Russia resumed its blockade of grain shipments exiting Ukraine on Sunday after announcing the country is pulling out of the grain deal brokered, in part, by the United Nations. 

The Hagstrom Report says the amount of grain available for global markets and possible price increases are concerns getting raised around the world. 

U.S. President Joe Biden called the blockade resumption an “outrageous act.” 

Russia pulled out of the deal because it says Ukraine staged a significant drone attack over the weekend against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet which is off the coast of Crimea.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ukraine says the attack didn’t happen, and Russia simply mishandled its own weapons. 

The U.N. and officials from Turkey were trying to convince Russia to bring back the deal it agreed to earlier this year. The European Union’s foreign policy chief says Russia’s decision puts the much-needed exports of grain and fertilizers to address the global food crisis at risk.

Russia resumed its blockade of grain shipments exiting Ukraine on Sunday after announcing the country is pulling out of the grain deal brokered, in part, by the United Nations. The Hagstrom Report says the amount of grain available for global markets and possible price increases are concerns getting raised around the world. U.S. President Joe Biden called the blockade resumption an “outrageous act.” Russia pulled out of the deal because it says Ukraine staged a significant drone attack over the weekend against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet which is off the coast of Crimea.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ukraine says the attack didn’t happen, and Russia simply mishandled its own weapons. The U.N. and officials from Turkey were trying to convince Russia to bring back the deal it agreed to earlier this year. The European Union’s foreign policy chief says Russia’s decision puts the much-needed exports of grain and fertilizers to address the global food crisis at risk.

Russia pulls out of Black Sea grain export deal

USDA Deputy Secretary Jewell Bronaugh arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to kick off an agribusiness trade mission to Kenya and Tanzania. 

The U.S. delegation includes representatives of 32 agribusinesses and farm organizations hoping to establish trade relationships and explore opportunities for American agricultural exports to East Africa. 

Kenya is the economic, financial, and transportation hub for Central and East Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s my great pleasure to lead this trade mission,” Bronaugh says. 

“Kenya and Tanzania are important and growing markets, and I look forward to strengthening our ties with both nations while expanding opportunities for U.S. agricultural and food product exports.” 

Trade mission participants will engage directly with potential importers, receive in-depth market briefings, and participate in site visits. Bronaugh also says this is an exciting opportunity for U.S. agribusinesses and state representatives to learn firsthand about the local markets and build strong connections with their future partners in the countries of East Africa.

USDA Deputy Secretary Jewell Bronaugh arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to kick off an agribusiness trade mission to Kenya and Tanzania. The U.S. delegation includes representatives of 32 agribusinesses and farm organizations hoping to establish trade relationships and explore opportunities for American agricultural exports to East Africa. Kenya is the economic, financial, and transportation hub for Central and East Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s my great pleasure to lead this trade mission,” Bronaugh says. “Kenya and Tanzania are important and growing markets, and I look forward to strengthening our ties with both nations while expanding opportunities for U.S. agricultural and food product exports.” Trade mission participants will engage directly with potential importers, receive in-depth market briefings, and participate in site visits. Bronaugh also says this is an exciting opportunity for U.S. agribusinesses and state representatives to learn firsthand about the local markets and build strong connections with their future partners in the countries of East Africa.

USDA trade mission underway in East Africa

John Deere announced it is investing $29.8 million to begin manufacturing harvesters in the United States instead of China. 

Louisiana’s state development agency says the agricultural manufacturer is expanding an already-existing factory in the state and adding another 70 jobs. 

“This investment by Deere and Company demonstrates not only the strength of Louisiana’s manufacturing sector but the resilience and recovery of the Bayou Region,” says Louisiana’s Governor John Edwards. 

Deere will produce medium-chassis cotton harvesters to replace the models currently built in China. The new jobs will pay an average salary of $47,472 a year and add to Deere’s existing workforce of 311 employees in the state. 

“The employees at our Louisiana factory have demonstrated remarkable resiliency and commitment to our customers,” says a Deere spokesman, describing how workers restored operations after Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana last year. Deere says it’s investing in the community, the state, and current staff.

John Deere announced it is investing $29.8 million to begin manufacturing harvesters in the United States instead of China. Louisiana’s state development agency says the agricultural manufacturer is expanding an already-existing factory in the state and adding another 70 jobs. “This investment by Deere and Company demonstrates not only the strength of Louisiana’s manufacturing sector but the resilience and recovery of the Bayou Region,” says Louisiana’s Governor John Edwards. Deere will produce medium-chassis cotton harvesters to replace the models currently built in China. The new jobs will pay an average salary of $47,472 a year and add to Deere’s existing workforce of 311 employees in the state. “The employees at our Louisiana factory have demonstrated remarkable resiliency and commitment to our customers,” says a Deere spokesman, describing how workers restored operations after Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana last year. Deere says it’s investing in the community, the state, and current staff.

Deere moving production from China to Louisiana

Mexico appears to be moving ahead with its plan to ban GMO corn imports by 2024. 

Reuters says Mexico is considering the possibility of direct agreements with farmers in the U.S., Argentina, and Brazil. 

Mexico’s deputy agriculture minister says the 2024 ban on GM corn won’t be amended in any way.&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. yellow corn imports are used primarily for livestock feed in Mexico. 

Victor Suarez says Mexico will cut its imports of U.S. yellow corn by half when the ban takes effect via increasing domestic production. To fill any remaining gap, Mexico will try to make deals with farmers in other countries to grow non-GMO corn and sell it to Mexico. 

“There are many alternatives to importing non-GMO yellow corn from the United States,” Suarez says. These moves appear to go back on the promise from Mexico’s ag minister that Mexico wouldn’t limit imports of GMO yellow corn from the U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mexico appears to be moving ahead with its plan to ban GMO corn imports by 2024. Reuters says Mexico is considering the possibility of direct agreements with farmers in the U.S., Argentina, and Brazil. Mexico’s deputy agriculture minister says the 2024 ban on GM corn won’t be amended in any way.&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. yellow corn imports are used primarily for livestock feed in Mexico. Victor Suarez says Mexico will cut its imports of U.S. yellow corn by half when the ban takes effect via increasing domestic production. To fill any remaining gap, Mexico will try to make deals with farmers in other countries to grow non-GMO corn and sell it to Mexico. “There are many alternatives to importing non-GMO yellow corn from the United States,” Suarez says. These moves appear to go back on the promise from Mexico’s ag minister that Mexico wouldn’t limit imports of GMO yellow corn from the U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mexico moving ahead on 2024 GMO corn ban

America has a shortage of diesel supplies on hand and it’s putting pressure on suppliers to get more into the fuel supply. 

The Start Magazine says a shortage is spreading in the eastern United States and has prompted at least one supplier to initiate emergency protocols. 

Mansfield Energy is a fuel supplier that says conditions are rapidly devolving, so they require a 72-hour notice for deliveries to secure fuel and freight. 

Diesel is the fuel that trucks, trains, and ships fill their tanks with to move goods around the country and across the globe. 

Supplies are tight partly because Russian diesel imports are banned in the U.S. Andrew Hunter, a senior economist with Capital Economics, says, “U.S. refining capacity has fallen over the past few years, which doesn’t help.” 

Diesel prices hit a record high of $5.81 per gallon in June, and prices could go higher if the winter is colder than expected.

America has a shortage of diesel supplies on hand and it’s putting pressure on suppliers to get more into the fuel supply. The Start Magazine says a shortage is spreading in the eastern United States and has prompted at least one supplier to initiate emergency protocols. Mansfield Energy is a fuel supplier that says conditions are rapidly devolving, so they require a 72-hour notice for deliveries to secure fuel and freight. Diesel is the fuel that trucks, trains, and ships fill their tanks with to move goods around the country and across the globe. Supplies are tight partly because Russian diesel imports are banned in the U.S. Andrew Hunter, a senior economist with Capital Economics, says, “U.S. refining capacity has fallen over the past few years, which doesn’t help.” Diesel prices hit a record high of $5.81 per gallon in June, and prices could go higher if the winter is colder than expected.

U.S. diesel supplies are shrinking rapidly

California released its Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for 2020 which showed a 16 percent decrease in transportation carbon emissions. 

Clean Fuels Alliance America says that success was due in part to increasing the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel. 

The state’s analysis shows the percentage of biodiesel and renewable diesel in California’s fuel supply grew from 0.4 percent in 2011 to almost 21 percent in 2020 through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. 

California Air Resources Board data says biodiesel and renewable diesel generated 44 percent of the LCFS credits in 2020. “As California works to continue reducing carbon emissions, it’s relying on increased production, import, and blending of biodiesel and renewable diesel,” says Clean Fuels’ CEO Donnell Rehagen. 

Without biodiesel and renewable diesel, California’s tailpipe fossil CO2 would have been 15 million metric tons higher in 2020. The reduction equals taking 3.2 million cars off the road in 2020.

California released its Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for 2020 which showed a 16 percent decrease in transportation carbon emissions. Clean Fuels Alliance America says that success was due in part to increasing the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel. The state’s analysis shows the percentage of biodiesel and renewable diesel in California’s fuel supply grew from 0.4 percent in 2011 to almost 21 percent in 2020 through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. California Air Resources Board data says biodiesel and renewable diesel generated 44 percent of the LCFS credits in 2020. “As California works to continue reducing carbon emissions, it’s relying on increased production, import, and blending of biodiesel and renewable diesel,” says Clean Fuels’ CEO Donnell Rehagen. Without biodiesel and renewable diesel, California’s tailpipe fossil CO2 would have been 15 million metric tons higher in 2020. The reduction equals taking 3.2 million cars off the road in 2020.

Biodiesel plays a big role in California’s GHG drop

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says his agency is providing $759 million to improve internet access for people living and working in 24 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Palau. 

The investments include funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provides $65 billion to help expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to communities across the United States. 

“People living in rural towns across the nation need high-speed internet to run their businesses, go to school, and connect with their loved ones,” says Vilsack. 

“That’s how you grow the economy, not just for rural areas, but across the nation.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The $759 million in loans and grants comes from the third round of funding under the ReConnect Program. 

USDA is issuing a total of 49 awards in states like Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and many others. So far this year, USDA has announced $1.6 billion from the third round of ReConnect funding.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says his agency is providing $759 million to improve internet access for people living and working in 24 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Palau. The investments include funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provides $65 billion to help expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to communities across the United States. “People living in rural towns across the nation need high-speed internet to run their businesses, go to school, and connect with their loved ones,” says Vilsack. “That’s how you grow the economy, not just for rural areas, but across the nation.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The $759 million in loans and grants comes from the third round of funding under the ReConnect Program. USDA is issuing a total of 49 awards in states like Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and many others. So far this year, USDA has announced $1.6 billion from the third round of ReConnect funding.

USDA providing $759 million to improve rural broadband access

The U.S. soybean sector will continue to see support from rising global demand for biofuels. 

Oil giant Bunge says that support will stay in place for “some time to come.” 

The company’s chief financial officer says the demand for soybean oil is strong from both the food and energy-producing sectors. 

Industry Update Dot Com says Bunge also sees unusually high interest from buyers wanting to lock in their prices beyond the next quarter. “We’re very deliberate about price,” says Bunge CEO John Nappi. “But the demand is there and continuing to grow steadily. 

And we haven’t seen any decline or lack of interest from either the energy producers or the food industry side of the equation at this point.” SP Global says demand for soybean oil from the U.S. biofuel industry has been rising quickly since 2020 as processors are more confident about the government’s commitment to an energy transition.

The U.S. soybean sector will continue to see support from rising global demand for biofuels. Oil giant Bunge says that support will stay in place for “some time to come.” The company’s chief financial officer says the demand for soybean oil is strong from both the food and energy-producing sectors. Industry Update Dot Com says Bunge also sees unusually high interest from buyers wanting to lock in their prices beyond the next quarter. “We’re very deliberate about price,” says Bunge CEO John Nappi. “But the demand is there and continuing to grow steadily. And we haven’t seen any decline or lack of interest from either the energy producers or the food industry side of the equation at this point.” SP Global says demand for soybean oil from the U.S. biofuel industry has been rising quickly since 2020 as processors are more confident about the government’s commitment to an energy transition.

Bunge: Strong demand ahead for soybean oil

The conditions along America’s inland waterway system remain concerning. 

Farmers are harvesting an overall strong crop, but the inland waterway system they use to ship commodities doesn’t have the ability to accommodate large amounts of new grains. 

It’s especially hard on the soybean industry because September through February accounts for 80 percent of U.S. soybean exports. 

Because over half of America’s soybeans are exported, barge transportation is essential. American Commercial Barge Lines says depth restrictions of no greater than nine feet have been instituted on the Lower Mississippi River, an almost 30 percent decrease. 

Barges are often loaded to 11-12 feet this time of year on the Mississippi River south of St. Louis. For every one foot of decreased water depth, that means 5,000 fewer bushels are loaded onto each barge. A maximum of 25 barges can be connected on the lower Mississippi compared to 30-40 barges in typical years.

The conditions along America’s inland waterway system remain concerning. Farmers are harvesting an overall strong crop, but the inland waterway system they use to ship commodities doesn’t have the ability to accommodate large amounts of new grains. It’s especially hard on the soybean industry because September through February accounts for 80 percent of U.S. soybean exports. Because over half of America’s soybeans are exported, barge transportation is essential. American Commercial Barge Lines says depth restrictions of no greater than nine feet have been instituted on the Lower Mississippi River, an almost 30 percent decrease. Barges are often loaded to 11-12 feet this time of year on the Mississippi River south of St. Louis. For every one foot of decreased water depth, that means 5,000 fewer bushels are loaded onto each barge. A maximum of 25 barges can be connected on the lower Mississippi compared to 30-40 barges in typical years.

Inland waterway system still struggling with drought

Deputy Agriculture Secretary Jewel Bronaugh will lead a trade mission to Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, from October 31 through November 4. 

Representatives from 32 agribusiness and farm organizations will join Bronaugh on the trip. 

She says, "This trade mission will provide firsthand knowledge of market conditions and opportunities in East Africa and expand awareness about U.S. agricultural and food products in the region." 

Both Nairobi, Kenya and Zanzibar, Tanzania, serve as strategic ports in East Africa, attracting many U.S. exporters and investors. Last year, the United States exported more than $60 million worth of agriculture, fish, and forestry products to Kenya, and $6.9 million worth of agricultural products to Tanzania. 

During the week-long trade mission, participants will meet with potential importers, processors, and distributors from Kenya and Tanzania, as well as other East African nations. National agribusiness groups represented include the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council, among others.

Deputy Agriculture Secretary Jewel Bronaugh will lead a trade mission to Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, from October 31 through November 4. Representatives from 32 agribusiness and farm organizations will join Bronaugh on the trip. She says, "This trade mission will provide firsthand knowledge of market conditions and opportunities in East Africa and expand awareness about U.S. agricultural and food products in the region." Both Nairobi, Kenya and Zanzibar, Tanzania, serve as strategic ports in East Africa, attracting many U.S. exporters and investors. Last year, the United States exported more than $60 million worth of agriculture, fish, and forestry products to Kenya, and $6.9 million worth of agricultural products to Tanzania. During the week-long trade mission, participants will meet with potential importers, processors, and distributors from Kenya and Tanzania, as well as other East African nations. National agribusiness groups represented include the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council, among others.

Bronaugh to lead East Africa agribusiness trade mission

R-CALF USA, the Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, is making a push for Congress to consider mandatory country-of-origin labeling of beef. 

R-CALF is encouraging its members and others to show their support to lawmakers for the American Beef Labeling Act. 

The bill was introduced by Republican Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, alongside Democrats Jon Tester and Cory Booker last month. 

The legislation would require the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment. 

USTR would have six months to develop a reinstatement plan, followed by a six-month implementation window. If USTR fails to reinstate MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment, it would automatically be reinstated for beef only. R-CALF points to a Morning Consult poll that claims 86 percent of U.S. voters support the bill.

R-CALF USA, the Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, is making a push for Congress to consider mandatory country-of-origin labeling of beef. R-CALF is encouraging its members and others to show their support to lawmakers for the American Beef Labeling Act. The bill was introduced by Republican Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, alongside Democrats Jon Tester and Cory Booker last month. The legislation would require the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment. USTR would have six months to develop a reinstatement plan, followed by a six-month implementation window. If USTR fails to reinstate MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment, it would automatically be reinstated for beef only. R-CALF points to a Morning Consult poll that claims 86 percent of U.S. voters support the bill.

R-CALF makes post-election push for M-COOL

Pumpkins are on full display across the United States as part of many fall traditions. 

The production of pumpkins, from classic orange Howdens to new varieties like Cinderella, is widely dispersed throughout the United States, with all states producing some pumpkins. 

However, USDA’s Economic Research Service reported Wednesday that about 40 percent of pumpkin acres are harvested in only six states. Illinois is consistently the nation's largest pumpkin producer by acreage and weight. 

In 2021, Illinois produced 652 million pounds, more than a quarter of total U.S. pumpkin production and more than the next five states combined. Unlike all other States, most of Illinois' pumpkins are used for pie filling and processed for other food uses. 

Pumpkins from other states are primarily intended for decorative, or carving, use. In 2021, Indiana produced 181 million pounds of pumpkins, California grew 157 million pounds, Texas grew 108 million pounds, Michigan grew 89 million pounds, and Virginia grew 82 million pounds.

Pumpkins are on full display across the United States as part of many fall traditions. The production of pumpkins, from classic orange Howdens to new varieties like Cinderella, is widely dispersed throughout the United States, with all states producing some pumpkins. However, USDA’s Economic Research Service reported Wednesday that about 40 percent of pumpkin acres are harvested in only six states. Illinois is consistently the nation's largest pumpkin producer by acreage and weight. In 2021, Illinois produced 652 million pounds, more than a quarter of total U.S. pumpkin production and more than the next five states combined. Unlike all other States, most of Illinois' pumpkins are used for pie filling and processed for other food uses. Pumpkins from other states are primarily intended for decorative, or carving, use. In 2021, Indiana produced 181 million pounds of pumpkins, California grew 157 million pounds, Texas grew 108 million pounds, Michigan grew 89 million pounds, and Virginia grew 82 million pounds.

Illinois leads U.S. pumpkin production

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced this week the largest chicken producer in the nation, Tyson Foods, will pay $10.5 million because of a lawsuit over price-fixing on chicken products. 

The announcement is the third and largest resolution in Ferguson’s lawsuit against 19 broiler chicken producers. 

The claims against the remaining 16 companies continue. The conspiracy harmed an estimated 90 percent of Washington state residents, or approximately seven million individuals. 

Consequently, the scheme impacted virtually everyone who consumes chicken products. Tyson Foods is the largest chicken producer in the U.S., with approximately 20 percent of the national market share for broiler chickens. 

The Washington Attorney General’s Office asserts Tyson Foods and 18 other chicken producers drove up the price of chicken since at least 2008, causing consumers to overpay by millions of dollars. Two other states, Alaska and New Mexico, have similar antitrust cases against national chicken producers.

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced this week the largest chicken producer in the nation, Tyson Foods, will pay $10.5 million because of a lawsuit over price-fixing on chicken products. The announcement is the third and largest resolution in Ferguson’s lawsuit against 19 broiler chicken producers. The claims against the remaining 16 companies continue. The conspiracy harmed an estimated 90 percent of Washington state residents, or approximately seven million individuals. Consequently, the scheme impacted virtually everyone who consumes chicken products. Tyson Foods is the largest chicken producer in the U.S., with approximately 20 percent of the national market share for broiler chickens. The Washington Attorney General’s Office asserts Tyson Foods and 18 other chicken producers drove up the price of chicken since at least 2008, causing consumers to overpay by millions of dollars. Two other states, Alaska and New Mexico, have similar antitrust cases against national chicken producers.

Tyson Foods, Washington state settle price fixing lawsuit

The Florida Department of Agriculture this week released a preliminary damage assessment for agriculture following Hurricane Ian. 

The assessment considered that losses to agriculture production and infrastructure are estimated to be between $1.1 billion and $ 1.8 billion. 

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says, "While today's assessment is a preliminary snapshot of the losses to Florida agriculture, it is a critical first step in the process of securing federal disaster aid for our hard-working producers." 

The report estimated citrus damages between $400 million and $675 million, other fruits and vegetables between $153 million and $230 million, and field crops between $86 million and $160 million. 

Horticulture damages are estimated up to $297 million, livestock at $492 million and forestry at $32 million. Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28 near Fort Myers and Cape Coral as a category-four hurricane. The report says Ian is among the strongest hurricanes to make direct landfall in the United States.

The Florida Department of Agriculture this week released a preliminary damage assessment for agriculture following Hurricane Ian. The assessment considered that losses to agriculture production and infrastructure are estimated to be between $1.1 billion and $ 1.8 billion. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried says, "While today's assessment is a preliminary snapshot of the losses to Florida agriculture, it is a critical first step in the process of securing federal disaster aid for our hard-working producers." The report estimated citrus damages between $400 million and $675 million, other fruits and vegetables between $153 million and $230 million, and field crops between $86 million and $160 million. Horticulture damages are estimated up to $297 million, livestock at $492 million and forestry at $32 million. Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28 near Fort Myers and Cape Coral as a category-four hurricane. The report says Ian is among the strongest hurricanes to make direct landfall in the United States.

Florida Ag Department releases Hurricane Ian damage assessment

National Milk Producers Federation leadership Tuesday unanimously endorsed a proposal to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order milk-pricing system. 

The plan includes returns to the "higher of" Class I mover, discontinuing including barrel cheese in the protein component price formula. 

It extends the current 30-day reporting limit to 45 days on forward-priced sales of Nonfat Dry Milk and dry whey to capture more export sales in the USDA product price reporting. 

Additionally, the plan updates milk component factors for protein, other solids and nonfat solids in the Class III and Class IV skim milk price formulas. 

The plan develops a process to ensure make-allowances are reviewed more frequently through legislation directing USDA to conduct mandatory plant-cost studies every two years, and updates dairy product manufacturing allowances contained in the USDA milk price formulas. 

Any final proposal will be reviewed by the organization before it’s submitted to USDA to be considered for a federal order hearing.

National Milk Producers Federation leadership Tuesday unanimously endorsed a proposal to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order milk-pricing system. The plan includes returns to the "higher of" Class I mover, discontinuing including barrel cheese in the protein component price formula. It extends the current 30-day reporting limit to 45 days on forward-priced sales of Nonfat Dry Milk and dry whey to capture more export sales in the USDA product price reporting. Additionally, the plan updates milk component factors for protein, other solids and nonfat solids in the Class III and Class IV skim milk price formulas. The plan develops a process to ensure make-allowances are reviewed more frequently through legislation directing USDA to conduct mandatory plant-cost studies every two years, and updates dairy product manufacturing allowances contained in the USDA milk price formulas. Any final proposal will be reviewed by the organization before it’s submitted to USDA to be considered for a federal order hearing.

NMPF unanimously endorses Marketing Order Modernization Plan

Calls from corn grower leaders are growing louder for the United States Trade Representative to intervene in a trade dispute with Mexico over corn imports. 

The response from corn growers comes as Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s promises to enact a decree that would end imports of corn grown using biotech and certain herbicides by 2024. 

Biotech corn makes up over 90 percent of U.S. corn crops. 

An opinion piece by National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag was published over the weekend in The Hill, a newspaper widely read by Congress and other Washington decision-makers. The editorial calls on USTR to file a settlement dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over the matter. 

Haag says, "If the decree is enacted, the negative impact will be felt by farmers in the U.S. and by the people of Mexico." NCGA has been at the forefront of this issue, and says a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute settlement would allow for extensive debate and mediation.

Calls from corn grower leaders are growing louder for the United States Trade Representative to intervene in a trade dispute with Mexico over corn imports. The response from corn growers comes as Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s promises to enact a decree that would end imports of corn grown using biotech and certain herbicides by 2024. Biotech corn makes up over 90 percent of U.S. corn crops. An opinion piece by National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag was published over the weekend in The Hill, a newspaper widely read by Congress and other Washington decision-makers. The editorial calls on USTR to file a settlement dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over the matter. Haag says, "If the decree is enacted, the negative impact will be felt by farmers in the U.S. and by the people of Mexico." NCGA has been at the forefront of this issue, and says a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute settlement would allow for extensive debate and mediation.

NCGA calls on USTR to act on Mexico’s pending decree on corn imports

Legislation introduced last week seeks an excise tax on the sale and export of water-intensive crops grown in the U.S. by foreign governments. 

Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego introduced the Water Protection Act of 2022, as Arizona and other states face prolonged drought. 

Gallego says, "While Arizona experiences the driest conditions in centuries, our water is being given away in a sweetheart deal with Saudi Arabia." 

The Democrat adds, "Arizona's aquifers are meant to serve Arizonans, and this bill will make that happen." The excise tax would be imposed at 300 percent, reflecting the unjustifiable disparity in land lease rates between domestic and foreign producers in Arizona. 

Arizona is leasing farmland to Fondomonte, a Saudi company which uses Arizona groundwater to grow alfalfa exported to feed cows in the Middle East. The state reports that the company uses enough water annually to supply 54,000 homes, at an estimated cost to the state of more than $3 million a year.

Legislation introduced last week seeks an excise tax on the sale and export of water-intensive crops grown in the U.S. by foreign governments. Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego introduced the Water Protection Act of 2022, as Arizona and other states face prolonged drought. Gallego says, "While Arizona experiences the driest conditions in centuries, our water is being given away in a sweetheart deal with Saudi Arabia." The Democrat adds, "Arizona's aquifers are meant to serve Arizonans, and this bill will make that happen." The excise tax would be imposed at 300 percent, reflecting the unjustifiable disparity in land lease rates between domestic and foreign producers in Arizona. Arizona is leasing farmland to Fondomonte, a Saudi company which uses Arizona groundwater to grow alfalfa exported to feed cows in the Middle East. The state reports that the company uses enough water annually to supply 54,000 homes, at an estimated cost to the state of more than $3 million a year.

Bill seeks excise tax on foreign water-intensive crops in the U.S.

A new Environmental Working Group analysis found the majority of Midwestern counties with increased precipitation between 2001 and 2020 also had growing crop insurance costs. 

The report alleges the increased crop insurance costs were due to wetter weather linked to climate change. 

Between 2001 and 2020, farmers in the eight Midwest states received almost $14.5 billion in crop insurance indemnity payments for reduced crop yields or revenue due to excess moisture and precipitation. 

In all, 661 counties got a crop insurance indemnity payment for excess moisture at some point during that period, adding up to $12.9 billion. 

EWG claims the Crop Insurance Program undermines the adoption of conservation practices like cover crops that can help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change, such as extreme precipitation events that are expected to continue occurring more frequently. The organization is using the study in a call to make several reforms to the structure of crop insurance.&nbsp;

A new Environmental Working Group analysis found the majority of Midwestern counties with increased precipitation between 2001 and 2020 also had growing crop insurance costs. The report alleges the increased crop insurance costs were due to wetter weather linked to climate change. Between 2001 and 2020, farmers in the eight Midwest states received almost $14.5 billion in crop insurance indemnity payments for reduced crop yields or revenue due to excess moisture and precipitation. In all, 661 counties got a crop insurance indemnity payment for excess moisture at some point during that period, adding up to $12.9 billion. EWG claims the Crop Insurance Program undermines the adoption of conservation practices like cover crops that can help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change, such as extreme precipitation events that are expected to continue occurring more frequently. The organization is using the study in a call to make several reforms to the structure of crop insurance.&nbsp;

EWG: Climate change increases crop insurance costs

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its U.S. Winter Outlook. 

Beginning in December and running through February 2023, NOAA predicts drier-than-average conditions in the South with wetter-than-average conditions in the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, northern Rockies, and the Pacific Northwest. 

The agency says widespread extreme drought continues in much of the West, the Great Basin, and the central-to-southern Great Plains. 

Drought will impact the middle and lower Mississippi Valley this winter. Drought will also develop in the South-Central and Southeastern U.S., while drought conditions should improve across the Northwest U.S. in the months ahead. 

This year, La Niña returns for a third-consecutive winter, which will drive warmer-than-normal temps in the Southwest, along the Gulf Coast, and through the Eastern Seaboard. 

NOAA says drought conditions are now present in 59 percent of the country, and parts of the Western U.S. and southern Great Plains will get hit hardest this winter.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its U.S. Winter Outlook. Beginning in December and running through February 2023, NOAA predicts drier-than-average conditions in the South with wetter-than-average conditions in the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, northern Rockies, and the Pacific Northwest. The agency says widespread extreme drought continues in much of the West, the Great Basin, and the central-to-southern Great Plains. Drought will impact the middle and lower Mississippi Valley this winter. Drought will also develop in the South-Central and Southeastern U.S., while drought conditions should improve across the Northwest U.S. in the months ahead. This year, La Niña returns for a third-consecutive winter, which will drive warmer-than-normal temps in the Southwest, along the Gulf Coast, and through the Eastern Seaboard. NOAA says drought conditions are now present in 59 percent of the country, and parts of the Western U.S. and southern Great Plains will get hit hardest this winter.

NOAA Winter Weather Outlook shows more drought ahead

Biome Makers, a global ag tech leader in soil health analysis, received a $1.6 million grant from the European Union. 

The grant will help answer the need for strong solutions around soil biology in agriculture. 

The EU recognizes the importance of BeCrop®, the company’s soil intelligence technology, and the environmental and socioeconomic impact it has on farmers. 

The grant will help fast-track the development of BeCrop® AI and machine learning. That will help accelerate Biome Makers’ global mission of recovering soil health. The AI currently has the world’s largest database of taxonomic references and has analyzed more than 415,000 hectares of soil. 

BeCrop® technology decodes soil biology to help farmers improve food production while improving the sustainability of their farmland. The industry will no longer have to develop agricultural products or apply inputs without verifying their impact. BeCrop® is the first step to making that happen. Companies like Syngenta already utilize the AI.

Biome Makers, a global ag tech leader in soil health analysis, received a $1.6 million grant from the European Union. The grant will help answer the need for strong solutions around soil biology in agriculture. The EU recognizes the importance of BeCrop®, the company’s soil intelligence technology, and the environmental and socioeconomic impact it has on farmers. The grant will help fast-track the development of BeCrop® AI and machine learning. That will help accelerate Biome Makers’ global mission of recovering soil health. The AI currently has the world’s largest database of taxonomic references and has analyzed more than 415,000 hectares of soil. BeCrop® technology decodes soil biology to help farmers improve food production while improving the sustainability of their farmland. The industry will no longer have to develop agricultural products or apply inputs without verifying their impact. BeCrop® is the first step to making that happen. Companies like Syngenta already utilize the AI.

Company developing AI to accelerate global soil restoration

New Zealand farmers recently gathered in towns and cities across the country to protest against the government’s plan to tax “agricultural emissions.” 

Reuters says the government confirmed plans to price agricultural gases and biogenic methane, which it says come from cow and sheep burps. 

Farmers drove tractors and carried signs protesting the proposed plan. Farm groups wonder how the proposal accounts for on-farm forestry and what can offset such emissions. 

They also worry about how the emissions will be priced and how the program will be governed. One of the protestors told state-owned Radio New Zealand that they aren’t necessarily wanting exemptions. The farmers want to work out how it's going to be best for them and the country. 

New Zealand’s prime minister told reporters they wanted feedback from the agricultural community, and the plan is in a consultation phase. The government wants to work with producers to find a solution.

New Zealand farmers recently gathered in towns and cities across the country to protest against the government’s plan to tax “agricultural emissions.” Reuters says the government confirmed plans to price agricultural gases and biogenic methane, which it says come from cow and sheep burps. Farmers drove tractors and carried signs protesting the proposed plan. Farm groups wonder how the proposal accounts for on-farm forestry and what can offset such emissions. They also worry about how the emissions will be priced and how the program will be governed. One of the protestors told state-owned Radio New Zealand that they aren’t necessarily wanting exemptions. The farmers want to work out how it's going to be best for them and the country. New Zealand’s prime minister told reporters they wanted feedback from the agricultural community, and the plan is in a consultation phase. The government wants to work with producers to find a solution.

New Zealand is the latest country to tax cow burps

The National Wheat Yield Contest announced the 2022 winners. Rylee Reynolds of Twin Falls County, Idaho, set a contest yield record of 231.37 bushels an acre. That tops the previous record of 211 bushels per acre set in 2019. 

Rylee and his dad Gary both placed as national winners in the winter wheat irrigated category. In other results, the Pacific Northwest had some excellent yields this year as all four Bin Buster Award winners are from that region of the country. The contest encourages wheat growers to strive for high yield, quality, and profit while trying out new and innovative strategies for managing their wheat crop. 

The National Wheat Foundation, which puts on the contest, says there was exceptional participation from all over the nation’s top wheat-growing states. State winners are announced in 27 states, and six of those winners had never won at the national level before this year.

The National Wheat Yield Contest announced the 2022 winners. Rylee Reynolds of Twin Falls County, Idaho, set a contest yield record of 231.37 bushels an acre. That tops the previous record of 211 bushels per acre set in 2019. Rylee and his dad Gary both placed as national winners in the winter wheat irrigated category. In other results, the Pacific Northwest had some excellent yields this year as all four Bin Buster Award winners are from that region of the country. The contest encourages wheat growers to strive for high yield, quality, and profit while trying out new and innovative strategies for managing their wheat crop. The National Wheat Foundation, which puts on the contest, says there was exceptional participation from all over the nation’s top wheat-growing states. State winners are announced in 27 states, and six of those winners had never won at the national level before this year.

Winners announced in national wheat yield contest

The Environmental Defense Fund says extreme heat, changing rainfall, and other climate change impacts will make it harder to grow U.S. staple crops as soon as 2030. The group says future food supplies and farmer livelihoods will be at stake without adaptation efforts getting underway immediately. 

The EDF report uses an ensemble of 20 computer models to analyze how climate change will alter the yields of staple crops in Iowa, Minnesota, and Kansas by 2030 and 2050. By 2030, nearly all counties in Iowa will see corn yields more than five percent lower than they would have been without climate change. 

More than half will see declines of 10 percent or more. Over half of Minnesota’s counties will see soybean yields drop by over five percent. Seventeen percent will see drops of more than 10 percent. Eight percent of Kansas counties will see winter wheat yields drop by over five percent by 2030.

The Environmental Defense Fund says extreme heat, changing rainfall, and other climate change impacts will make it harder to grow U.S. staple crops as soon as 2030. The group says future food supplies and farmer livelihoods will be at stake without adaptation efforts getting underway immediately. The EDF report uses an ensemble of 20 computer models to analyze how climate change will alter the yields of staple crops in Iowa, Minnesota, and Kansas by 2030 and 2050. By 2030, nearly all counties in Iowa will see corn yields more than five percent lower than they would have been without climate change. More than half will see declines of 10 percent or more. Over half of Minnesota’s counties will see soybean yields drop by over five percent. Seventeen percent will see drops of more than 10 percent. Eight percent of Kansas counties will see winter wheat yields drop by over five percent by 2030.

EDF report says crop yields will slow by 2030

Ongoing inflation resulted in higher retail prices of organic fresh produce during the third quarter of this year. The Organic Produce Network says that generated a 4.1 percent increase in total organic dollars but also contributed to a decline of 4.5 percent in organic volume compared to the same period last year.

 Overall, organic fresh produce pricing per pound increased by 8.9 percent during the third quarter compared to the same time in 2021. Sales during the third quarter topped $2.4 billion this year. At the same time, conventional produce’s average price per pound increased by more than 10 percent, with total sales of almost $18 billion. 

Tomatoes were the bright spot for organic sales in the third quarter, thanks to a 19 percent increase in volume and a hefty 30 percent increase in dollars. Fourteen of the top categories posted year-over-year increases in dollars, led by potatoes, onions, and peaches.

Ongoing inflation resulted in higher retail prices of organic fresh produce during the third quarter of this year. The Organic Produce Network says that generated a 4.1 percent increase in total organic dollars but also contributed to a decline of 4.5 percent in organic volume compared to the same period last year. Overall, organic fresh produce pricing per pound increased by 8.9 percent during the third quarter compared to the same time in 2021. Sales during the third quarter topped $2.4 billion this year. At the same time, conventional produce’s average price per pound increased by more than 10 percent, with total sales of almost $18 billion. Tomatoes were the bright spot for organic sales in the third quarter, thanks to a 19 percent increase in volume and a hefty 30 percent increase in dollars. Fourteen of the top categories posted year-over-year increases in dollars, led by potatoes, onions, and peaches.

Inflation boosting prices of organic products

FFA members and supporters from across the country will celebrate agriculture and agricultural education next week during the 95h National FFA Convention &amp; Expo in Indianapolis. More than 60,000 FFA members from the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are expected to participate in the event.

 Those attending will participate in general convention sessions hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium, be inspired by their peers as they are recognized for their accomplishments, and hear from keynote speakers. Convention attendees will also explore various career paths at the National FFA Expo, located in the Indiana Convention Center, participate in career success tours, and more. 

There are several entertainment opportunities, including a Wednesday night concert featuring Lauren Alaina and Jimmie Allen and a Thursday night concert with Mickey Guyton and Russell Dickerson, and rodeos on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. General convention sessions will be aired live on RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. FFA members and supporters can tune in and watch gavel-to-gavel coverage of the event.

FFA members and supporters from across the country will celebrate agriculture and agricultural education next week during the 95h National FFA Convention &amp; Expo in Indianapolis. More than 60,000 FFA members from the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are expected to participate in the event. Those attending will participate in general convention sessions hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium, be inspired by their peers as they are recognized for their accomplishments, and hear from keynote speakers. Convention attendees will also explore various career paths at the National FFA Expo, located in the Indiana Convention Center, participate in career success tours, and more. There are several entertainment opportunities, including a Wednesday night concert featuring Lauren Alaina and Jimmie Allen and a Thursday night concert with Mickey Guyton and Russell Dickerson, and rodeos on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. General convention sessions will be aired live on RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. FFA members and supporters can tune in and watch gavel-to-gavel coverage of the event.