BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tadeoruizsandoval/">TADEO RUIZ SANDOVAL</a>

Every day, Missourians pay a small tax with each purchase they make that’s been supporting conservation efforts in the state. And now that Missouri is in a drought alert, those dollars are helping farmers prepare.

Since 1984, Missourians have approved the tax, which is one-tenth of a percent on every purchase, every 10 years. In the 2024 fiscal year, the tax generated around $137 million, which was evenly split between the state park system and the Soil and Water Conservation Program.

Revenue from the tax makes up 99% of the conservation program’s budget. It has been used to help people mitigate drought and heavy rainfall’s effects on farmland. Its story, though, began at a time when one of Missouri’s biggest threats was erosion.

In the 1930s, the United States faced a catastrophe that uprooted 400,000 people. A heavy drought and poor land management practices in the Great Plains region like intensive plowing left the soil vulnerable to being blown away by wind.

And when that wind came, it swept up the dirt with such force that dust storms could engulf entire towns. At one point, a giant dust storm 1,500 miles long and 600 miles wide dragged itself across the Great Plains. Eventually the storm reached Chicago and dropped 12 million tons of dust on the city. The New York Times reported the size of the cloud darkened the city’s sky in five hours.

The Dust Bowl showed the importance of soil conservation. In response, new agencies were created and developed practices to address drought and water quality, among other things.

And in 1982, Missouri was facing a big challenge.

Land in the state was losing nutrients in its soil through erosion. According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the state had the second-highest erosion rates in the nation. Lawmakers decided to act.

Merle Doughty, who was president of the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at the time, was advocating for more support to the program. He met with then Missouri House Rep. LeRoy Braungardt, who introduced the sales tax bill in 1983. A year later, Missourians voted the bill into law.

Since then, the Soil and Water Conservation Program’s main focus has been working with farmers across the state to better prepare their land for harsh weather conditions.

Jim Plassmeyer is the current director of the Soil and Water Conservation Program, which is part of the Department of Natural Resources. His team’s cost-share programs have helped farmers implement conservation practices. They are completely optional for farmers, who can contact their county’s district to send an agent to assess their land.

“It’s all about the producers coming to the district saying, ‘I have a resource concern I need to need to address. Can you help me?’” Plassmeyer said.

Kenny Reichert, a Chariton County farmer, was one of the first to reach out shortly after the tax passed into law. He said he grew up on a corn and soybean farm that needed help with its soil practices. His family didn’t know much about conservation then, but they wanted to learn.

“I was always looking for something, but I didn’t know what it was,” Reichert said. “The cost share helped show me there was an avenue to get conservation accomplished.”

On his farm, Reichert would come to plant cover crops. When rain falls, it does so at a high speed that dislodges the earth like tiny explosions. The soil’s nutrients move with it. When a crop is planted, its leaves serve as an umbrella, protecting the dirt from impact. The crop’s roots also help the soil retain its structure and absorb more nutrients for the plant.

Reichert said he saw an improvement in crop yield on his farm. He later joined the Chariton County Soil and Water Conservation Board in north-central Missouri to help other farmers. It’s one of 114 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the state — one in each county.

Plassmeyer said since 1986, more than 193 million tons of soil have been saved from eroding. In this fiscal year, the program treated more than 361,500 acres. But the team doesn’t work alone.

Kelly Nelson’s office consists of more than 1,500 acres of experimental farmland at the Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center. He’s an agronomist for the University of Missouri. At the Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm, he works with a team of faculty, staff and graduate students to develop practices that conserve water and soil resources while enhancing the resiliency of cropping systems.

Nelson said water and soil are connected, and that effective practices incorporate both. He has worked on a terrace system that regulates water runoff.

“(Soil) is like a sponge,” Nelson said. “You can run water on your sponge, and until it gets saturated, it doesn’t run out. If you pick up your sponge, it will drain out a certain amount of water. That is the ability of soil to hold water. Once you fill it all the way up, water can’t go anywhere, so it’s going to run off.”

In the system, cover crops are planted on inclined land, which guides the water down into a gravel-covered patch. The gravel is 6 inches deep, leading to larger chunks of stone above a pipe that directs the water to a reservoir. The gravel makes the pipe inlet hard to see, which is why it’s called a “blind” inlet.

The water is then stored and can be used later. When it rains too much, a second inlet in the reservoir releases the excess into a natural waterway.

“The next generation can look back and say, ‘Hey, they had a vision, and they took care of us,’” Nelson said. “We can preserve that for generations to come.”

Nelson said the blind inlets that were installed cost approximately $1,000 per acre. Already existing research on similar systems has reported the inlets reduce soil loss by 60%. Landowners don’t have to front the whole cost themselves, though, as the Water and Soil Conservation Program offers cost-share programs.

‘We’re the government, and we’re here to help’

The program also offers cost-share assistance for practices that focus on grazing, irrigation management, animal waste and more.

Through it, Reichert was able to add Nelson’s blind inlets to his own farm.

“I wouldn’t go back in a heartbeat to the way we used to farm,” Reichert said. “There’s conservation benefits, economic benefits, fuel benefits. I don’t use the fuel I used to 40 years ago.”

Reichert is still trying to share the benefits with farmers around him. Oftentimes, though, he finds it difficult to convince others to adapt from practices that have been around for generations. Reichert said he understands the difficulty of straying from traditional practices. It’s up to everyone to decide what to do with their property; he just hopes people do what’s best for their land.

“We’re doing the same thing our grandparents did,” Reichert said. “We just have the research behind us now to show us why it works.”

Plassmeyer credits the sales tax for the conservation program’s innovation in soil research. It allows the program to access steady income, rather than relying solely on federal grants. Because the tax is voted on every 10 years, it enables the program to develop long-term projects.

Missourians have approved the tax each year it has been up for a vote. In 2016, the tax passed with 80% of the vote, winning approval in every county. It will be up for re-election again in 2026, and Plassmeyer hopes people support the program’s funding.

“You know, you hear a lot, ‘We’re the government, and we’re here to help,’” Plassmeyer said. “Well, that is true to the word in this program.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/how-a-state-sales-tax-helps-missouri-farmers-resist-droughts/article_95525139-32b4-5eef-8d30-06a166d3ddf2.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734180128924.png" alt=" Kelly Nelson rides an all-terrain vehicle to navigate places other vehicles can’t reach on farms. The research farm is located in Novelty (Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval/Missouri Business Alert)." />
 <figcaption> Kelly Nelson rides an all-terrain vehicle to navigate places other vehicles can’t reach on farms. The research farm is located in Novelty (Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval/Missouri Business Alert).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tadeoruizsandoval/">TADEO RUIZ SANDOVAL</a>Every day, Missourians pay a small tax with each purchase they make that’s been supporting conservation efforts in the state. And now that Missouri is in a drought alert, those dollars are helping farmers prepare.Since 1984, Missourians have approved the tax, which is one-tenth of a percent on every purchase, every 10 years. In the 2024 fiscal year, the tax generated around $137 million, which was evenly split between the state park system and the Soil and Water Conservation Program.Revenue from the tax makes up 99% of the conservation program’s budget. It has been used to help people mitigate drought and heavy rainfall’s effects on farmland. Its story, though, began at a time when one of Missouri’s biggest threats was erosion.<h2>A history built on dirt</h2>In the 1930s, the United States faced a catastrophe that uprooted 400,000 people. A heavy drought and poor land management practices in the Great Plains region like intensive plowing left the soil vulnerable to being blown away by wind.And when that wind came, it swept up the dirt with such force that dust storms could engulf entire towns. At one point, a giant dust storm 1,500 miles long and 600 miles wide dragged itself across the Great Plains. Eventually the storm reached Chicago and dropped 12 million tons of dust on the city. The New York Times reported the size of the cloud darkened the city’s sky in five hours.The Dust Bowl showed the importance of soil conservation. In response, new agencies were created and developed practices to address drought and water quality, among other things.And in 1982, Missouri was facing a big challenge.Land in the state was losing nutrients in its soil through erosion. According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the state had the second-highest erosion rates in the nation. Lawmakers decided to act.Merle Doughty, who was president of the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at the time, was advocating for more support to the program. He met with then Missouri House Rep. LeRoy Braungardt, who introduced the sales tax bill in 1983. A year later, Missourians voted the bill into law.Since then, the Soil and Water Conservation Program’s main focus has been working with farmers across the state to better prepare their land for harsh weather conditions.<h2>Program takes root with farmers</h2>Jim Plassmeyer is the current director of the Soil and Water Conservation Program, which is part of the Department of Natural Resources. His team’s cost-share programs have helped farmers implement conservation practices. They are completely optional for farmers, who can contact their county’s district to send an agent to assess their land.“It’s all about the producers coming to the district saying, ‘I have a resource concern I need to need to address. Can you help me?’” Plassmeyer said.Kenny Reichert, a Chariton County farmer, was one of the first to reach out shortly after the tax passed into law. He said he grew up on a corn and soybean farm that needed help with its soil practices. His family didn’t know much about conservation then, but they wanted to learn.“I was always looking for something, but I didn’t know what it was,” Reichert said. “The cost share helped show me there was an avenue to get conservation accomplished.”On his farm, Reichert would come to plant cover crops. When rain falls, it does so at a high speed that dislodges the earth like tiny explosions. The soil’s nutrients move with it. When a crop is planted, its leaves serve as an umbrella, protecting the dirt from impact. The crop’s roots also help the soil retain its structure and absorb more nutrients for the plant.Reichert said he saw an improvement in crop yield on his farm. He later joined the Chariton County Soil and Water Conservation Board in north-central Missouri to help other farmers. It’s one of 114 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the state — one in each county.Plassmeyer said since 1986, more than 193 million tons of soil have been saved from eroding. In this fiscal year, the program treated more than 361,500 acres. But the team doesn’t work alone.<h2>The science of a sustainable future</h2>Kelly Nelson’s office consists of more than 1,500 acres of experimental farmland at the Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center. He’s an agronomist for the University of Missouri. At the Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm, he works with a team of faculty, staff and graduate students to develop practices that conserve water and soil resources while enhancing the resiliency of cropping systems.Nelson said water and soil are connected, and that effective practices incorporate both. He has worked on a terrace system that regulates water runoff.“(Soil) is like a sponge,” Nelson said. “You can run water on your sponge, and until it gets saturated, it doesn’t run out. If you pick up your sponge, it will drain out a certain amount of water. That is the ability of soil to hold water. Once you fill it all the way up, water can’t go anywhere, so it’s going to run off.”In the system, cover crops are planted on inclined land, which guides the water down into a gravel-covered patch. The gravel is 6 inches deep, leading to larger chunks of stone above a pipe that directs the water to a reservoir. The gravel makes the pipe inlet hard to see, which is why it’s called a “blind” inlet.The water is then stored and can be used later. When it rains too much, a second inlet in the reservoir releases the excess into a natural waterway.“The next generation can look back and say, ‘Hey, they had a vision, and they took care of us,’” Nelson said. “We can preserve that for generations to come.”Nelson said the blind inlets that were installed cost approximately $1,000 per acre. Already existing research on similar systems has reported the inlets reduce soil loss by 60%. Landowners don’t have to front the whole cost themselves, though, as the Water and Soil Conservation Program offers cost-share programs.<h2>‘We’re the government, and we’re here to help’</h2>The program also offers cost-share assistance for practices that focus on grazing, irrigation management, animal waste and more.Through it, Reichert was able to add Nelson’s blind inlets to his own farm.“I wouldn’t go back in a heartbeat to the way we used to farm,” Reichert said. “There’s conservation benefits, economic benefits, fuel benefits. I don’t use the fuel I used to 40 years ago.”Reichert is still trying to share the benefits with farmers around him. Oftentimes, though, he finds it difficult to convince others to adapt from practices that have been around for generations. Reichert said he understands the difficulty of straying from traditional practices. It’s up to everyone to decide what to do with their property; he just hopes people do what’s best for their land.“We’re doing the same thing our grandparents did,” Reichert said. “We just have the research behind us now to show us why it works.”Plassmeyer credits the sales tax for the conservation program’s innovation in soil research. It allows the program to access steady income, rather than relying solely on federal grants. Because the tax is voted on every 10 years, it enables the program to develop long-term projects.Missourians have approved the tax each year it has been up for a vote. In 2016, the tax passed with 80% of the vote, winning approval in every county. It will be up for re-election again in 2026, and Plassmeyer hopes people support the program’s funding.“You know, you hear a lot, ‘We’re the government, and we’re here to help,’” Plassmeyer said. “Well, that is true to the word in this program.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/how-a-state-sales-tax-helps-missouri-farmers-resist-droughts/article_95525139-32b4-5eef-8d30-06a166d3ddf2.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

How a state sales tax helps Missouri farmers resist droughts

The highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Palo Alto County just days after the bird flu was detected in an egg-laying flock in Sioux County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced only days ago, the fifth detection this year of the H5N1 influenza virus, and Gov. Kim Reynolds extended a disaster proclamation issued for Sioux County on Friday, to include Palo Alto County. 

The department also announced last Monday another case of HPAI was detected in Sioux County, also in a commercial egg-laying flock. The avian flu has also appeared in dairy cattle since spring of this year and has affected nearly 60 humans who have come into contact with those infected animals. The consumption of poultry and egg products does remain safe, according to the department, as is the consumption of pasteurized dairy products. The USDA announced a new mandatory dairy testing program for the avian flu back on December 6.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Palo Alto County just days after the bird flu was detected in an egg-laying flock in Sioux County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced only days ago, the fifth detection this year of the H5N1 influenza virus, and Gov. Kim Reynolds extended a disaster proclamation issued for Sioux County on Friday, to include Palo Alto County. The department also announced last Monday another case of HPAI was detected in Sioux County, also in a commercial egg-laying flock. The avian flu has also appeared in dairy cattle since spring of this year and has affected nearly 60 humans who have come into contact with those infected animals. The consumption of poultry and egg products does remain safe, according to the department, as is the consumption of pasteurized dairy products. The USDA announced a new mandatory dairy testing program for the avian flu back on December 6.

Bird Flu detected in Iowa flock, disaster proclamation extended

Farm labor has been an ongoing issue for the ag industry. With Republicans in control of both the House and Senate beginning January 3rd and President Trump returning to the White House on January 20th, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says that he’ll be pushing lawmakers on Capitol Hill next year to revise the H-2A Visa program. The H-2A program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire non-immigrants from different countries for agricultural services throughout the year. 

Farm labor has been an ongoing issue for the ag industry. With Republicans in control of both the House and Senate beginning January 3rd and President Trump returning to the White House on January 20th, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says that he’ll be pushing lawmakers on Capitol Hill next year to revise the H-2A Visa program. The H-2A program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire non-immigrants from different countries for agricultural services throughout the year.

Judge blocks rule strengthening protections for temporary farmworkers

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association reiterated the important role of beef in a healthy diet and responded to the questionable advice published in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. Despite a wealth of high-quality scientific evidence that beef has an important role to play in a healthy diet, the committee is advising USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services that federal nutrition guidelines should include a reduction in red meat consumption. 

“Most Americans already eat beef within the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended levels for a healthy diet,” says NCBA President Mark Eisele. “Public health advice should be based on the totality of scientific evidence.” He also says the Advisory Committee ignored robust and rigorous scientific evidence about beef’s essential nutrients and the foundational, positive role it plays in health as a preferred protein in a variety of healthy diets for all Americans.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association reiterated the important role of beef in a healthy diet and responded to the questionable advice published in the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. Despite a wealth of high-quality scientific evidence that beef has an important role to play in a healthy diet, the committee is advising USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services that federal nutrition guidelines should include a reduction in red meat consumption. “Most Americans already eat beef within the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended levels for a healthy diet,” says NCBA President Mark Eisele. “Public health advice should be based on the totality of scientific evidence.” He also says the Advisory Committee ignored robust and rigorous scientific evidence about beef’s essential nutrients and the foundational, positive role it plays in health as a preferred protein in a variety of healthy diets for all Americans.-NAFB

NCBA responds to dietary guidelines report

The USDA’s December WASDE Report shows a 2024-2025 U.S. corn outlook of greater corn used for ethanol, larger exports, and lower ending stocks. Corn used to produce ethanol was raised 50 million bushels to 5.5 billion. Exports rose by 150 million bushels. With no other use changes, corn ending stocks are reduced by 200 million bushels to 1.7 billion. The season-average corn price received by producers was steady at $4.10 a bushel. 

U.S. soybean supply and use projections are unchanged from last month. The U.S. season-average soybean price is forecast at $10.20 a bushel, down sixty cents from last month. This month’s 2024-2025 wheat outlook is for slightly larger supplies, unchanged domestic use, increased exports, and lower ending stocks. While projected wheat ending stocks are reduced by 20 million bushels, it’s still 14 percent higher than last years number. The season-average farm price is unchanged at $5.60 per bushel.

The USDA’s December WASDE Report shows a 2024-2025 U.S. corn outlook of greater corn used for ethanol, larger exports, and lower ending stocks. Corn used to produce ethanol was raised 50 million bushels to 5.5 billion. Exports rose by 150 million bushels. With no other use changes, corn ending stocks are reduced by 200 million bushels to 1.7 billion. The season-average corn price received by producers was steady at $4.10 a bushel. U.S. soybean supply and use projections are unchanged from last month. The U.S. season-average soybean price is forecast at $10.20 a bushel, down sixty cents from last month. This month’s 2024-2025 wheat outlook is for slightly larger supplies, unchanged domestic use, increased exports, and lower ending stocks. While projected wheat ending stocks are reduced by 20 million bushels, it’s still 14 percent higher than last years number. The season-average farm price is unchanged at $5.60 per bushel.

USDA cuts corn ending stocks by 200 million bushels

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association thanked the Senate for passing the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act last week. In addition to providing much-needed relief to victims of hurricanes, this legislation provides tax relief for cattle producers who received payments due to wildfires. Those payments were counted as taxable income, meaning producers who already suffered from disasters were hurt again by having their relief payments taxed. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association thanked the Senate for passing the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act last week. In addition to providing much-needed relief to victims of hurricanes, this legislation provides tax relief for cattle producers who received payments due to wildfires. Those payments were counted as taxable income, meaning producers who already suffered from disasters were hurt again by having their relief payments taxed.

NCBA endorsed tax relief passes Senate

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy to address H5N1 infections in U.S. dairy herds. The measure builds on steps already taken by USDA and its federal and state partners since H5N1 was first found in dairy cattle in March 2024. The Federal Order and guidance requires that unpasteurized milk samples nationwide be shared with USDA for testing. 

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy to address H5N1 infections in U.S. dairy herds. The measure builds on steps already taken by USDA and its federal and state partners since H5N1 was first found in dairy cattle in March 2024. The Federal Order and guidance requires that unpasteurized milk samples nationwide be shared with USDA for testing.

USDA begins national milk testing for H5N1 

(Radio Iowa) - The southern part of the state took a little longer to finish up the harvest this year compared to the north. Iowa State Extension field agronomist, Aaron Saeugling covers the southwest corner of the state, and says a wet spring delayed planting. 

He says they have more time in southern counties to make up for a planting delay than northern Iowa in terms of harvest. He says it's not unusual to be combining corn at Thanksgiving -- while in northern Iowa they don't like to do that because Mother Nature can come. Saeugling they had some pretty good yields despite the late start.

Saeugling covers Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Fremont, Page and Ringgold counties.

(Radio Iowa) - The southern part of the state took a little longer to finish up the harvest this year compared to the north. Iowa State Extension field agronomist, Aaron Saeugling covers the southwest corner of the state, and says a wet spring delayed planting. He says they have more time in southern counties to make up for a planting delay than northern Iowa in terms of harvest. He says it's not unusual to be combining corn at Thanksgiving -- while in northern Iowa they don't like to do that because Mother Nature can come. Saeugling they had some pretty good yields despite the late start.Saeugling covers Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Fremont, Page and Ringgold counties.

Late Planting Leads To Later Harvest For Southern Iowa

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which establishes the amount of a pesticide that’s allowed on food. This rule revokes all tolerances for chlorpyrifos (klor·peeruh·faas), except for those tolerances associated with the 11 food and feed crops that would remain registered. EPA says it’s taking this action in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. 

“EPA continues to prioritize the health of children,” says Michal Freedhoff of the EPA. “This proposed rule is a critical step forward as we work to reduce chlorpyrifos in or on food and to better protect people, including infants and children, from exposure to chemicals that are harmful to human health.” Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that was used in a large variety of ways in agriculture, including soybeans, fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and other row crops, as well as many non-food uses.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed rule to revoke tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which establishes the amount of a pesticide that’s allowed on food. This rule revokes all tolerances for chlorpyrifos (klor·peeruh·faas), except for those tolerances associated with the 11 food and feed crops that would remain registered. EPA says it’s taking this action in response to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. “EPA continues to prioritize the health of children,” says Michal Freedhoff of the EPA. “This proposed rule is a critical step forward as we work to reduce chlorpyrifos in or on food and to better protect people, including infants and children, from exposure to chemicals that are harmful to human health.” Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide that was used in a large variety of ways in agriculture, including soybeans, fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and other row crops, as well as many non-food uses.- NAFB

EPA Rule Would Revoke Most Uses of Insecticide

The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.” The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs. 

“Confusion over a multitude of different date labeling terms on food products accounts for about 20 percent of food waste in the home,” says FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “We look forward to gathering information to determine how date labeling can make it easier for consumers to know whether a food is still good to eat and avoid food waste.” Both agencies currently recommend that food industry members voluntarily apply the “Best if Used By” quality-based food date label.

The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.” The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs. “Confusion over a multitude of different date labeling terms on food products accounts for about 20 percent of food waste in the home,” says FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “We look forward to gathering information to determine how date labeling can make it easier for consumers to know whether a food is still good to eat and avoid food waste.” Both agencies currently recommend that food industry members voluntarily apply the “Best if Used By” quality-based food date label.- NAFB

USDA, FDA Looking at Clarification of Food Labeling

A Texas federal court halted the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act’s beneficial ownership reporting requirements that included America’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. The court held the CTA as likely unconstitutional, so it issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing the Act and its reporting requirements against anyone. 

A Texas federal court halted the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act’s beneficial ownership reporting requirements that included America’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. The court held the CTA as likely unconstitutional, so it issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing the Act and its reporting requirements against anyone.

Texas court strikes down CTA/BOI

A company letter released this week by the state of Minnesota says Cargill will permanently terminate almost 500 employees in the state, which is home to the company’s corporate headquarters. The terminations will begin on February 5. Cargill recently announced it would cut approximately five percent of its overall staff after revenue took a hit in its most recent fiscal year thanks to a big slump in crop prices. 

A company letter released this week by the state of Minnesota says Cargill will permanently terminate almost 500 employees in the state, which is home to the company’s corporate headquarters. The terminations will begin on February 5. Cargill recently announced it would cut approximately five percent of its overall staff after revenue took a hit in its most recent fiscal year thanks to a big slump in crop prices.

Tyson, Cargill announce layoffs

Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $149.7 billion in calendar year 2024, down by $6 billion, or 4.1 percent, relative to 2023. Inflation-adjusted farm income is forecast to drop by $9.5 billion, or 6.3 percent. Despite the predicted decline, net farm income in 2024 would be 16 percent above the 20-year average of $121.4 billion. Cash receipts from the sale of agricultural commodities are forecast to decrease by $4 billion (0.8 percent) from 2023 to $516.9 billion in 2024. 

Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $149.7 billion in calendar year 2024, down by $6 billion, or 4.1 percent, relative to 2023. Inflation-adjusted farm income is forecast to drop by $9.5 billion, or 6.3 percent. Despite the predicted decline, net farm income in 2024 would be 16 percent above the 20-year average of $121.4 billion. Cash receipts from the sale of agricultural commodities are forecast to decrease by $4 billion (0.8 percent) from 2023 to $516.9 billion in 2024.

Farm sector profits forecast to fall in 2024

Farmer sentiment jumped again in November as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 30 points to 145. That’s the highest level of farmer optimism since May 2021. The Future Expectations index saw the largest jump, rising 37 points to 116, while the Current Conditions Index increased 18 points to 113. The November sentiment boost reflects growing optimism about a more favorable regulatory and tax environment for agriculture following the November election. 

Farmer sentiment jumped again in November as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 30 points to 145. That’s the highest level of farmer optimism since May 2021. The Future Expectations index saw the largest jump, rising 37 points to 116, while the Current Conditions Index increased 18 points to 113. The November sentiment boost reflects growing optimism about a more favorable regulatory and tax environment for agriculture following the November election.

Farmer sentiment highest since 2021

Lower returns to rented land and higher interest rates began signaling the potential for falling farmland prices back in 2023. Reports show those signals are continuing, with the current fundamentals suggesting land value reductions of approximately three percent in 2025. A three percent drop would be in line with observed adjustments since the 1980s as well as expectations from professional farm managers who were surveyed this year. 

Lower returns to rented land and higher interest rates began signaling the potential for falling farmland prices back in 2023. Reports show those signals are continuing, with the current fundamentals suggesting land value reductions of approximately three percent in 2025. A three percent drop would be in line with observed adjustments since the 1980s as well as expectations from professional farm managers who were surveyed this year.

Economists forecast drop in land prices

The American Consumers Institute is the latest organization to voice strong support for the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Nate Scherer, policy analyst for the group, says AM radio is vital for ensuring public safety and maintaining access to vital information for millions of Americans. More than 80 million Americans rely on AM radio each month for programming that includes weather updates, traffic reports, sports, and emergency alerts.

The American Consumers Institute is the latest organization to voice strong support for the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Nate Scherer, policy analyst for the group, says AM radio is vital for ensuring public safety and maintaining access to vital information for millions of Americans. More than 80 million Americans rely on AM radio each month for programming that includes weather updates, traffic reports, sports, and emergency alerts.

Consumer Institute advocates for AM radio

The US agricultural trade deficit is forecasted to grow significantly, with the USDA projecting a record $45.5 billion gap for fiscal year 2025. This updated outlook surpasses the previous estimate of $42.5 billion from August 2024. Agricultural exports, expected to reach $170 billion, remain 13% below their 2022 peak, impacted by declining global prices. Imports, on the other hand, are forecasted to hit $215.5 billion, driven by rising demand for tropical fruits and sugar.

The US agricultural trade deficit is forecasted to grow significantly, with the USDA projecting a record $45.5 billion gap for fiscal year 2025. This updated outlook surpasses the previous estimate of $42.5 billion from August 2024. Agricultural exports, expected to reach $170 billion, remain 13% below their 2022 peak, impacted by declining global prices. Imports, on the other hand, are forecasted to hit $215.5 billion, driven by rising demand for tropical fruits and sugar.

Record farm trade gap for 2025 looms 

Deere &amp; Co. finished the year stronger than expected after aggressively cutting production and seeing solid demand for new tractors and precision agriculture technology. The Moline, Illinois-based tractor giant reported a net profit of $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter compared to $2.4 billion last year as farmers grappled with high interest rates and low commodity prices. Sales and revenue totaled $11.1 billion, down 28% from a year ago. Despite economic challenges, Deere Chairman and CEO John May said in an earnings call that company performance was better than expected, which led to strong reinvestment across the enterprise. 

Deere &amp; Co. finished the year stronger than expected after aggressively cutting production and seeing solid demand for new tractors and precision agriculture technology. The Moline, Illinois-based tractor giant reported a net profit of $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter compared to $2.4 billion last year as farmers grappled with high interest rates and low commodity prices. Sales and revenue totaled $11.1 billion, down 28% from a year ago. Despite economic challenges, Deere Chairman and CEO John May said in an earnings call that company performance was better than expected, which led to strong reinvestment across the enterprise.

New products push Deere to strong Q4 earnings

The United States has paused imports of cattle from Mexico after a positive detection of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest that can be fatal to animals and in some cases humans. Authorities identified an infected cow at a livestock inspection checkpoint close to the border of Guatemala. Given the northward movement of screwworm, USDA said it is “restricting the importation of animal commodities,” including live cattle and bison, that originated or were transported through Mexico, effective immediately. 

The United States has paused imports of cattle from Mexico after a positive detection of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest that can be fatal to animals and in some cases humans. Authorities identified an infected cow at a livestock inspection checkpoint close to the border of Guatemala. Given the northward movement of screwworm, USDA said it is “restricting the importation of animal commodities,” including live cattle and bison, that originated or were transported through Mexico, effective immediately.

U.S. halts Mexico cattle imports after New World Screwworm detected

The National Corn Growers Association’s Economic Update reported on everything from trends to challenges, opportunities, and market conditions in U.S. agriculture. The rapid 2024 harvest gives farmers an edge on any fall field preparations and more time to finalize year-end financial plans, which is critical in the current high-cost and low-price environment. It also looked at the impact of a potential tariff war. 

The National Corn Growers Association’s Economic Update reported on everything from trends to challenges, opportunities, and market conditions in U.S. agriculture. The rapid 2024 harvest gives farmers an edge on any fall field preparations and more time to finalize year-end financial plans, which is critical in the current high-cost and low-price environment. It also looked at the impact of a potential tariff war.

Corn growers release quarterly economic update

President-elect Donald Trump chose Brooke Rollins as his nominee for the next Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins is a graduate of Texas A&amp;M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture development. She grew up in the small agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, while spending years in leadership involvement with FFA and 4-H. 

“Her commitment to support the American farmer, defense of American food self-sufficiency, and the restoration of agriculture-dependent small towns in America is second to none,” the President-elect said. “As the next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country.” Rollins was on Trump’s 2016 Economic Advisory Council and worked as the Director of the Domestic Public Policy Council. Rollins has also spent the past four years as the Founder and CEO of the American First Policy Institute and America First Works.

President-elect Donald Trump chose Brooke Rollins as his nominee for the next Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins is a graduate of Texas A&amp;M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture development. She grew up in the small agriculture-centered town of Glen Rose, Texas, while spending years in leadership involvement with FFA and 4-H. “Her commitment to support the American farmer, defense of American food self-sufficiency, and the restoration of agriculture-dependent small towns in America is second to none,” the President-elect said. “As the next Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke will spearhead the effort to protect American farmers, who are truly the backbone of our country.” Rollins was on Trump’s 2016 Economic Advisory Council and worked as the Director of the Domestic Public Policy Council. Rollins has also spent the past four years as the Founder and CEO of the American First Policy Institute and America First Works.

Trump picks nominee for Secretary of Agriculture

Federal officials testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on how they’re dealing with disasters. Reports say Georgia and North Carolina senators testified about the devastation facing their farmers after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit those states this Fall. Beyond those disasters, several senators also talked about significant financial losses facing row crop farmers in their states. 

“Many farmers across the country are on the verge of going out of business due to hurricanes, wildfires, drought, and other weather-related events that wiped out entire crops,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “But there are also many farmers across the country on the verge of going out of business due to high input costs and below break-even commodity prices, and they need help too.” She added that for the first time in her career, she’s had lenders and bankers say they weren’t going to be able to help finance farmers in 2025.

Federal officials testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on how they’re dealing with disasters. Reports say Georgia and North Carolina senators testified about the devastation facing their farmers after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit those states this Fall. Beyond those disasters, several senators also talked about significant financial losses facing row crop farmers in their states. “Many farmers across the country are on the verge of going out of business due to hurricanes, wildfires, drought, and other weather-related events that wiped out entire crops,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “But there are also many farmers across the country on the verge of going out of business due to high input costs and below break-even commodity prices, and they need help too.” She added that for the first time in her career, she’s had lenders and bankers say they weren’t going to be able to help finance farmers in 2025.

Senators want farm aid beyond hurricane damages

The USDA’s Farm Labor Report, released on November 20, offers a glimpse into the future of farm expenses. The Department of Labor uses the “field and livestock workers’ combined” wage rate reported in the November Farm Labor Report to establish most H-2A workers’ minimum wage, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. This year, the combined field and livestock worker wage rate nationally is $18.12, up 3.2 percent from the previous release. Regional wages increased an average of 4.5 percent, but this reflects wide ranges of change across the country. 

Fruit and vegetable farmers, the largest users of H-2A, spend 38 percent of their farm expenses on labor, and that share will continue to grow if wages grow as they have in recent years. Rising farmworker wages are a challenge to American specialty crop producers competing with farmers in other countries who can hire at a fraction of the cost.

The USDA’s Farm Labor Report, released on November 20, offers a glimpse into the future of farm expenses. The Department of Labor uses the “field and livestock workers’ combined” wage rate reported in the November Farm Labor Report to establish most H-2A workers’ minimum wage, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. This year, the combined field and livestock worker wage rate nationally is $18.12, up 3.2 percent from the previous release. Regional wages increased an average of 4.5 percent, but this reflects wide ranges of change across the country. Fruit and vegetable farmers, the largest users of H-2A, spend 38 percent of their farm expenses on labor, and that share will continue to grow if wages grow as they have in recent years. Rising farmworker wages are a challenge to American specialty crop producers competing with farmers in other countries who can hire at a fraction of the cost.- NAFB

Farm labor costs continue climbing

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.” A major battle is brewing over how much red meat Americans should consume — and it has the beef industry seeing red. The United States is preparing next year to update its Dietary Guidelines for Americans, an influential set of recommendations that inform nutrition labels, what food is served in schools and hospitals and the advice that healthcare professionals give patients.

U.S. dietary guidelines could cut meat and potatoes

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. 

The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.

The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny applications re-registering the controversial weedkiller from three of the biggest crop protection companies. Three Senate Democrats are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to deny applications to re-register the herbicide dicamba, saying the weedkiller cannot be used without causing unreasonable adverse effects. The herbicide, which was pulled from the market earlier this year, can drift when sprayed and cause irreparable harm to human health, critical habitats and neighboring crops, according to a letter from senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch. Re-registering the herbicide with tighter usage restrictions, as the agency has done in the past, has not been enough to mitigate damage from dicamba, the letter said. The senators reiterate that that dicamba cannot be fixed.