Policy
The October Monthly Monitor reflects cautious optimism in certain areas of agriculture, marked by export strengths and potential price recoveries, but shadowed by long-term rebuilding challenges, weather dependencies and the impact of the upcoming election.
USDA will issue $1.7 billion through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and CRP Transition Incentive Program (CRP TIP). USDA will also distribute more than $447 million in ARC and PLC payments related to 2023 crops.
There is still uncertainty about whether the guidance for the 45Z credit will be available before the credit takes effect. This could potentially create challenges for producers planning to claim the credit in early 2025.
As agriculture faces multiple challenges, USDA’s latest net farm income forecast is masking the reality for farmers. While livestock margins have improved for 2024, high input costs and below breakeven prices for row crops means margins could be the worst in nearly 20 years.
Farmers and lawmakers are focused on disaster relief, economic aid and completing the farm bill.
Based on a farmer poll and the Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, farmers and economists differ on whether Harris or Trump would be better for agriculture, particularly when it comes to trade.
These actions are part of the Biden/Harris administration’s efforts to open new markets for farmers, provide more competitive choices, lower food costs for consumers and support small businesses and family farms
The group of terminal operators and ocean container lines said their new offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, triple employer contributions to union retirement plans, strengthen health care options, and retain the current language around automation and semi-automation.
Grain terminal workers at the Port of Vancouver started returning to work on Sept. 28 following a tentative agreement to end a four-day strike that disrupted crop exports during the critical harvest season.
In response to John Deere’s recent announcement about moving some of its production to Mexico, Trump expressed concern about the impact on American workers, stating, “It’s hurting our country. It’s hurting our workers.”
Vice President Kamala Harris recently floated this policy to crack down on price gouging, but looking back on a similar plan from the Nixon administration shows not everything needs a second chance.
On the heels of the recent debate, we’d like to know which presidential candidate, Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump, you believe will have a more positive impact on agriculture.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released the unedited responses from Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump to its questionnaire on federal agricultural policy.
When Roscoe Filburn fed his family and cattle without government approval, the Ohio farmer charged into one of the most consequential fights in U.S. history.
There is uncertainty about the Farm Bill’s progress due to potential changes in the political landscape. One thing is certain: farmers need a new Farm Bill.
Estimates show Argentina’s corn acres could be down 20% due to damaging pests and low prices as crop insurance becomes a focus in the U.S.
Agricultural imports are expected to reach a record $212 billion, up $8 billion from FY 2024. This increase is largely due to rising imports of horticultural products, sugar and tropical products.
The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, who found the rule unconstitutional because it conflicted with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by granting collective bargaining rights to farmworkers.
Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago. The cost of Vice President Harris’ new proposals is uncertain, but the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates the plan would increase deficits by $1.7 trillion over the next decade.
Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition sets the stage for climate-smart funding rally as farm bill talks heat up
One of these conditions is the requirement that all eligible crops must be insured. This stipulation has led to some farmers being required to pay back ERP funds if it was found that even a single acre of marginal land was not insured, even if that land was not planted with a crop.
EPA has launched investigations into the supply chains of at least two renewable fuel producers amid industry concerns that some may be using fraudulent feedstocks for biodiesel to secure lucrative government subsidies.
Walz’s selection is seen as a strategic move to appeal to rural voters and progressives, given his track record of progressive policy achievements and his Midwestern charm.
The classification would have boosted exports and reduced tariffs on goods from country that is rising supply chain alternative to China.
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson (R-Pa.) believes the CBO’s methodology underestimates the potential savings criticized them for what he sees as a history of underestimating Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) outlays.
USDA has distributed $2.2 billion to 43,000 individuals who experienced discrimination in receiving USDA farm program services before January 2021. More than 23,000 individuals currently or previously involved in farming or ranching received between $10,000 and $500,000.
Testimony at House Ag hearing Tuesday captured the downturn and anxiety in the ag sector.
Biden shared on X that he plans to focus on fulfilling his duties for remainder of term and will address nation later this week.
At this week’s Republican National Convention, the GOP confirmed their ticket for the 2024 presidential race while calling for unity in America following the assignation attempt on candidate Donald Trump. Meanwhile, there’s growing pressure among Democrats for President Joe Biden to step away from the race.
According to Reuters, production capacity of sustainable aviation fuel in the United States could jump by 1400% in 2024. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says that jump will happen if all the previously announced capacity additions come online.