The Supreme Court this week denied R-CALF’s lawsuit against 13 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the ruling effectively ends “yet another R-CALF attack on the Beef Checkoff and prevents the activist attorneys at Public Justice, from further diverting Checkoff and beef industry resources.” 

NCBA intervened in the lawsuit in its early days to help defend state beef councils from R-CALF, “who falsely attacked state beef councils.” 

NCBA says multiple court decisions rejected these allegations and reaffirmed the work and direction of the Beef Checkoff and those who guide it. 

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says, “The Supreme Court’s rejection of R-CALF’s petition confirms the Beef Checkoff, and its overseers, are adhering to the letter and spirit of the laws that protect and guide producer investments in the program.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In the lawsuit, R-Calf claimed state beef checkoff organizations are private corporations and use half of the beef checkoff collection to fund private speech.

The Supreme Court this week denied R-CALF’s lawsuit against 13 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the ruling effectively ends “yet another R-CALF attack on the Beef Checkoff and prevents the activist attorneys at Public Justice, from further diverting Checkoff and beef industry resources.” NCBA intervened in the lawsuit in its early days to help defend state beef councils from R-CALF, “who falsely attacked state beef councils.” NCBA says multiple court decisions rejected these allegations and reaffirmed the work and direction of the Beef Checkoff and those who guide it. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says, “The Supreme Court’s rejection of R-CALF’s petition confirms the Beef Checkoff, and its overseers, are adhering to the letter and spirit of the laws that protect and guide producer investments in the program.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In the lawsuit, R-Calf claimed state beef checkoff organizations are private corporations and use half of the beef checkoff collection to fund private speech.

Supreme Court rejects R-CALF lawsuit

The Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company recently announced that two lines of its commercial tires are now made with a renewable soybean oil compound. 

The Goodyear Metro Miler G152 and G652 tires for transit buses, along with the popular Endurance WHA waste haul tire, are now made with soybean oil, which replaces a portion of the petroleum-based materials used in their production. 

Both the Metro Miler tires and the Endurance WHA waste haul tire continue to deliver high-performance benefits. 

The new soy-biobased tires build on the soy checkoff’s research investment and longstanding partnership with the global tire company. United Soybean Board Chair Ralph Lott says, “These big tires are another exciting way to deliver sustainable soy to more lives, every day.” 

Goodyear has a long-term goal to fully replace petroleum-derived oils in its products by 2040. This commitment, according to USB, drives additional demand for U.S. soy products, grown sustainably by U.S. soybean farmers.

The Goodyear Tire &amp; Rubber Company recently announced that two lines of its commercial tires are now made with a renewable soybean oil compound. The Goodyear Metro Miler G152 and G652 tires for transit buses, along with the popular Endurance WHA waste haul tire, are now made with soybean oil, which replaces a portion of the petroleum-based materials used in their production. Both the Metro Miler tires and the Endurance WHA waste haul tire continue to deliver high-performance benefits. The new soy-biobased tires build on the soy checkoff’s research investment and longstanding partnership with the global tire company. United Soybean Board Chair Ralph Lott says, “These big tires are another exciting way to deliver sustainable soy to more lives, every day.” Goodyear has a long-term goal to fully replace petroleum-derived oils in its products by 2040. This commitment, according to USB, drives additional demand for U.S. soy products, grown sustainably by U.S. soybean farmers.

Goodyear announces new sustainable soy-based tires

The Food and Drug Administration recently concluded it has no further questions regarding the safety of drought-tolerant HB4 wheat developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. 

In response, U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers issued a joint statement this week. 

The groups say the finding by the FDA is not an approval for this or any other transgenic wheat to be planted for commercial sale in the United States. 

To date, the HB4 wheat has been approved for commercial production within a closed system in Argentina only. The trait has been approved for human consumption by regulators in Brazil in the form of flour, and in Australia, New Zealand and now in the United States. 

Bioceres recently announced it will seek approval to plant HB4 wheat in Australia, but it has not announced plans to commercialize it in the United States. The statement says, "The U.S. wheat industry recognizes the benefits and value that can be created through the prudent application of modern biotechnology."

The Food and Drug Administration recently concluded it has no further questions regarding the safety of drought-tolerant HB4 wheat developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. In response, U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers issued a joint statement this week. The groups say the finding by the FDA is not an approval for this or any other transgenic wheat to be planted for commercial sale in the United States. To date, the HB4 wheat has been approved for commercial production within a closed system in Argentina only. The trait has been approved for human consumption by regulators in Brazil in the form of flour, and in Australia, New Zealand and now in the United States. Bioceres recently announced it will seek approval to plant HB4 wheat in Australia, but it has not announced plans to commercialize it in the United States. The statement says, "The U.S. wheat industry recognizes the benefits and value that can be created through the prudent application of modern biotechnology."

Wheat industry comments on conclusion of FDA study of drought tolerant wheat

Trade officials from the U.S. and Taiwan met Monday for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. 

U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi says, "This initiative will unlock market opportunities, promote innovation and create inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses." 

The trade officials reaffirmed their shared interest in developing and deepening trade and promoting innovation. 

They also discussed the development of an ambitious roadmap for negotiations to reach agreements with high-standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes. 

The commitments will cover several trade areas, including trade facilitation, regulatory practices, agriculture, anti-corruption, small- and medium-sized enterprises, digital trade, labor, environment, standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices. 

The trade officials also held roundtable conversations with several groups of U.S. and Taiwan stakeholders. Members of Congress and labor and business leaders also shared their views on ways the United States and Taiwan can jointly advance trade policies.

Trade officials from the U.S. and Taiwan met Monday for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi says, "This initiative will unlock market opportunities, promote innovation and create inclusive economic growth for our workers and businesses." The trade officials reaffirmed their shared interest in developing and deepening trade and promoting innovation. They also discussed the development of an ambitious roadmap for negotiations to reach agreements with high-standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes. The commitments will cover several trade areas, including trade facilitation, regulatory practices, agriculture, anti-corruption, small- and medium-sized enterprises, digital trade, labor, environment, standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices. The trade officials also held roundtable conversations with several groups of U.S. and Taiwan stakeholders. Members of Congress and labor and business leaders also shared their views on ways the United States and Taiwan can jointly advance trade policies.

U.S., Taiwan, hold first trade meeting

BASF Agricultural Solutions North America will donate $50,000 to The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund's Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program. 

The donation is part of BASF's annual Living Acres #MonarchChallenge initiative. 

The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund will use BASF's donation to expand its Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program with the goal of restoring high-quality pollinator habitat with free or reduced-cost seed to landowners across 12 Midwest states. 

Since its inception in 2015, the Monarch Challenge has resulted in the planting of 110,000 milkweed seedlings and the creation of more than 67,000 pollinator habitats. 

The fund works with landowners, conservationists, scientists, and other partners to build healthy and sustainable pollinator habitat with maximum benefits. Through the Seed A Legacy Habitat Program, each project receives free or heavily discounted pollinator seed mixes and the guidance to prepare, establish, and maintain the project for a minimum of five years.

BASF Agricultural Solutions North America will donate $50,000 to The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund's Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program. The donation is part of BASF's annual Living Acres #MonarchChallenge initiative. The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund will use BASF's donation to expand its Seed A Legacy pollinator habitat program with the goal of restoring high-quality pollinator habitat with free or reduced-cost seed to landowners across 12 Midwest states. Since its inception in 2015, the Monarch Challenge has resulted in the planting of 110,000 milkweed seedlings and the creation of more than 67,000 pollinator habitats. The fund works with landowners, conservationists, scientists, and other partners to build healthy and sustainable pollinator habitat with maximum benefits. Through the Seed A Legacy Habitat Program, each project receives free or heavily discounted pollinator seed mixes and the guidance to prepare, establish, and maintain the project for a minimum of five years.

BASF donates $50,000 to Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund Program

The University of Illinois Extension has a pesticide drift guide available for farmers. 

The new guide helps producers and gardeners know what to do if pesticide drift is suspected. 

Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto adjacent fields and landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Drift happens when pesticide spray particles and vapors escape from the intended target area. 

University of Illinois Extension weed science specialist Michelle Wiesbrook says, “The most common type of pesticide misuse is pesticide drift, and when it occurs, emotions can run high while seeking answers." 

There are two ways pesticides can be carried downwind to non-target areas: vapor drift and particle drift. Both types of drift should be considered when making an application, and steps should be taken to minimize their occurrence. 

The new free guide provides more information on drift and serves as a navigation tool for those faced with potential drift injury challenges. Read the guide at go.illinois.edu/drift.

The University of Illinois Extension has a pesticide drift guide available for farmers. The new guide helps producers and gardeners know what to do if pesticide drift is suspected. Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto adjacent fields and landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Drift happens when pesticide spray particles and vapors escape from the intended target area. University of Illinois Extension weed science specialist Michelle Wiesbrook says, “The most common type of pesticide misuse is pesticide drift, and when it occurs, emotions can run high while seeking answers." There are two ways pesticides can be carried downwind to non-target areas: vapor drift and particle drift. Both types of drift should be considered when making an application, and steps should be taken to minimize their occurrence. The new free guide provides more information on drift and serves as a navigation tool for those faced with potential drift injury challenges. Read the guide at go.illinois.edu/drift.

Guide outlines steps to take when pesticide drift occurs

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently expressed interest in possibly lifting smog-fighting gasoline rules to help fight high gas prices at the nation’s pumps. 

The secretary also backed off a plan to ban fuel exports during a wide-ranging meeting with refiners. 

Reuters says tensions are high between President Biden and oil refiners.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two sides departed from the meeting far apart on possible solutions. 

Industry sources familiar with the meeting say both sides will continue talking. Biden has recently been critical of oil industry CEOs for pulling in huge profits from a supply crunch made worse by Russia invading Ukraine. 

The White House is unhappy with the refining industry’s move to idle about one million barrels per day of production capacity since 2020. Administration officials say the companies need to use those profits to restart plants and help fill the supply gap. Refiners say investing in reopening plants carries significant financial risks.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently expressed interest in possibly lifting smog-fighting gasoline rules to help fight high gas prices at the nation’s pumps. The secretary also backed off a plan to ban fuel exports during a wide-ranging meeting with refiners. Reuters says tensions are high between President Biden and oil refiners.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two sides departed from the meeting far apart on possible solutions. Industry sources familiar with the meeting say both sides will continue talking. Biden has recently been critical of oil industry CEOs for pulling in huge profits from a supply crunch made worse by Russia invading Ukraine. The White House is unhappy with the refining industry’s move to idle about one million barrels per day of production capacity since 2020. Administration officials say the companies need to use those profits to restart plants and help fill the supply gap. Refiners say investing in reopening plants carries significant financial risks.

White House meets with refiners on high pump prices but no solutions yet

The U.S. Department of Commerce made a final determination last week on imported fertilizers and unfair subsidies. 

The department found that urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer exported to America was subsidized and sold at less than normal value in the U.S. market during its period of investigation. 

The National Corn Growers Association says it’s an important step in the process, but the ruling won’t on its own lead to the placement of duties on nitrogen fertilizers shipped into the country. 

The final stage in the process is expected later this summer when the International Trade Commission makes a final ruling. 

“Placing tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will land yet another blow to farmers, who are already dealing with a host of challenges,” says Brooke Appleton, NCGA vice president of public policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Farmers can’t farm with one hand tied behind their backs, and these actions getting pushed by fertilizer companies will tie their hands.”

The U.S. Department of Commerce made a final determination last week on imported fertilizers and unfair subsidies. The department found that urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer exported to America was subsidized and sold at less than normal value in the U.S. market during its period of investigation. The National Corn Growers Association says it’s an important step in the process, but the ruling won’t on its own lead to the placement of duties on nitrogen fertilizers shipped into the country. The final stage in the process is expected later this summer when the International Trade Commission makes a final ruling. “Placing tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will land yet another blow to farmers, who are already dealing with a host of challenges,” says Brooke Appleton, NCGA vice president of public policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Farmers can’t farm with one hand tied behind their backs, and these actions getting pushed by fertilizer companies will tie their hands.”

NCGA applauds ruling on imported fertilizers

Sustainable Oils opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Great Falls, Montana, last week. 

The facility works with over 100 U.S. farmers to grow camelina, a plant used by their parent company Global Clean Energy to produce ultra-low carbon renewable fuels. 

Renewable diesel produced from camelina is a drop-in replacement for traditional diesel, but with fewer contaminants and far fewer emissions. 

The company says camelina has the potential to receive the lowest carbon intensity score of all the available feedstocks on the market today. Sustainable Oils specializes in the breeding, research, and marketing of camelina. 

They contract directly with farmers in the Northern Plains, High Plains, and Pacific Northwest to grow the camelina that will ultimately get used to create renewable fuel at Global Clean Energy’s refinery in Bakersfield, California. 

The company looks forward to enhancing economic opportunities for rural communities while producing some of the lowest-carbon renewable fuels in the world.

Sustainable Oils opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Great Falls, Montana, last week. The facility works with over 100 U.S. farmers to grow camelina, a plant used by their parent company Global Clean Energy to produce ultra-low carbon renewable fuels. Renewable diesel produced from camelina is a drop-in replacement for traditional diesel, but with fewer contaminants and far fewer emissions. The company says camelina has the potential to receive the lowest carbon intensity score of all the available feedstocks on the market today. Sustainable Oils specializes in the breeding, research, and marketing of camelina. They contract directly with farmers in the Northern Plains, High Plains, and Pacific Northwest to grow the camelina that will ultimately get used to create renewable fuel at Global Clean Energy’s refinery in Bakersfield, California. The company looks forward to enhancing economic opportunities for rural communities while producing some of the lowest-carbon renewable fuels in the world.

Sustainable Oils facility opens new facility for renewable diesel production

Two grain terminals owned by companies in North America were hit by a Russian attack in Ukraine. 

The University of Illinois’ farm policy news website says Canadian agribusiness Viterra, and U.S. grain trader Bunge said they had a grain terminal hit on Wednesday. 

Viterra reported that it had a terminal on fire. While there were no casualties, Viterra did say one employee was injured at the plant, which had been closed since Russia’s invasion began. 

The attack on Wednesday is also the second time Bunge has been targeted. Ukraine’s grain exports have dropped significantly from last year. During the first 22 days of June, exports were down 48 percent from 2021 at 907,000 tons. 

Russia is preventing shipments from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, trapping thousands of tons of grain in the country. Experts say setting up alternative export routes won’t be sufficient enough quantities to keep up with global food demand.

Two grain terminals owned by companies in North America were hit by a Russian attack in Ukraine. The University of Illinois’ farm policy news website says Canadian agribusiness Viterra, and U.S. grain trader Bunge said they had a grain terminal hit on Wednesday. Viterra reported that it had a terminal on fire. While there were no casualties, Viterra did say one employee was injured at the plant, which had been closed since Russia’s invasion began. The attack on Wednesday is also the second time Bunge has been targeted. Ukraine’s grain exports have dropped significantly from last year. During the first 22 days of June, exports were down 48 percent from 2021 at 907,000 tons. Russia is preventing shipments from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, trapping thousands of tons of grain in the country. Experts say setting up alternative export routes won’t be sufficient enough quantities to keep up with global food demand.

North American-owned grain terminals hit in Ukraine

The U.S. has tariffs in place on over $300 billion worth of Chinese imports. 

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says those duties give the U.S. significant leverage on China, making them useful when negotiating with the Asian nation. 

Bloomberg says a debate is ongoing among members of the Biden administration on whether to keep those tariffs in place for the time being. 

“The China tariffs, in my view, are a significant piece of leverage, and a trade negotiator never walks away from leverage,” Tai said during Senate testimony.&nbsp;&nbsp;Biden recently said he’s in the process of deciding on whether to remove any of the duties first put in place by President Trump in 2018. 

Tai also points out that removing the tariffs would have a limited impact on the rapid rise in inflation. Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that a reduction in duties may help bring down prices.

The U.S. has tariffs in place on over $300 billion worth of Chinese imports. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says those duties give the U.S. significant leverage on China, making them useful when negotiating with the Asian nation. Bloomberg says a debate is ongoing among members of the Biden administration on whether to keep those tariffs in place for the time being. “The China tariffs, in my view, are a significant piece of leverage, and a trade negotiator never walks away from leverage,” Tai said during Senate testimony.&nbsp;&nbsp;Biden recently said he’s in the process of deciding on whether to remove any of the duties first put in place by President Trump in 2018. Tai also points out that removing the tariffs would have a limited impact on the rapid rise in inflation. Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that a reduction in duties may help bring down prices.

USTR says tariffs give U.S. “leverage” on China

Leaders from the G-7 countries will meet on Sunday, and biofuel mandates will be among the discussion topics. 

Officials from Germany, Britain, and other G-7 members will push for temporary waivers on biofuel mandates to combat rapidly rising food prices. 

Reuters says the food crisis sparked by the Ukraine war has led to a food versus fuel debate among certain G-7 countries. 

Some policymakers are asking to ease mandates for blending biofuels into gasoline and diesel to increase the supply of global grain and vegetable oil. 

A British government official told Reuters, ”We’re quite keen to look at the issue of biofuel mandates to ensure that crops are prioritized for food consumption and not necessarily for use in fuels.” 

It’s not known ahead of the meeting on Sunday if there is enough support to temporarily waive biofuel mandates among the G-7 members. Talks are said to be in the preliminary stages.

Leaders from the G-7 countries will meet on Sunday, and biofuel mandates will be among the discussion topics. Officials from Germany, Britain, and other G-7 members will push for temporary waivers on biofuel mandates to combat rapidly rising food prices. Reuters says the food crisis sparked by the Ukraine war has led to a food versus fuel debate among certain G-7 countries. Some policymakers are asking to ease mandates for blending biofuels into gasoline and diesel to increase the supply of global grain and vegetable oil. A British government official told Reuters, ”We’re quite keen to look at the issue of biofuel mandates to ensure that crops are prioritized for food consumption and not necessarily for use in fuels.” It’s not known ahead of the meeting on Sunday if there is enough support to temporarily waive biofuel mandates among the G-7 members. Talks are said to be in the preliminary stages.

Some G-7 leaders to push for temporary waivers on biofuel mandates

Nationwide farmers are having issues buying new farm equipment, which is also making it difficult to buy used farm equipment. &nbsp;

Greg Peterson, better known as Machinery Pete, says there are a couple different factors that are causing the rise in the price of used farm equipment. &nbsp;

"One, is that farm income is up," Peterson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Commodity prices went up in the fall of 2020 and have been pushing to very high levels so, that's number one."&nbsp;

And number two is the current trend of high prices on new farm equipment&nbsp;

"Supply chain issues are actually getting worse so manufacturers like John Deere or Case IH, they can't make enough," Peterson explains. "Farmers want to buy new to update their equipment line."&nbsp;

Peterson says though those manufacturers can't produce enough equipment to keep up with the demand.&nbsp; For example, if you were looking for a new planter earlier this spring, all of those were pre ordered last fall. &nbsp;

Peterson says the problem is nationwide and so far, is showing no signs of letting up anytime soon&nbsp;

"Things are always subject to change but I don't see any tea leaves right now that would point to a cooling off, in fact it's getting hotter" Peterson points out. "In fact, our data, I've got three plus decades of tracking data patterns, and normally from middle of March through the summer is the soft time of year."&nbsp;

Peterson says that the soft time of year is while crops are in the ground and farmers can wait and see how they come out.&nbsp;

He says they then become aggressive near the end of the year to figure out what equipment they might need to replace, but right now. &nbsp;

"That's all out the window right now, you have to be proactive and plan ahead," he explains. &nbsp;

Peterson says the market has continued to go higher since April. &nbsp;

Recently, Peterson says he saw a 24-year-old John Deere tractor sold in Illinois for 21-thousand 500 dollars, selling even higher than it did brand new. &nbsp;

But is there any state where the used farm equipment problem is worse off?&nbsp;

"Nope, they're all on fire, and I've never seen that before," Peterson sadly says. "And we cover the US and Canada so usually there's always been somewhere where used values are softer, and there just isn't now."&nbsp;

Peterson says normally you might see prices differ depending on the region farm equipment is coming from &nbsp;

But, since 2021, Peterson says a data point he's seen is the tightness of farm equipment is making prices mostly stay the same, no matter the region it comes from.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Nationwide farmers are having issues buying new farm equipment, which is also making it difficult to buy used farm equipment. &nbsp;Greg Peterson, better known as Machinery Pete, says there are a couple different factors that are causing the rise in the price of used farm equipment. &nbsp;"One, is that farm income is up," Peterson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Commodity prices went up in the fall of 2020 and have been pushing to very high levels so, that's number one."&nbsp;And number two is the current trend of high prices on new farm equipment&nbsp;"Supply chain issues are actually getting worse so manufacturers like John Deere or Case IH, they can't make enough," Peterson explains. "Farmers want to buy new to update their equipment line."&nbsp;Peterson says though those manufacturers can't produce enough equipment to keep up with the demand.&nbsp; For example, if you were looking for a new planter earlier this spring, all of those were pre ordered last fall. &nbsp;Peterson says the problem is nationwide and so far, is showing no signs of letting up anytime soon&nbsp;"Things are always subject to change but I don't see any tea leaves right now that would point to a cooling off, in fact it's getting hotter" Peterson points out. "In fact, our data, I've got three plus decades of tracking data patterns, and normally from middle of March through the summer is the soft time of year."&nbsp;Peterson says that the soft time of year is while crops are in the ground and farmers can wait and see how they come out.&nbsp;He says they then become aggressive near the end of the year to figure out what equipment they might need to replace, but right now. &nbsp;"That's all out the window right now, you have to be proactive and plan ahead," he explains. &nbsp;Peterson says the market has continued to go higher since April. &nbsp;Recently, Peterson says he saw a 24-year-old John Deere tractor sold in Illinois for 21-thousand 500 dollars, selling even higher than it did brand new. &nbsp;But is there any state where the used farm equipment problem is worse off?&nbsp;"Nope, they're all on fire, and I've never seen that before," Peterson sadly says. "And we cover the US and Canada so usually there's always been somewhere where used values are softer, and there just isn't now."&nbsp;Peterson says normally you might see prices differ depending on the region farm equipment is coming from &nbsp;But, since 2021, Peterson says a data point he's seen is the tightness of farm equipment is making prices mostly stay the same, no matter the region it comes from.&nbsp;

Expert says rising prices on used farm equipment won't slow anytime soon

The National Pork Producers Council welcomed a Supreme Court brief filed by the Biden administration in favor of ag groups regarding California’s Proposition 12. 

The state law seeks to ban the sale of pork from pigs that do not meet the state’s arbitrary production standards, including pork from pigs raised on farms outside of California. 

NPPC assistant vice president and general counsel Michael Formica says, “We commend the Biden administration for taking action to stop ill-considered ballot initiatives like California’s Proposition 12.” 

In a joint brief to the Supreme Court filed earlier this month, NPPC and the American Farm Bureau Federation argued Proposition 12 violates the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause, which restricts states from regulating commerce outside their borders. 

The brief states that Proposition 12 “will require massive and costly changes across the entire $26-billion-a-year hog farming industry. And it inescapably projects California’s policy choices into every other state, a number of which expressly permit their farmers to house sows in ways inconsistent with Proposition 12.”

The National Pork Producers Council welcomed a Supreme Court brief filed by the Biden administration in favor of ag groups regarding California’s Proposition 12. The state law seeks to ban the sale of pork from pigs that do not meet the state’s arbitrary production standards, including pork from pigs raised on farms outside of California. NPPC assistant vice president and general counsel Michael Formica says, “We commend the Biden administration for taking action to stop ill-considered ballot initiatives like California’s Proposition 12.” In a joint brief to the Supreme Court filed earlier this month, NPPC and the American Farm Bureau Federation argued Proposition 12 violates the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause, which restricts states from regulating commerce outside their borders. The brief states that Proposition 12 “will require massive and costly changes across the entire $26-billion-a-year hog farming industry. And it inescapably projects California’s policy choices into every other state, a number of which expressly permit their farmers to house sows in ways inconsistent with Proposition 12.”

NPPC welcomes Biden Administration siding with farmers on Prop 12

The Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday passed the bipartisan Meat Packing Special Investigator Act. 

The legislation will address anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industries. 

Senator Chuck Grassley says, “With the passage of this bill, my years-long beef with Big Cattle is one step closer to being settled.” 

The legislation would create the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Division. The special investigator will have a team of investigators, with subpoena power, dedicated to preventing and addressing anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industries and enforcing antitrust laws. 

The committee also passed the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane responded, “creating a duplicative, bureaucratic new special investigator role is the wrong approach.” 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says the committee action “is a welcome move towards boosting enforcement of competition laws that get to the bottom of abusive market practices.”

The Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday passed the bipartisan Meat Packing Special Investigator Act. The legislation will address anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industries. Senator Chuck Grassley says, “With the passage of this bill, my years-long beef with Big Cattle is one step closer to being settled.” The legislation would create the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Division. The special investigator will have a team of investigators, with subpoena power, dedicated to preventing and addressing anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industries and enforcing antitrust laws. The committee also passed the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane responded, “creating a duplicative, bureaucratic new special investigator role is the wrong approach.” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says the committee action “is a welcome move towards boosting enforcement of competition laws that get to the bottom of abusive market practices.”

Senate Ag Committee passes Meat Packing Special Investigator Act

Washington—&nbsp;U.S. Senators Roger&nbsp;Marshall and Tommy Tuberville (AL) expressed their opposition to expanding the federal government’s control over U.S. cattle markets by offering an amendment to strike market quotas for fed cattle from the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022. The amendment was offered during a hearing in the Senate Ag Wednesday, according to a statement from Marshall's office.

When offering his amendment, Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said, in part,

“Transparency is the nectar of free enterprise and capitalism without competition creates opportunities for exploitation…I understand the frustrations of the Senators who authored and support this bill but, a market mandate is the wrong approach…It could cost cattle producers anywhere from $23 million to $249 million each year and 90% of those costs appear to be borne by cattlemen in Kansas and the Southern Plains States…While this is an attempt to regulate the packer, the result is actually additional regulation of the cattle producer. This will give the packer all the leverage to decide who gets the good deal and who gets the bad deal.”

Although Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;withdrew his amendment, he intends to re-offer it if the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act reaches the Senate Floor for the full chamber’s consideration.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/S.4030_Marshall_1st_Degree_01.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the text of Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s amendment.

Washington—&nbsp;U.S. Senators Roger&nbsp;Marshall and Tommy Tuberville (AL) expressed their opposition to expanding the federal government’s control over U.S. cattle markets by offering an amendment to strike market quotas for fed cattle from the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022. The amendment was offered during a hearing in the Senate Ag Wednesday, according to a statement from Marshall's office.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CZtn5uPOBAE?start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>When offering his amendment, Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said, in part,“Transparency is the nectar of free enterprise and capitalism without competition creates opportunities for exploitation…I understand the frustrations of the Senators who authored and support this bill but, a market mandate is the wrong approach…It could cost cattle producers anywhere from $23 million to $249 million each year and 90% of those costs appear to be borne by cattlemen in Kansas and the Southern Plains States…While this is an attempt to regulate the packer, the result is actually additional regulation of the cattle producer. This will give the packer all the leverage to decide who gets the good deal and who gets the bad deal.”Although Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;withdrew his amendment, he intends to re-offer it if the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act reaches the Senate Floor for the full chamber’s consideration.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/S.4030_Marshall_1st_Degree_01.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the text of Senator&nbsp;Marshall’s amendment.

🎥 Marshall opposes fed control over cattle markets in livestock bill

President Joe Biden Wednesday called on Congress and states to provide direct relief to consumers facing increased gas and diesel prices. 

The price of gas is up dramatically around the world, and by almost $2 per gallon in America, the White House says, “since Putin began amassing troops on the border of Ukraine.” 

The federal government charges an 18-cent tax per gallon of gasoline and a 24-cent tax per gallon of diesel. 

Those taxes fund highways and public transportation, through the Highway Trust Fund. 

But with gas prices near $5 a gallon on average across the country, President Biden is calling on Congress to suspend the gas tax for three months – until the end of September – to give Americans a little extra breathing room as they “deal with the effects of Putin’s war in Ukraine.” 

The President is also calling on Congress to ensure that a gas tax holiday has no negative effect on the Highway Trust Fund.

President Joe Biden Wednesday called on Congress and states to provide direct relief to consumers facing increased gas and diesel prices. The price of gas is up dramatically around the world, and by almost $2 per gallon in America, the White House says, “since Putin began amassing troops on the border of Ukraine.” The federal government charges an 18-cent tax per gallon of gasoline and a 24-cent tax per gallon of diesel. Those taxes fund highways and public transportation, through the Highway Trust Fund. But with gas prices near $5 a gallon on average across the country, President Biden is calling on Congress to suspend the gas tax for three months – until the end of September – to give Americans a little extra breathing room as they “deal with the effects of Putin’s war in Ukraine.” The President is also calling on Congress to ensure that a gas tax holiday has no negative effect on the Highway Trust Fund.

Biden proposes Federal Gas Tax Holiday

U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh arrived Tuesday in London to launch a USDA agribusiness trade mission to the United Kingdom. 

Bronaugh is joined by a delegation of representatives from U.S. agribusinesses, farm organizations and state departments of agriculture, who are interested in exploring export opportunities in the United Kingdom. 

Bronaugh says, “The United Kingdom is a valued trading partner whose consumers demand the best quality products at a competitive price,” adding, “I’m excited for mission participants to engage with potential customers for their world-class agricultural products.” 

In 2021, the United Kingdom imported $1.9 billion of U.S. agricultural products, according to USDA. Trade mission participants engage directly with potential customers, receive in-depth market briefings, and participate in site visits. 

The USDA-sponsored trade mission to the United Kingdom is one of four international trade missions Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced in March. The United Kingdom trade mission concludes later this week.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh arrived Tuesday in London to launch a USDA agribusiness trade mission to the United Kingdom. Bronaugh is joined by a delegation of representatives from U.S. agribusinesses, farm organizations and state departments of agriculture, who are interested in exploring export opportunities in the United Kingdom. Bronaugh says, “The United Kingdom is a valued trading partner whose consumers demand the best quality products at a competitive price,” adding, “I’m excited for mission participants to engage with potential customers for their world-class agricultural products.” In 2021, the United Kingdom imported $1.9 billion of U.S. agricultural products, according to USDA. Trade mission participants engage directly with potential customers, receive in-depth market briefings, and participate in site visits. The USDA-sponsored trade mission to the United Kingdom is one of four international trade missions Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced in March. The United Kingdom trade mission concludes later this week.

USDA trade mission underway in London

New data released Tuesday from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows the number of U.S. farms continues to decline slowly. 

After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. 

Rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflected the growing productivity of agriculture and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. 

Since then, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In 2021, there were 2.01 million U.S. farms, down from 2.20 million in 2007. With 895 million acres of farmland nationwide in 2021, the average farm size was 445 acres, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. 

Meanwhile, technological developments in agriculture have influenced changes in the farm sector. Innovations have enabled continuing output growth without adding much to inputs. As a result, total farm output nearly tripled between 1948 and 2019.

New data released Tuesday from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows the number of U.S. farms continues to decline slowly. After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. Rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflected the growing productivity of agriculture and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. Since then, the number of U.S. farms has continued to decline, but much more slowly. In 2021, there were 2.01 million U.S. farms, down from 2.20 million in 2007. With 895 million acres of farmland nationwide in 2021, the average farm size was 445 acres, only slightly greater than the 440 acres recorded in the early 1970s. Meanwhile, technological developments in agriculture have influenced changes in the farm sector. Innovations have enabled continuing output growth without adding much to inputs. As a result, total farm output nearly tripled between 1948 and 2019.

Number of U.S. farms continues slow decline

Tuesday is officially the first day of summer, and it will feel like it for many across the region.

Highs in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas Tuesday are expected to be in the upper 90s with indices up to 105 possible.

National Weather Service meteorologist Brent Pesel from the Pleasant Hill Office says a front will move through later Tuesday evening, which could trigger some strong thunderstorms.

"There's a marginal risk for severe weather around this evening," Pesel told St. Joseph Post. "Just with how hot and humid it is, that makes the atmosphere really unstable. We have a front moving into the area this evening which might trigger some thunderstorms."

Pesel says the rain chances will persist through the night.

"As we get toward sunset and continuing through the overnight hours," Pesel said. "We don't have high expectations for severe weather, but it certainly isn't zero."

That front will bring with it highs in the 80s for Wednesday and Thursday before temperatures rise back into the mid 90s by Friday and Saturday, with heat indices this weekend ranging from 100-107.

Relief is on the way next week as well, Pesel says, with highs early next week starting off in the low-to-mid 80s.

"Middle of this week, as the front rolls through, we're going to get a little bit of a break from these really hot temperatures," Pesel said. "The heat builds back up Friday into Saturday before another front looks to roll through and get us just a little bit cooler here into next week."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTuesday is officially the first day of summer, and it will feel like it for many across the region.Highs in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas Tuesday are expected to be in the upper 90s with indices up to 105 possible.National Weather Service meteorologist Brent Pesel from the Pleasant Hill Office says a front will move through later Tuesday evening, which could trigger some strong thunderstorms."There's a marginal risk for severe weather around this evening," Pesel told St. Joseph Post. "Just with how hot and humid it is, that makes the atmosphere really unstable. We have a front moving into the area this evening which might trigger some thunderstorms."Pesel says the rain chances will persist through the night."As we get toward sunset and continuing through the overnight hours," Pesel said. "We don't have high expectations for severe weather, but it certainly isn't zero."That front will bring with it highs in the 80s for Wednesday and Thursday before temperatures rise back into the mid 90s by Friday and Saturday, with heat indices this weekend ranging from 100-107.Relief is on the way next week as well, Pesel says, with highs early next week starting off in the low-to-mid 80s."Middle of this week, as the front rolls through, we're going to get a little bit of a break from these really hot temperatures," Pesel said. "The heat builds back up Friday into Saturday before another front looks to roll through and get us just a little bit cooler here into next week."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

First day of summer brings hot temps, rain chances to northwest Missouri

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association filed comments on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s controversial greenhouse gas disclosure rule. 

The rule would require publicly-traded companies to disclose their direct, energy-electricity consumption, and supply chain emissions, creating a burden on cattle producers who supply beef to publicly-traded processors, restaurants, and retailers. 

“With cattle producers facing record inflation, rising input costs, and labor shortages, another bureaucratic rule is a burden we cannot afford,” says NCBA President Don Schiefelbein. 

“Policymakers should be focused on lowering costs and solving real problems facing agriculture, not creating more complex rules that require a team of lawyers to understand.” While the proposal is aimed at public companies, it would place a burden on cattle producers who supply beef to public entities.

 The federal government has also acknowledged that accurately calculating emissions on the farm or ranch level is impossible. EPA and USDA metrics are already calculated and should satisfy federal regulators.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association filed comments on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s controversial greenhouse gas disclosure rule. The rule would require publicly-traded companies to disclose their direct, energy-electricity consumption, and supply chain emissions, creating a burden on cattle producers who supply beef to publicly-traded processors, restaurants, and retailers. “With cattle producers facing record inflation, rising input costs, and labor shortages, another bureaucratic rule is a burden we cannot afford,” says NCBA President Don Schiefelbein. “Policymakers should be focused on lowering costs and solving real problems facing agriculture, not creating more complex rules that require a team of lawyers to understand.” While the proposal is aimed at public companies, it would place a burden on cattle producers who supply beef to public entities. The federal government has also acknowledged that accurately calculating emissions on the farm or ranch level is impossible. EPA and USDA metrics are already calculated and should satisfy federal regulators.

Cattle industry fighting SEC Climate Rule

The USDA and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue working toward the dairy industry’s 2050 environmental stewardship goals. 

The MOU also addresses growing consumer demand for food produced in a way that’s good for the planet. 

The MOU extends and builds upon a pact originally signed in 2008. 

“In renewing this agreement with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, USDA is recommitting to our vital work with dairy farmers to reduce methane emissions and improve the sustainability of their operations,” says USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewell Bronaugh. 

“We’ve seen tremendous interest in the production of climate-smart commodities, and the dairy industry is on the leading edge of that effort. 

The MOU builds on that effort” The Innovation Center’s 2050 environmental stewardship goals include achieving GHG neutrality, optimizing water use while maximizing recycling, and improving water quality by optimizing utilization of manure and nutrients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655821739727.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of the National Corn Grower's Association" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of the National Corn Grower's Association</figcaption>
 </figure>The USDA and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue working toward the dairy industry’s 2050 environmental stewardship goals. The MOU also addresses growing consumer demand for food produced in a way that’s good for the planet. The MOU extends and builds upon a pact originally signed in 2008. “In renewing this agreement with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, USDA is recommitting to our vital work with dairy farmers to reduce methane emissions and improve the sustainability of their operations,” says USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewell Bronaugh. “We’ve seen tremendous interest in the production of climate-smart commodities, and the dairy industry is on the leading edge of that effort. The MOU builds on that effort” The Innovation Center’s 2050 environmental stewardship goals include achieving GHG neutrality, optimizing water use while maximizing recycling, and improving water quality by optimizing utilization of manure and nutrients.

U.S. Dairy industry signs MOU to continue sustainability commitment

The USDA says the second funding pool through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity received over 600 applications from more than 400 groups. 

While USDA is calculating the final numbers, the overall interest in the opportunity already exceeds more than $18 billion. 

“The results of the second funding pool clearly demonstrate the strong demand in the U.S. agriculture and forestry industry for solutions that expand markets for American producers and forest landowners, particularly those that are small or historically underserved,” says USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie. 

“The second round of funding received significantly more applications than the first, and we’re looking forward to going through the large pool of applications.” 

The second funding pool was designed to support proposals between $250,000 and $5 million that emphasize the enrollment of small and-or underserved producers. The proposals could also include monitoring, reporting, and verifying activities developed at minority-serving institutions. &nbsp;

The USDA says the second funding pool through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity received over 600 applications from more than 400 groups. While USDA is calculating the final numbers, the overall interest in the opportunity already exceeds more than $18 billion. “The results of the second funding pool clearly demonstrate the strong demand in the U.S. agriculture and forestry industry for solutions that expand markets for American producers and forest landowners, particularly those that are small or historically underserved,” says USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie. “The second round of funding received significantly more applications than the first, and we’re looking forward to going through the large pool of applications.” The second funding pool was designed to support proposals between $250,000 and $5 million that emphasize the enrollment of small and-or underserved producers. The proposals could also include monitoring, reporting, and verifying activities developed at minority-serving institutions. &nbsp;

USDA receives overwhelming interest in Climate-Smart Commodities

Ag groups positively reacted to President Biden signing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which will address the supply chain and shipping port issues hampering U.S. exports. 

“Exports add significantly to the bottom line of each producer,” says National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Scott Hayes. 

“More assurances that exports get safely to their destination is a big win for agriculture.” 

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall personally spoke to President Biden last week about the legislation. “Addressing congestion at our ports and creating greater accountability for shipping companies is a positive step,” Duvall says. The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council both applauded the bill getting signed into law. 

“We’re asking the Federal Maritime Commission to implement these rules quickly and begin to conduct the new oversight to end the unfair practices that have impeded American dairy products from efficiently getting to their overseas customers,” says NMPF President Jim Mulhern.

Ag groups positively reacted to President Biden signing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which will address the supply chain and shipping port issues hampering U.S. exports. “Exports add significantly to the bottom line of each producer,” says National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Scott Hayes. “More assurances that exports get safely to their destination is a big win for agriculture.” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall personally spoke to President Biden last week about the legislation. “Addressing congestion at our ports and creating greater accountability for shipping companies is a positive step,” Duvall says. The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council both applauded the bill getting signed into law. “We’re asking the Federal Maritime Commission to implement these rules quickly and begin to conduct the new oversight to end the unfair practices that have impeded American dairy products from efficiently getting to their overseas customers,” says NMPF President Jim Mulhern.

Ag groups support the Ocean Shipping Reform Act

American farmers are again at odds with the Environmental Protection Agency over the Endangered Species Act. 

The final EPA biological evaluations of neonicotinoids and their impacts on endangered species are overly conservative and don’t use all available data. 

Grower groups like the American Soybean Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation are concerned the evaluations drastically overstate the impact of the pesticides on endangered species and their habitats. 

The groups say the evaluations for several neonicotinoid pesticides don’t incorporate scientific and commercial data that could have provided a more realistic picture of the potential impacts of the chemistries on different species. 

The groups pointed out the shortcomings during the public comment period, but EPA doubled down on the final evaluations.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Growers have, time-and-again, pointed EPA to real-world data to improve their endangered species assessments,” says American Soybean Association President Brad Doyle. “The agency has again chosen to disregard the data.”

American farmers are again at odds with the Environmental Protection Agency over the Endangered Species Act. The final EPA biological evaluations of neonicotinoids and their impacts on endangered species are overly conservative and don’t use all available data. Grower groups like the American Soybean Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation are concerned the evaluations drastically overstate the impact of the pesticides on endangered species and their habitats. The groups say the evaluations for several neonicotinoid pesticides don’t incorporate scientific and commercial data that could have provided a more realistic picture of the potential impacts of the chemistries on different species. The groups pointed out the shortcomings during the public comment period, but EPA doubled down on the final evaluations.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Growers have, time-and-again, pointed EPA to real-world data to improve their endangered species assessments,” says American Soybean Association President Brad Doyle. “The agency has again chosen to disregard the data.”