The value of U.S. agricultural imports grew an average of four percent a year between fiscal years 2012 and 2022, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

Total U.S. agricultural imports rose from $139 billion to $194 billion, with growth concentrated in select commodity groups. 

Horticultural products grew at a rate of six percent a year and, at $97.2 billion in value in 2022, accounted for 65 percent of the total growth in imports. 

Within the horticultural group, fresh fruits were the largest contributor at $17.9 billion, growing at an annual rate of nine percent over the period and accounting for 15 percent of total import growth. Key commodities in the fresh fruit group include avocados, berries, and citrus, which the United States imports mostly from Latin American countries. 

Demand for horticultural products has largely been driven by consumer desire for year-round supply, changing consumer preferences, and foreign production that is increasingly competitive with domestically grown produce.

The value of U.S. agricultural imports grew an average of four percent a year between fiscal years 2012 and 2022, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Total U.S. agricultural imports rose from $139 billion to $194 billion, with growth concentrated in select commodity groups. Horticultural products grew at a rate of six percent a year and, at $97.2 billion in value in 2022, accounted for 65 percent of the total growth in imports. Within the horticultural group, fresh fruits were the largest contributor at $17.9 billion, growing at an annual rate of nine percent over the period and accounting for 15 percent of total import growth. Key commodities in the fresh fruit group include avocados, berries, and citrus, which the United States imports mostly from Latin American countries. Demand for horticultural products has largely been driven by consumer desire for year-round supply, changing consumer preferences, and foreign production that is increasingly competitive with domestically grown produce.

Horticultural products drive total U.S. agricultural import growth

U.S. and European Union trade leaders Tuesday signed the U.S. – EU Tariff Rate Quota Agreement. 

The agreement, once implemented, will enable the United States to preserve its existing access to the EU market for various agricultural commodities following the United Kingdom's exit from the EU on January 1, 2021. 

The new Tariff Rate Quota allocations are based on the historic pattern of agricultural exports to the 27 European Union Member States. 

The agreement will restore favorable market access for multiple U.S. agricultural products, including for U.S. rice, almonds, wheat, and corn, according to the U.S. Trade Representative's Office. In the first eleven months of 2022, the United States exported $11.1 billion worth of agricultural goods to the European Union. 

Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Sweden's Permanent Representative to the European Union, Ambassador Mikael Lindvall, and European Commission Deputy Director General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michael Scannell, signed the agreement.

U.S. and European Union trade leaders Tuesday signed the U.S. – EU Tariff Rate Quota Agreement. The agreement, once implemented, will enable the United States to preserve its existing access to the EU market for various agricultural commodities following the United Kingdom's exit from the EU on January 1, 2021. The new Tariff Rate Quota allocations are based on the historic pattern of agricultural exports to the 27 European Union Member States. The agreement will restore favorable market access for multiple U.S. agricultural products, including for U.S. rice, almonds, wheat, and corn, according to the U.S. Trade Representative's Office. In the first eleven months of 2022, the United States exported $11.1 billion worth of agricultural goods to the European Union. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Sweden's Permanent Representative to the European Union, Ambassador Mikael Lindvall, and European Commission Deputy Director General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michael Scannell, signed the agreement.

US, EU sign Tariff Rate Quota Agreement

House Agriculture Committee Republicans started the week by announcing the committee’s Roster for the 118th&nbsp;Congress. 

Glenn GT Thompson of Pennsylvania serves as the chair of the committee. 

The roster features 12 new members, which includes returning member Frank Lucas of Oklahoma. 

Lucas previously chaired the committee from 2011 – 2015. Lucas led the committee during the development of the 2014 Farm Bill. Other notable new members include John Duarte of California and Mark Alford of Missouri. Duarte was the subject of a high-profile lawsuit filed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act. 

The dispute ended in 2017 with Duarte agreeing to pay a civil penalty and preserve and restore streams and wetlands on his farm. Alford, a new member of Congress, ended a career as a Kansas City area news anchor to run for Congress. Additionally, 15 members return to the committee after serving in the previous Congress.

House Agriculture Committee Republicans started the week by announcing the committee’s Roster for the 118th&nbsp;Congress. Glenn GT Thompson of Pennsylvania serves as the chair of the committee. The roster features 12 new members, which includes returning member Frank Lucas of Oklahoma. Lucas previously chaired the committee from 2011 – 2015. Lucas led the committee during the development of the 2014 Farm Bill. Other notable new members include John Duarte of California and Mark Alford of Missouri. Duarte was the subject of a high-profile lawsuit filed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act. The dispute ended in 2017 with Duarte agreeing to pay a civil penalty and preserve and restore streams and wetlands on his farm. Alford, a new member of Congress, ended a career as a Kansas City area news anchor to run for Congress. Additionally, 15 members return to the committee after serving in the previous Congress.

House Ag Committee Republicans set roster

Press The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Tuesday announced the organization’s primary policy focus for 2023. 

NASDA members, the state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, hand-selected seven issues to focus on. 

The issues include the 2023 Farm Bill, which NASDA says must remain unified, securing a commitment to American agriculture and the critical food and nutritional assistance programs for those who need it most. 

As for environmental regulations, NASDA supports the science-based and comprehensive regulatory framework the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act provides to ensure environmental and public health protection. Regarding the recently published “waters of the U.S.” rule, NASDA will continue to impress the role of states in regulating non-navigable waters. 

Other priorities include food production and the supply chain, food safety, animal health, international trade and workforce development. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney says, “We believe these are the areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions this year.”

Press The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Tuesday announced the organization’s primary policy focus for 2023. NASDA members, the state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, hand-selected seven issues to focus on. The issues include the 2023 Farm Bill, which NASDA says must remain unified, securing a commitment to American agriculture and the critical food and nutritional assistance programs for those who need it most. As for environmental regulations, NASDA supports the science-based and comprehensive regulatory framework the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act provides to ensure environmental and public health protection. Regarding the recently published “waters of the U.S.” rule, NASDA will continue to impress the role of states in regulating non-navigable waters. Other priorities include food production and the supply chain, food safety, animal health, international trade and workforce development. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney says, “We believe these are the areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions this year.”

NASDA sets 2023 policy priorities

Senator Chuck Grassley last week announced he intends to reintroduce the Farm Credit for Americans Act. 

The legislation bans the federal government from allowing foreign individuals to obtain credit and financial services through the Farm Credit System. 

The Iowa Republican wrote the legislation with Senator Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat. 

Specifically, the legislation prevents the Farm Credit Administration from underwriting foreign buyers seeking to purchase U.S. farmland. It would amend the 1971 Farm Credit Act to ensure foreign nationals can’t obtain financing through federal government-backed financial institutions to purchase American farmland. 

Grassley says, “Young and beginning farmers here at home should not be squeezed out or compete with foreign investors subsidized by the American taxpayer.” According to the USDA, foreign ownership of U.S. farm acres increased 60 percent between 2009 and 2019. 

Increasingly, young and beginning farmers are competing with institutional investors, such as pension funds, endowments and even professional athletes who are diversifying their financial portfolios with prime farmland.

Senator Chuck Grassley last week announced he intends to reintroduce the Farm Credit for Americans Act. The legislation bans the federal government from allowing foreign individuals to obtain credit and financial services through the Farm Credit System. The Iowa Republican wrote the legislation with Senator Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat. Specifically, the legislation prevents the Farm Credit Administration from underwriting foreign buyers seeking to purchase U.S. farmland. It would amend the 1971 Farm Credit Act to ensure foreign nationals can’t obtain financing through federal government-backed financial institutions to purchase American farmland. Grassley says, “Young and beginning farmers here at home should not be squeezed out or compete with foreign investors subsidized by the American taxpayer.” According to the USDA, foreign ownership of U.S. farm acres increased 60 percent between 2009 and 2019. Increasingly, young and beginning farmers are competing with institutional investors, such as pension funds, endowments and even professional athletes who are diversifying their financial portfolios with prime farmland.

Grassley intends to reintroduce Farm Credit for Americans Act

Farmers in Iowa can attend a USDA's Risk Management Agency workshop to learn more about crop insurance options, including those designed for agricultural producers who grow specialty and organic crops. 

RMA will host the free in-person workshops Tuesday, January 24, in Davenport, Iowa. 

A morning and afternoon session is scheduled, and both have virtual options for producers outside the state or those who can't make it to the in-person event. 

The workshops will cover the ins and outs of the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm programs, which are great insurance options for specialty crop, organic, urban, and other producers with diverse operations. 

RMA subject matter experts will provide an in-depth look at these policies. The events will include RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger and other RMA experts. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers in real-time. The Risk Management Agency will hold another round of workshops next month in Michigan.

Farmers in Iowa can attend a USDA's Risk Management Agency workshop to learn more about crop insurance options, including those designed for agricultural producers who grow specialty and organic crops. RMA will host the free in-person workshops Tuesday, January 24, in Davenport, Iowa. A morning and afternoon session is scheduled, and both have virtual options for producers outside the state or those who can't make it to the in-person event. The workshops will cover the ins and outs of the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm programs, which are great insurance options for specialty crop, organic, urban, and other producers with diverse operations. RMA subject matter experts will provide an in-depth look at these policies. The events will include RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger and other RMA experts. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers in real-time. The Risk Management Agency will hold another round of workshops next month in Michigan.

RMA to host crop insurance workshop for specialty crops, organics

CHS Inc. and Cargill recently announced the intent to expand the scope of their joint venture, TEMCO LLC, by adding the Cargill-owned export grain terminal in Houston, Texas. 

The addition of the Houston terminal will expand the joint venture's export capabilities, providing shipping access for grains, oilseeds and byproducts through the port of Houston. 

TEMCO currently operates three facilities in the Pacific Northwest. 

The three facilities distribute grain to global markets, primarily located in the Asia-Pacific region. Through TEMCO, both companies look forward to building on 24 years of successful partnership to expand global grain market access for U.S. farmers to help meet the increasing global need for food. 

The Houston terminal is located approximately 40 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico via Galveston Bay. With six million bushels of storage and capacity for 350 rail cars, the facility handles up to 250 million bushels annually. The terminal receives both trucks and railcars with a variety of commodities for global export.

CHS Inc. and Cargill recently announced the intent to expand the scope of their joint venture, TEMCO LLC, by adding the Cargill-owned export grain terminal in Houston, Texas. The addition of the Houston terminal will expand the joint venture's export capabilities, providing shipping access for grains, oilseeds and byproducts through the port of Houston. TEMCO currently operates three facilities in the Pacific Northwest. The three facilities distribute grain to global markets, primarily located in the Asia-Pacific region. Through TEMCO, both companies look forward to building on 24 years of successful partnership to expand global grain market access for U.S. farmers to help meet the increasing global need for food. The Houston terminal is located approximately 40 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico via Galveston Bay. With six million bushels of storage and capacity for 350 rail cars, the facility handles up to 250 million bushels annually. The terminal receives both trucks and railcars with a variety of commodities for global export.

CHS Inc. and Cargill to expand TEMCO operations to include the Texas Gulf

Cumberland, AGCO’s poultry production equipment brand, is introducing Scout, the world’s first ceiling-suspended robot system. 

The system continuously monitors broiler chickens and their poultry house environments to increase animal welfare as well as farm productivity. 

Scott Becker, director of North America sales for Cumberland, says, “With Scout, producers can achieve better feed conversion, early disease detection and fine-tuning of climate control, resulting in reduced mortality and less condemnation numbers.” 

The advanced robot uses a complete set of sensors to map key indicators that impact bird health and performance, including thermal comfort, air quality, light intensity, sound levels and bird distribution. 

Scout also classifies excrement for early disease detection 24 to 48 hours before producers may become aware of an issue. In addition, the technology identifies dead birds. Monitoring information is available to producers 24/7 from any device, including daily and weekly reports with maps of their entire house.

Cumberland, AGCO’s poultry production equipment brand, is introducing Scout, the world’s first ceiling-suspended robot system. The system continuously monitors broiler chickens and their poultry house environments to increase animal welfare as well as farm productivity. Scott Becker, director of North America sales for Cumberland, says, “With Scout, producers can achieve better feed conversion, early disease detection and fine-tuning of climate control, resulting in reduced mortality and less condemnation numbers.” The advanced robot uses a complete set of sensors to map key indicators that impact bird health and performance, including thermal comfort, air quality, light intensity, sound levels and bird distribution. Scout also classifies excrement for early disease detection 24 to 48 hours before producers may become aware of an issue. In addition, the technology identifies dead birds. Monitoring information is available to producers 24/7 from any device, including daily and weekly reports with maps of their entire house.

Cumberland introduces Scout robot

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members and leadership traveled to Vietnam last week. 

The delegation embarked on the organization's first trade mission to explore global emerging markets through the Department of Agriculture Emerging Markets Program. 

NASDA President and Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse, Texas Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Dan Hunter and NASDA CEO Ted McKinney participated in the mission. 

The delegation explored trading opportunities and educated Vietnamese agricultural, government and business leaders on American agriculture and markets. NASDA was recently awarded $925,000 from USDA to promote exports of U.S. agricultural products to developing countries with strong growth potential, including Vietnam. 

NASDA will also conduct trade missions to Thailand, Indonesia and Kenya in 2023. NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members and leadership traveled to Vietnam last week. The delegation embarked on the organization's first trade mission to explore global emerging markets through the Department of Agriculture Emerging Markets Program. NASDA President and Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse, Texas Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Dan Hunter and NASDA CEO Ted McKinney participated in the mission. The delegation explored trading opportunities and educated Vietnamese agricultural, government and business leaders on American agriculture and markets. NASDA was recently awarded $925,000 from USDA to promote exports of U.S. agricultural products to developing countries with strong growth potential, including Vietnam. NASDA will also conduct trade missions to Thailand, Indonesia and Kenya in 2023. NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

NASDA conducts Vietnam Trade Mission

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has donated 35,000 pounds of food, equal to 140,000 servings, to help feed victims of the severe winter weather that recently engulfed Eastern Kentucky. 

Smithfield delivered the food products to Mercy Chefs, which is currently stationed in Hazel Green, Kentucky, to provide disaster relief for local residents. 

The Portsmouth, Virginia-based nonprofit travels to disaster zones across the U.S. to serve free chef-prepared, restaurant-quality hot meals to local residents, volunteers and first responders. 

Smithfield products donated to this relief effort include lunch meat, bacon, fully cooked boneless ham, hickory smoked ham and smoked spiral sliced ham. The extreme winter weather in Eastern Kentucky left many residents with frozen pipes and entire towns without potable water. 

Mercy Chefs expects to cook 2,000-3,000 hot meals per day for residents in the area. To make a donation or find out how to volunteer locally, visit MercyChefs.com/easternky.&nbsp;

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has donated 35,000 pounds of food, equal to 140,000 servings, to help feed victims of the severe winter weather that recently engulfed Eastern Kentucky. Smithfield delivered the food products to Mercy Chefs, which is currently stationed in Hazel Green, Kentucky, to provide disaster relief for local residents. The Portsmouth, Virginia-based nonprofit travels to disaster zones across the U.S. to serve free chef-prepared, restaurant-quality hot meals to local residents, volunteers and first responders. Smithfield products donated to this relief effort include lunch meat, bacon, fully cooked boneless ham, hickory smoked ham and smoked spiral sliced ham. The extreme winter weather in Eastern Kentucky left many residents with frozen pipes and entire towns without potable water. Mercy Chefs expects to cook 2,000-3,000 hot meals per day for residents in the area. To make a donation or find out how to volunteer locally, visit MercyChefs.com/easternky.&nbsp;

Smithfield Foods donates 35,000 pounds of food to support Kentucky

Earlier this week, Representative Jason Smith was tapped to lead the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means. 

The Missouri Republican will lead the oldest committee in the U.S. Congress, which is the principal tax-writing body in the House of Representatives. 

The committee oversees not only taxes and revenue generation, but also tariffs and reciprocal trade agreements for the United States. 

USA Rice member and Missouri farmer Zach Worrell says, “Congressman Smith has long been a friend of Missouri agriculture and especially Missouri rice,” adding, “We are looking forward to having a rice industry ally lead this committee to advocate for U.S. rice on a global scale on the many trade issues we face.” 

Tax policy continues to be an important issue for rice farmers and rice-related businesses looking to pass operations onto the next generation. Smith is a farmer, businessman, and former state legislator, and is currently serving his sixth term representing Missouri’s 8th Congressional District.

Earlier this week, Representative Jason Smith was tapped to lead the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means. The Missouri Republican will lead the oldest committee in the U.S. Congress, which is the principal tax-writing body in the House of Representatives. The committee oversees not only taxes and revenue generation, but also tariffs and reciprocal trade agreements for the United States. USA Rice member and Missouri farmer Zach Worrell says, “Congressman Smith has long been a friend of Missouri agriculture and especially Missouri rice,” adding, “We are looking forward to having a rice industry ally lead this committee to advocate for U.S. rice on a global scale on the many trade issues we face.” Tax policy continues to be an important issue for rice farmers and rice-related businesses looking to pass operations onto the next generation. Smith is a farmer, businessman, and former state legislator, and is currently serving his sixth term representing Missouri’s 8th Congressional District.

USA Rice calls House Ways and Means Chair Smith an ally

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for its first-ever regional agricultural trade mission to Amsterdam, Netherlands, April 17 – 20, 2023. 

FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley says, “Participants will explore exporting opportunities in this mature market, which continues to grow, and meet potential buyers in surrounding regional markets.” 

U.S. agricultural and related exports, including fishery and forestry products, to the Netherlands totaled $3.4 billion in 2021, ranking it the U.S.’s 10th largest market globally. 

During the trade mission, U.S. participants will meet with buyers from the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and neighboring Belgium and Germany. 

Participants will conduct business-to-business meetings with potential buyers, receive market briefings from FAS and trade experts, and participate in site visits and other networking activities while in the Netherlands. 

The deadline to apply for the Netherlands trade mission is Thursday, January 26. Information about the trade mission and how to apply is available on the USDA FAS website.

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for its first-ever regional agricultural trade mission to Amsterdam, Netherlands, April 17 – 20, 2023. FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley says, “Participants will explore exporting opportunities in this mature market, which continues to grow, and meet potential buyers in surrounding regional markets.” U.S. agricultural and related exports, including fishery and forestry products, to the Netherlands totaled $3.4 billion in 2021, ranking it the U.S.’s 10th largest market globally. During the trade mission, U.S. participants will meet with buyers from the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and neighboring Belgium and Germany. Participants will conduct business-to-business meetings with potential buyers, receive market briefings from FAS and trade experts, and participate in site visits and other networking activities while in the Netherlands. The deadline to apply for the Netherlands trade mission is Thursday, January 26. Information about the trade mission and how to apply is available on the USDA FAS website.

USDA accepting applications for Netherlands trade mission

Only a few days remain to take advantage of early registration discounts for the 2023 Commodity Classic to be held March 9-11 in Orlando. 

Friday, January 20, 2023, is the last day the early registration discount will be in effect. 

Commodity Classic 2023 co-chair George Goblish says, “Going to Commodity Classic is an investment in any grower’s operation.” 

Registration fees vary depending on the number of days attended. Full registration covers all three days of the event, and one-day registrations are also available. 

Members of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Sorghum Producers, National Association of Wheat Growers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers receive additional discounts on registration. 

All registration and housing reservations should be made online at CommodityClassic.com. The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held at the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse in Orlando, Florida. The convention center will house all Commodity Classic events.

Only a few days remain to take advantage of early registration discounts for the 2023 Commodity Classic to be held March 9-11 in Orlando. Friday, January 20, 2023, is the last day the early registration discount will be in effect. Commodity Classic 2023 co-chair George Goblish says, “Going to Commodity Classic is an investment in any grower’s operation.” Registration fees vary depending on the number of days attended. Full registration covers all three days of the event, and one-day registrations are also available. Members of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Sorghum Producers, National Association of Wheat Growers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers receive additional discounts on registration. All registration and housing reservations should be made online at CommodityClassic.com. The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held at the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse in Orlando, Florida. The convention center will house all Commodity Classic events.

Commodity Classic registration ends January 20

Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 104th annual convention adopted policies that will guide the organization’s work in 2023. 

Some of the key topics ranged from expanding risk management programs and improving dairy pricing transparency to battling hunger. 

“There’s a lot of work to do in 2023 as Congress drafts the next farm bill, and the policies set forth will guide AFBF as we work to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue to meet the growing needs of families in America and around the world,” says President Zippy Duvall. 

Delegates voted to modernize the farm bill by expanding baseline funding, developing more flexible disaster relief programs, and extending protection to more specialty crops. 

They also voted to bring more transparency to the federal milk pricing system. Voting delegates also formalized the organization’s opposition to the new Waters of the U.S. rule and a potential Mexican ban on GMO corn.

Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 104th annual convention adopted policies that will guide the organization’s work in 2023. Some of the key topics ranged from expanding risk management programs and improving dairy pricing transparency to battling hunger. “There’s a lot of work to do in 2023 as Congress drafts the next farm bill, and the policies set forth will guide AFBF as we work to ensure farmers and ranchers can continue to meet the growing needs of families in America and around the world,” says President Zippy Duvall. Delegates voted to modernize the farm bill by expanding baseline funding, developing more flexible disaster relief programs, and extending protection to more specialty crops. They also voted to bring more transparency to the federal milk pricing system. Voting delegates also formalized the organization’s opposition to the new Waters of the U.S. rule and a potential Mexican ban on GMO corn.

AFBF establishes 2023 policy priorities

USDA has made several updates to different conservation, livestock, and crop disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to access them. 

Ease of access is especially important after natural disasters. 

The Farm Service Agency expanded eligibility and enhanced available benefits for a suite of its programs. 

The updates will provide critical assistance to producers who need to rebuild and recover after suffering catastrophic losses of production and infrastructure due to natural disasters. 

USDA updated the Emergency Conservation Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. 

“As I meet with producers across the country, I’ve gained a better understanding of the ways in which our programs work and how they can be improved to better support all producers,” says Zach Ducheneaux, FSA Administrator. “Especially those who are rebuilding.”

USDA has made several updates to different conservation, livestock, and crop disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to access them. Ease of access is especially important after natural disasters. The Farm Service Agency expanded eligibility and enhanced available benefits for a suite of its programs. The updates will provide critical assistance to producers who need to rebuild and recover after suffering catastrophic losses of production and infrastructure due to natural disasters. USDA updated the Emergency Conservation Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. “As I meet with producers across the country, I’ve gained a better understanding of the ways in which our programs work and how they can be improved to better support all producers,” says Zach Ducheneaux, FSA Administrator. “Especially those who are rebuilding.”

USDA expands eligibility, improves benefits for disaster programs

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and longtime NBA player Blake Griffin are among some of the big-name athletes who are investing in Iowa farmland. 

They’ve joined up with more than 20 other pro athletes from the NFL, NHL, the NBA, and Major League Baseball to form an investment fund of about $5 million, which was used to buy farmland in Iowa. 

Other athletes in the group include Kemba Walker, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, and Khris Middleton of the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. 

The group is buying the land and will lease it to farmers who will work it and give the athletes a single-digit percentage annual return on their investment. It’s believed that the group will be looking to buy at least four more properties. 

They’ve already looked into several watermelon farms in Oregon that offer a higher per-acre rent than other larger farms.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and longtime NBA player Blake Griffin are among some of the big-name athletes who are investing in Iowa farmland. They’ve joined up with more than 20 other pro athletes from the NFL, NHL, the NBA, and Major League Baseball to form an investment fund of about $5 million, which was used to buy farmland in Iowa. Other athletes in the group include Kemba Walker, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, and Khris Middleton of the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. The group is buying the land and will lease it to farmers who will work it and give the athletes a single-digit percentage annual return on their investment. It’s believed that the group will be looking to buy at least four more properties. They’ve already looked into several watermelon farms in Oregon that offer a higher per-acre rent than other larger farms.

Pro athletes buying Iowa farmland

After a speech at the American Farm Bureau’s annual convention, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said there will be no compromise when it comes to the Mexican corn situation. 

The U.S. won’t back down or compromise on its stance against Mexico’s plan to ban imports of genetically modified yellow corn. 

Vilsack says the American government is supposed to reply by January 15 to Mexico’s proposal to delay the ban until 2025. 

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has spoken to her Mexican counterpart about the dispute. Speaking to reporters at the AFBF convention, Vilsack said that if Mexico doesn’t agree to withdraw its import ban, the White House will then push the USMCA on trade rules. 

Vilsack told Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador that he won’t be able to find enough non-GMO corn to import and feed the country’s livestock sector. The larger issue is about a trading system with “less friction,” not more friction.

After a speech at the American Farm Bureau’s annual convention, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said there will be no compromise when it comes to the Mexican corn situation. The U.S. won’t back down or compromise on its stance against Mexico’s plan to ban imports of genetically modified yellow corn. Vilsack says the American government is supposed to reply by January 15 to Mexico’s proposal to delay the ban until 2025. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has spoken to her Mexican counterpart about the dispute. Speaking to reporters at the AFBF convention, Vilsack said that if Mexico doesn’t agree to withdraw its import ban, the White House will then push the USMCA on trade rules. Vilsack told Mexico’s President Lopez Obrador that he won’t be able to find enough non-GMO corn to import and feed the country’s livestock sector. The larger issue is about a trading system with “less friction,” not more friction.

Vilsack: No compromise with Mexico on GMO corn

Clean Fuels Alliance America members testified during the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Public Hearing on RFS Standards for 2023-2025 and Other Changes.” 

Staff members expressed frustration with the proposed volumes for biomass-based diesel because they don’t match the volumes that are already in the market and don’t account for expected growth in capacity and feedstocks. 

“This proposed rule significantly undercounts existing biomass-based diesel production and fails to provide growth for investments the industry has already made in additional capacity, including for sustainable aviation fuel,” Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen said during testimony. 

“Clean Fuels is once again frustrated that EPA has the wherewithal needed to determine current production, the knowledge of the investments being made, and the resources to accurately determine feedstock availability, and yet proposes a no-growth scenario,” says Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs. Rehagen also said EPA committed to promoting homegrown fuels but failed to follow through.

Clean Fuels Alliance America members testified during the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Public Hearing on RFS Standards for 2023-2025 and Other Changes.” Staff members expressed frustration with the proposed volumes for biomass-based diesel because they don’t match the volumes that are already in the market and don’t account for expected growth in capacity and feedstocks. “This proposed rule significantly undercounts existing biomass-based diesel production and fails to provide growth for investments the industry has already made in additional capacity, including for sustainable aviation fuel,” Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen said during testimony. “Clean Fuels is once again frustrated that EPA has the wherewithal needed to determine current production, the knowledge of the investments being made, and the resources to accurately determine feedstock availability, and yet proposes a no-growth scenario,” says Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs. Rehagen also said EPA committed to promoting homegrown fuels but failed to follow through.

Biodiesel group unhappy with EPA proposal on RVOs

The Environmental Protection Agency held a virtual public hearing this week on its proposed Renewable Volume Obligation blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2023-2025. 

A number of the nation’s leading agriculture organizations and supporters testified during the hearing. 

Tom Haag, President of the National Corn Growers Association, said during testimony that they support the growth trajectory in the EPA proposal, but biofuels can contribute even more. 

Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association says, “The proposed ‘Set” rule establishes a firm foundation for the future of the RFS and creates a pathway to sustainable growth in the use of low-carbon fuels.” 

Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, says they appreciate EPA’s commitment to setting a multiyear RVO, curtailing Small Refiner Exemptions, and establishing reasonable growth across all categories of biofuels. “However, EPA left some tools on the shelf for promoting innovation in cellulosic biofuel,” Coleman said.

The Environmental Protection Agency held a virtual public hearing this week on its proposed Renewable Volume Obligation blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2023-2025. A number of the nation’s leading agriculture organizations and supporters testified during the hearing. Tom Haag, President of the National Corn Growers Association, said during testimony that they support the growth trajectory in the EPA proposal, but biofuels can contribute even more. Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association says, “The proposed ‘Set” rule establishes a firm foundation for the future of the RFS and creates a pathway to sustainable growth in the use of low-carbon fuels.” Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, says they appreciate EPA’s commitment to setting a multiyear RVO, curtailing Small Refiner Exemptions, and establishing reasonable growth across all categories of biofuels. “However, EPA left some tools on the shelf for promoting innovation in cellulosic biofuel,” Coleman said.

Major U.S. ag groups testify on proposed 2023-2025 RVOs

The American Farm Bureau and John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding that ensures farmers’ and ranchers’ rights to repair their own equipment. 

The MOU, signed at the AFBF annual convention, is the culmination of several years of discussions between AFBF and John Deere. 

“This addresses a long-running issue for farmers and ranchers when it comes to accessing tools, information, and resources while protecting John Deere’s intellectual property rights and ensuring safety,” says AFBF President Zippy Duvall. 

“Farmers must have the freedom to choose where equipment is repaired or repair it themselves to help control costs.” David Gilmore of John Deere says the agreement reaffirms Deere’s commitment to making sure its customers have the diagnostic tools they need. 

The MOU creates a mechanism to address farmer concerns. John Deere commits to engaging with farmers and dealers to resolve issues when they arise and will meet with AFBF yearly to evaluate progress.

The American Farm Bureau and John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding that ensures farmers’ and ranchers’ rights to repair their own equipment. The MOU, signed at the AFBF annual convention, is the culmination of several years of discussions between AFBF and John Deere. “This addresses a long-running issue for farmers and ranchers when it comes to accessing tools, information, and resources while protecting John Deere’s intellectual property rights and ensuring safety,” says AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers must have the freedom to choose where equipment is repaired or repair it themselves to help control costs.” David Gilmore of John Deere says the agreement reaffirms Deere’s commitment to making sure its customers have the diagnostic tools they need. The MOU creates a mechanism to address farmer concerns. John Deere commits to engaging with farmers and dealers to resolve issues when they arise and will meet with AFBF yearly to evaluate progress.

Farm Bureau signs MOU on Right to Repair

A new survey of registered voters shows significant support for ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard while revealing opposition to banning liquid fuels or mandating electric vehicles. 

Morning Consult conducted the survey for the Renewable Fuels Association. 

“As the new Congress settles in and considers the future of our nation’s energy policy, these polling results demonstrate that Americans strongly support the expanded use of lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol,” says RFA President Geoff Cooper. 

According to the survey, almost 55 percent of the respondents support the Renewable Fuel Standard, while only 15 percent expressed opposition to the program. Meanwhile, 64 percent of respondents have a favorable opinion of ethanol, while just 18 percent said unfavorable. 

Half the respondents said they weren’t interested in purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle in the next three years, while 42 percent expressed interest. Sixty-six percent oppose banning the sale of liquid-fueled engines in cars.

A new survey of registered voters shows significant support for ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard while revealing opposition to banning liquid fuels or mandating electric vehicles. Morning Consult conducted the survey for the Renewable Fuels Association. “As the new Congress settles in and considers the future of our nation’s energy policy, these polling results demonstrate that Americans strongly support the expanded use of lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol,” says RFA President Geoff Cooper. According to the survey, almost 55 percent of the respondents support the Renewable Fuel Standard, while only 15 percent expressed opposition to the program. Meanwhile, 64 percent of respondents have a favorable opinion of ethanol, while just 18 percent said unfavorable. Half the respondents said they weren’t interested in purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle in the next three years, while 42 percent expressed interest. Sixty-six percent oppose banning the sale of liquid-fueled engines in cars.

Poll shows voters support ethanol and RFS, oppose EV mandates

United Auto Workers at Case New Holland Plants in Burlington, Iowa, and Racine, Wisconsin, voted down a contract proposal on Saturday night that would have ended a strike. 

The president of UAW Local 807 says 45 percent voted yes, and 55 percent voted no to the offer. 

Internal meetings are ongoing among union members to see what the process is going to look like going forward. 

The union went on strike against the agriculture manufacturer on May 2 of last year. On May 19, 2022, CNH presented the union with what it called a “final, all-encompassing, comprehensive offer.” However, union members didn’t vote on this deal because union leaders didn’t feel it covered the cost of inflation. 

A spokesperson for CNH Industrial says the company is disappointed to learn that its recently negotiated and improved “Last, Best, and Final Offer” was not approved in the ratification vote by the union.

United Auto Workers at Case New Holland Plants in Burlington, Iowa, and Racine, Wisconsin, voted down a contract proposal on Saturday night that would have ended a strike. The president of UAW Local 807 says 45 percent voted yes, and 55 percent voted no to the offer. Internal meetings are ongoing among union members to see what the process is going to look like going forward. The union went on strike against the agriculture manufacturer on May 2 of last year. On May 19, 2022, CNH presented the union with what it called a “final, all-encompassing, comprehensive offer.” However, union members didn’t vote on this deal because union leaders didn’t feel it covered the cost of inflation. A spokesperson for CNH Industrial says the company is disappointed to learn that its recently negotiated and improved “Last, Best, and Final Offer” was not approved in the ratification vote by the union.

CNH workers say no to proposed contract

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will be in Puerto Rico on January 9 and 10 and speak at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention. 

He’ll also engage in a series of events involving the USDA’s commitment to fostering economic development, supporting disaster recovery, increasing the island’s resilience against future storms, supporting disaster recovery, and creating new market opportunities for the country’s producers. 

At various events throughout the trip, Vilsack will be joined by Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce, as well as various elected officials. 

He’ll also hold discussions with local officials, producers, and stakeholders about USDA efforts to support the country’s rural communities, climate-smart agriculture, disaster assistance, and other issues important to Puerto Rico’s population. 

He’ll also meet with Puerto Rico’s Governor to talk about USDA and the Puerto Rican government’s efforts to collaborate on supporting the island’s producers and rural communities.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will be in Puerto Rico on January 9 and 10 and speak at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention. He’ll also engage in a series of events involving the USDA’s commitment to fostering economic development, supporting disaster recovery, increasing the island’s resilience against future storms, supporting disaster recovery, and creating new market opportunities for the country’s producers. At various events throughout the trip, Vilsack will be joined by Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce, as well as various elected officials. He’ll also hold discussions with local officials, producers, and stakeholders about USDA efforts to support the country’s rural communities, climate-smart agriculture, disaster assistance, and other issues important to Puerto Rico’s population. He’ll also meet with Puerto Rico’s Governor to talk about USDA and the Puerto Rican government’s efforts to collaborate on supporting the island’s producers and rural communities.

Vilsack in Puerto Rico and will address AFBF Convention

The International Energy Agency released its Renewables 2022 Analysis Report in December, and it shows a growing global demand for biofuels. 

Renewables 2022 includes extensive analysis of the renewable energy sector, including developments and trends for transportation. 

“In this most recent IEA report, total global biofuel demand is estimated to increase more than 20 percent between 2020 and 2027,” says Isabelle Ausdal, manager of global ethanol policy and economics with the U.S. Grains Council. 

“World ethanol consumption is projected to rise in an accelerated case scenario.” She also says this reinforces the U.S. industry’s recognition of ethanol’s importance as a tool for countries to accelerate their greenhouse gas emissions reductions and underscores the importance of scaling up technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage to reach net zero carbon intensity. 

The report details increasingly ambitious energy targets in the European Union, growth in ethanol consumption in Brazil, and biofuel blending in India.

The International Energy Agency released its Renewables 2022 Analysis Report in December, and it shows a growing global demand for biofuels. Renewables 2022 includes extensive analysis of the renewable energy sector, including developments and trends for transportation. “In this most recent IEA report, total global biofuel demand is estimated to increase more than 20 percent between 2020 and 2027,” says Isabelle Ausdal, manager of global ethanol policy and economics with the U.S. Grains Council. “World ethanol consumption is projected to rise in an accelerated case scenario.” She also says this reinforces the U.S. industry’s recognition of ethanol’s importance as a tool for countries to accelerate their greenhouse gas emissions reductions and underscores the importance of scaling up technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage to reach net zero carbon intensity. The report details increasingly ambitious energy targets in the European Union, growth in ethanol consumption in Brazil, and biofuel blending in India.

Report shows global biofuel demand to increase over 20 percent by 2027

Pollinators are a big part of success in world agriculture. 

The USDA granted a conditional license for a vaccine to protect the country’s honeybees from foulbrood disease. 

Earth Dot Com says the bacterial infection weakens and kills honeybee colonies and has no treatment. 

The vaccine was developed by Dalan Animal Health and brings hope for a weapon against a disease that regularly ravages colonies that are highly important to food pollination. 

In parts of the U.S., the foulbrood disease has been found in over a quarter of honeybee hives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beekeepers typically destroy and burn infected colonies and administer antibiotics to stop the further spread of the disease. 

The vaccine works by incorporating some of the bacteria into the royal jelly fed to the queen by worker bees.&nbsp;&nbsp;After ingesting the jelly, the queen will gain some of the vaccine in her ovaries and developing bee larvae will have immunity to foulbrood.

Pollinators are a big part of success in world agriculture. The USDA granted a conditional license for a vaccine to protect the country’s honeybees from foulbrood disease. Earth Dot Com says the bacterial infection weakens and kills honeybee colonies and has no treatment. The vaccine was developed by Dalan Animal Health and brings hope for a weapon against a disease that regularly ravages colonies that are highly important to food pollination. In parts of the U.S., the foulbrood disease has been found in over a quarter of honeybee hives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beekeepers typically destroy and burn infected colonies and administer antibiotics to stop the further spread of the disease. The vaccine works by incorporating some of the bacteria into the royal jelly fed to the queen by worker bees.&nbsp;&nbsp;After ingesting the jelly, the queen will gain some of the vaccine in her ovaries and developing bee larvae will have immunity to foulbrood.