USDA's comprehensive effort to address climate change through climate-smart agriculture and forestry. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby says, “Soil health management practices and activities are a tremendous part of our strategy when it comes to climate-smart agriculture and forestry.” Additional information is available in the notice of funding, which will appear on grants.gov

USDA to invest $8 million to expand monitoring of soil carbon

Senators Chuck Grassley and Sherrod Brown introduced legislation this week to prevent foreign individuals from obtaining credit and financial services through the Farm Credit System. The Iowa Republican and Ohio Democrat content that currently, certain foreign individuals and entities are eligible to receive credit through this government-sponsored enterprise. 

Grassley states, “The expansion of foreign-owned farmland is a justified cause for concern among many family farmers and ranchers. Brown adds, “American taxpayer dollars should not be used as a financing tool for foreign governments to undermine our national security and take our family farms.” 

FCS was established in 1916 to provide credit to rural areas when commercial lenders were avoiding farm loans. It is mandated and limited by statute to serve agriculture. In 2021, FCS had a portfolio of roughly $210 billion in farm loans. Since 1997, regulations have allowed FCS associations to extend credit to certain foreign nationals who are not permanent residents of the United States and to foreign-owned entities.

Senators Chuck Grassley and Sherrod Brown introduced legislation this week to prevent foreign individuals from obtaining credit and financial services through the Farm Credit System. The Iowa Republican and Ohio Democrat content that currently, certain foreign individuals and entities are eligible to receive credit through this government-sponsored enterprise. Grassley states, “The expansion of foreign-owned farmland is a justified cause for concern among many family farmers and ranchers. Brown adds, “American taxpayer dollars should not be used as a financing tool for foreign governments to undermine our national security and take our family farms.” FCS was established in 1916 to provide credit to rural areas when commercial lenders were avoiding farm loans. It is mandated and limited by statute to serve agriculture. In 2021, FCS had a portfolio of roughly $210 billion in farm loans. Since 1997, regulations have allowed FCS associations to extend credit to certain foreign nationals who are not permanent residents of the United States and to foreign-owned entities.

Grassley, Brown propose banning foreign individuals from obtaining U.S. farm credit

The Food and Drug Administration Wednesday proposed updated criteria for labeling foods with the nutrient content claim "healthy" on their packaging. The proposal comes the same day as the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. 

The rule would align the definition of the “healthy” claim with current nutrition science, the updated Nutrition Facts label and the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FDA says more than 80 percent of people in the U.S. aren’t eating enough vegetables, fruit and dairy. And most people consume too much added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. 

The proposed rule is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to helping consumers improve nutrition and dietary patterns to help reduce the burden of chronic disease. The proposed rule would update the “healthy” claim definition to better account for how all the nutrients in various food groups contribute and may work synergistically to create healthy dietary patterns and improve health.

The Food and Drug Administration Wednesday proposed updated criteria for labeling foods with the nutrient content claim "healthy" on their packaging. The proposal comes the same day as the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The rule would align the definition of the “healthy” claim with current nutrition science, the updated Nutrition Facts label and the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FDA says more than 80 percent of people in the U.S. aren’t eating enough vegetables, fruit and dairy. And most people consume too much added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. The proposed rule is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to helping consumers improve nutrition and dietary patterns to help reduce the burden of chronic disease. The proposed rule would update the “healthy” claim definition to better account for how all the nutrients in various food groups contribute and may work synergistically to create healthy dietary patterns and improve health.

FDA proposes updated definition of ‘healthy’ claim on food packages

The long-awaited White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health convenes Wednesday. 

The goal of the conference is to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030. 

The White House Tuesday released its national strategy with actions the federal government will take to drive hunger solutions. 

Pillars of the strategy include improving food access and affordability, integrating nutrition and health, empowering consumers to make healthy choices, supporting physical activity and enhancing nutrition and food security research. 

President Joe Biden says, “This important conference and the commitment to a national strategy on ending hunger and healthier eating will build on the research and knowledge we now have to make America truly a stronger, healthier nation.” 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack added, “The Strategy lays out big goals, and we need everyone - local, state, and tribal governments, Congress, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens - to work together to achieve them.”

The long-awaited White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health convenes Wednesday. The goal of the conference is to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030. The White House Tuesday released its national strategy with actions the federal government will take to drive hunger solutions. Pillars of the strategy include improving food access and affordability, integrating nutrition and health, empowering consumers to make healthy choices, supporting physical activity and enhancing nutrition and food security research. President Joe Biden says, “This important conference and the commitment to a national strategy on ending hunger and healthier eating will build on the research and knowledge we now have to make America truly a stronger, healthier nation.” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack added, “The Strategy lays out big goals, and we need everyone - local, state, and tribal governments, Congress, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens - to work together to achieve them.”

White House Hunger Conference 

A new federal grant program announced Tuesday seeks to increase American-made fertilizer production. 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the $500 million in grants, intended to spur competition in the fertilizer sector and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers. 

The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is part of a government-wide effort to promote competition in agricultural markets. 

The Commodity Credit Corporation grants will support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. Funds also will expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives in the U.S. and its territories. 

USDA plans for a 45-day application window for applicants to receive priority for projects that increase the availability of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives for farmers to use in crop years 2023 or 2024. 

USDA will also offer an extended application window for financial assistance to significantly increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes.

A new federal grant program announced Tuesday seeks to increase American-made fertilizer production. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the $500 million in grants, intended to spur competition in the fertilizer sector and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers. The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is part of a government-wide effort to promote competition in agricultural markets. The Commodity Credit Corporation grants will support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. Funds also will expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives in the U.S. and its territories. USDA plans for a 45-day application window for applicants to receive priority for projects that increase the availability of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives for farmers to use in crop years 2023 or 2024. USDA will also offer an extended application window for financial assistance to significantly increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes.

USDA funding seeks more US fertilizer production

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/28/longhorned-tick-that-can-cause-illness-to-cattle-found-in-northern-missouri/">Missouri Independent</a>

A species of tick known to cause severe weight loss in cattle has been discovered in northern Missouri, researchers from the <a target="_blank" href="https://showme.missouri.edu/2022/longhorned-tick-discovered-in-northern-missouri-for-first-time-mu-researchers-find/">University of Missouri reported this week</a>.&nbsp;

The longhorned tick was found in 
southern Missouri last year, according to a press release from the 
university. But Rosalie Ierardi, an anatomic pathologist at the MU 
College of Veterinary Medicine, discovered two of the ticks in Linn 
County, near the Iowa border.&nbsp;

Longhorned ticks can reproduce more easily than other tick species as females can lay eggs without a male.

“Studying the prevalence of invasive 
ticks in different geographical regions can help veterinarians and 
farmers take proactive, preventative steps that may ultimately protect 
the health of livestock, which has huge economic implications,” Ierardi 
said.&nbsp;

The university says the threat to 
humans, cattle and pets in Missouri remains low, but the species has 
been known to cost millions of dollars in lost agricultural revenue 
around the world. An infestation of the ticks can cause outbreaks of 
bovine theileriosis, which kills red blood cells in cows.

There are no confirmed cases of bovine theileriosis in Missouri, according to the university.&nbsp;

Ram Raghavan, a professor in the MU 
College of Veterinary Medicine and MU School of Health Professions, has 
been studying and predicting the spread of various types of ticks and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-37205-2">forecast the regions where the longhorned tick would take hold</a> in 2019. The tick was first discovered in the U.S. in 2017.&nbsp;

Raghavan warned the impacts of climate change could cause a continued increase in tick infestations.&nbsp;

“Warmer temperatures in the Midwest 
seem to be creating perfect conditions for ticks and the pathogens they 
carry to thrive, and this problem may get worse going forward as the 
planet continues to warm, which is concerning,” Raghavan said. “We must 
be vigilant and devote resources toward trying to prevent these ticks 
from spreading diseases that harm the health of cattle, humans and their
 pets.”

Cattle ranchers whose animals show 
signs of weakness or jaundice or lose pregnancies should contact their 
veterinarian and the MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 
Ierardi said.

Ierardi said the symptoms can be 
mistaken for anaplasmosis, a different and widely prevalent bovine 
disease, and ranchers should get their animals tested whenever they are 
in doubt.&nbsp;

“Although these longhorned ticks are 
known to transmit a number of human disease pathogens,” leradi said, “at
 the moment the threat from them appears to be mostly bovine 
theileriosis, which impacts cattle.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664372166760.png" alt="A researcher from the University of Missouri discovered two longhorned ticks in Linn County, north of Interstate 70. The ticks are known to cause illness in cattle. (Photo courtesy of the University of Missouri)" />
 <figcaption>A researcher from the University of Missouri discovered two longhorned ticks in Linn County, north of Interstate 70. The ticks are known to cause illness in cattle. (Photo courtesy of the University of Missouri)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/28/longhorned-tick-that-can-cause-illness-to-cattle-found-in-northern-missouri/">Missouri Independent</a>A species of tick known to cause severe weight loss in cattle has been discovered in northern Missouri, researchers from the <a target="_blank" href="https://showme.missouri.edu/2022/longhorned-tick-discovered-in-northern-missouri-for-first-time-mu-researchers-find/">University of Missouri reported this week</a>.&nbsp;The longhorned tick was found in 
southern Missouri last year, according to a press release from the 
university. But Rosalie Ierardi, an anatomic pathologist at the MU 
College of Veterinary Medicine, discovered two of the ticks in Linn 
County, near the Iowa border.&nbsp;Longhorned ticks can reproduce more easily than other tick species as females can lay eggs without a male.“Studying the prevalence of invasive 
ticks in different geographical regions can help veterinarians and 
farmers take proactive, preventative steps that may ultimately protect 
the health of livestock, which has huge economic implications,” Ierardi 
said.&nbsp;The university says the threat to 
humans, cattle and pets in Missouri remains low, but the species has 
been known to cost millions of dollars in lost agricultural revenue 
around the world. An infestation of the ticks can cause outbreaks of 
bovine theileriosis, which kills red blood cells in cows.There are no confirmed cases of bovine theileriosis in Missouri, according to the university.&nbsp;Ram Raghavan, a professor in the MU 
College of Veterinary Medicine and MU School of Health Professions, has 
been studying and predicting the spread of various types of ticks and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-37205-2">forecast the regions where the longhorned tick would take hold</a> in 2019. The tick was first discovered in the U.S. in 2017.&nbsp;Raghavan warned the impacts of climate change could cause a continued increase in tick infestations.&nbsp;“Warmer temperatures in the Midwest 
seem to be creating perfect conditions for ticks and the pathogens they 
carry to thrive, and this problem may get worse going forward as the 
planet continues to warm, which is concerning,” Raghavan said. “We must 
be vigilant and devote resources toward trying to prevent these ticks 
from spreading diseases that harm the health of cattle, humans and their
 pets.”Cattle ranchers whose animals show 
signs of weakness or jaundice or lose pregnancies should contact their 
veterinarian and the MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 
Ierardi said.Ierardi said the symptoms can be 
mistaken for anaplasmosis, a different and widely prevalent bovine 
disease, and ranchers should get their animals tested whenever they are 
in doubt.&nbsp;“Although these longhorned ticks are 
known to transmit a number of human disease pathogens,” leradi said, “at
 the moment the threat from them appears to be mostly bovine 
theileriosis, which impacts cattle.”

Tick that can cause illness to cattle found in northern Missouri

USDA’s Economic Research Service Tuesday reported the ongoing Western drought is the most extreme drought in the region since 2000. 

As of September 19, 2022, the U.S. Drought Monitor classified more than 18 percent of land in the Western States as experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. 

In July of this year, more than 32 percent of land was in those categories. Drought conditions in the Western States gradually subsided in the latter months of 2021 but began intensifying again during the first half of 2022. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor categorizes drought in a region according to soil moisture, streamflow, and precipitation levels. Regional designations are primarily based on historical weather patterns. 

For agriculture, drought can mean diminished crop and livestock outputs, as well as reduced farm profitability. Drought also reduces the quantity of snowpack and streamflow available for diversions to irrigated agricultural land. These impacts can reverberate throughout the local, regional, and national economies.

USDA’s Economic Research Service Tuesday reported the ongoing Western drought is the most extreme drought in the region since 2000. As of September 19, 2022, the U.S. Drought Monitor classified more than 18 percent of land in the Western States as experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. In July of this year, more than 32 percent of land was in those categories. Drought conditions in the Western States gradually subsided in the latter months of 2021 but began intensifying again during the first half of 2022. The U.S. Drought Monitor categorizes drought in a region according to soil moisture, streamflow, and precipitation levels. Regional designations are primarily based on historical weather patterns. For agriculture, drought can mean diminished crop and livestock outputs, as well as reduced farm profitability. Drought also reduces the quantity of snowpack and streamflow available for diversions to irrigated agricultural land. These impacts can reverberate throughout the local, regional, and national economies.

Ongoing Western drought most intense in 20 years

The Biden administration Monday announced two new Department of Agriculture efforts to support fair and competitive meat and poultry markets. 

The efforts include publishing the proposed Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Rules Under the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect farmers and ranchers from abuse, and a new $15 million Agricultural Competition Challenge to ramp up collaboration with the State Attorneys General on enforcement of competition laws, such as laws against price-fixing. 

The two efforts come from the White House Competition Council, which held a meeting Monday. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, "USDA is focused on building new, fairer, and more resilient markets, protecting producers, and reducing food costs." 

Earlier this year, USDA and the Department of Justice announced their commitment to work closely together to effectively enforce federal competition laws, including by launching the FarmerFairness.gov complaint portal for reporting suspected violations of federal competition law.

The Biden administration Monday announced two new Department of Agriculture efforts to support fair and competitive meat and poultry markets. The efforts include publishing the proposed Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Rules Under the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect farmers and ranchers from abuse, and a new $15 million Agricultural Competition Challenge to ramp up collaboration with the State Attorneys General on enforcement of competition laws, such as laws against price-fixing. The two efforts come from the White House Competition Council, which held a meeting Monday. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, "USDA is focused on building new, fairer, and more resilient markets, protecting producers, and reducing food costs." Earlier this year, USDA and the Department of Justice announced their commitment to work closely together to effectively enforce federal competition laws, including by launching the FarmerFairness.gov complaint portal for reporting suspected violations of federal competition law.

USDA announces action to spur competition, protect producers and reduce costs

Officials from the United States, Mexico and Canada met last week as part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Environment Committee. 

The committee was established as part of the USMCA to oversee the Environment Chapter's implementation and provide a forum to discuss and review chapter implementation. 

At the meeting, the officials discussed progress and challenges faced in implementing the environmental obligations since the Agreement's entry into force in 2020. 

The committee also discussed follow-up items from the first Committee meeting, including the findings of a mapping exercise to identify gaps and opportunities for trilateral collaboration for implementing Chapter 24 commitments, recognizing the need to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication with efforts already underway by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. 

In addition, the committee held a public session to share information and hear from stakeholders from Canada, Mexico, and the United States regarding the implementation of Chapter 24.

Officials from the United States, Mexico and Canada met last week as part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s Environment Committee. The committee was established as part of the USMCA to oversee the Environment Chapter's implementation and provide a forum to discuss and review chapter implementation. At the meeting, the officials discussed progress and challenges faced in implementing the environmental obligations since the Agreement's entry into force in 2020. The committee also discussed follow-up items from the first Committee meeting, including the findings of a mapping exercise to identify gaps and opportunities for trilateral collaboration for implementing Chapter 24 commitments, recognizing the need to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication with efforts already underway by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. In addition, the committee held a public session to share information and hear from stakeholders from Canada, Mexico, and the United States regarding the implementation of Chapter 24.

USMCA partners host Environmental Committee meeting

Ending the 14-week stretch of gas prices declining, the nation's average gas price posted a rise of 3.2 cents from a week ago to $3.67 per gallon. 

The national average is down 17.5 cents from a month ago but 49.3 cents higher than a year ago. 

The national average diesel price declined 5.1 cents the last week and stands at $4.88 per gallon. 

Refinery snags in some areas of the country contribute to wild fluctuations as areas of the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes and Plains have seen significant refinery issues leading to supply challenges. However, the Northeast and Gulf Coast continue to see normal activity at refineries and prices there have dropped. 

The disconnect between regions grows larger and will likely remain abnormal for the next few weeks. Gas Buddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “A slew of unexpected refinery disruptions, including fires and routine maintenance, have seemingly all happened in a short span of time.”

Ending the 14-week stretch of gas prices declining, the nation's average gas price posted a rise of 3.2 cents from a week ago to $3.67 per gallon. The national average is down 17.5 cents from a month ago but 49.3 cents higher than a year ago. The national average diesel price declined 5.1 cents the last week and stands at $4.88 per gallon. Refinery snags in some areas of the country contribute to wild fluctuations as areas of the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes and Plains have seen significant refinery issues leading to supply challenges. However, the Northeast and Gulf Coast continue to see normal activity at refineries and prices there have dropped. The disconnect between regions grows larger and will likely remain abnormal for the next few weeks. Gas Buddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “A slew of unexpected refinery disruptions, including fires and routine maintenance, have seemingly all happened in a short span of time.”

Mixed week for fuel prices

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow says she’s hopeful the Senate will confirm three agriculture nominees this week by unanimous consent. 

The Hagstrom Report says Alexis Taylor is the nominee for USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. 

Jose Emilio Esteban is nominated for USDA undersecretary for food safety. Vincent Logan is the nominee for the Farm Credit Administration Board. 

Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman also hopes they can be confirmed this week. Under questioning, Taylor says she’ll work on difficult issues like Mexico’s potential ban on biotech corn. Logan, the chief financial officer with the Native American Agriculture Fund, repeatedly promised to work with young and beginning farmers. 

When answering questions, Esteban said he's passionate about preventing salmonella and pledged to work together with all parties on “how we get there.” 

The Senate Finance Committee recently approved Doug McKalip’s nomination as Chief Ag Negotiator, and he’s waiting for Senate confirmation.

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow says she’s hopeful the Senate will confirm three agriculture nominees this week by unanimous consent. The Hagstrom Report says Alexis Taylor is the nominee for USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Jose Emilio Esteban is nominated for USDA undersecretary for food safety. Vincent Logan is the nominee for the Farm Credit Administration Board. Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman also hopes they can be confirmed this week. Under questioning, Taylor says she’ll work on difficult issues like Mexico’s potential ban on biotech corn. Logan, the chief financial officer with the Native American Agriculture Fund, repeatedly promised to work with young and beginning farmers. When answering questions, Esteban said he's passionate about preventing salmonella and pledged to work together with all parties on “how we get there.” The Senate Finance Committee recently approved Doug McKalip’s nomination as Chief Ag Negotiator, and he’s waiting for Senate confirmation.