Policy
Under the bill, the USDA and the FDA would become members of CFIUS and their powers would be expanded to better consider ag needs when it decides if a purchase would create national security risks.
EPA’s 479-page RFS ruling can be difficult to sift through and interpret. Jim Wiesemeyer breaks down the heavy-hitting components that will impact producers.
Mexico reached an agreement with food manufacturers to use only non-GMO corn in tortilla production across the country. The government says it plans to implement new import tariffs on white corn imports.
The committee will meet on Thursday to officially set the toplines for each of the 12 appropriations bills. If all 12 bills aren’t passed by year-end, automatic across-the-board cuts would kick in to push talks along.
The U.S. and China have reportedly made “progress” and agreed to stabilize their relationship, but no major breakthroughs were outlined during the two-day meeting between U.S. and China high-ranking officials.
Over the 29 years of free trade, U.S. ag exports to Mexico increased both in terms of volume and value, although there were some years where growth was not positive.
The White House set a goal of producing 3 billion gal. of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030. Senators say outdated climate data is keeping producers from reaching the finish line, but a new bill could change that.
It’s not as simple as you might think. House Ag Chair G.T. Thompson shares a rundown of the funding and extension processes. He says the ag committees need to find new dollars to expand the farm bill budget.
Analysts at Wolfstreet believe the U.S. is seeing the first hint of an EV effect on gas demand. John Phipps looks at the data and explains why a possible peak in U.S. gasoline consumption could impact ethanol demand.
Chevron deference, one of the most frustrating legal doctrines faced by farmers and private landowners, may be on the brink.
National enrollment in ag and related science majors at two-year institutions grew 41% in Fall 2021. The Community College Ag Advancement Act aims to give these students more industry opportunities.
Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow, (D-Mich.) says there will be no new funding for the 2023 farm bill. However, Stabenow stressed she will not allow a cut in conservation funding.
The Senate and House Ag committees are facing delays in drafting the next farm bill, and it is expected to be the most expensive farm bill to date, clocking in at around $1.5 trillion.
Bill 3372 could lower greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate factors leading to supply chain backlogs, reduce damage to roads, and provide an extra set of brakes to improve stopping capacity and safety, one lawmaker says.
Mexico claims because it is self-sufficient in GMO corn for food, it has not violated any trade agreements. Given the firm stances of both countries, it appears this situation will lead to a USMCA dispute settlement.
“We don’t need to rewrite the entire farm bill,” Rep. Thompson (R-Pa.) says. “We’re comfortable with many parts of the 2018 bill and there aren’t many tweaks, instead things we need to protect and invest in.”
China’s exports to Russia reached a record high in April, amounting to $9.6 billion.
“We can’t prioritize one natural resource concern over all others and we shouldn’t prioritize one solution above all others,” Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) said.
Seven U.S. states along the drought-starved Colorado River have reached a deal with the Biden administration to conserve water in a “historic consensus” to prevent supply problems for big cities as well as farmers.
Final blending levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) are under review for 2023 and beyond. EPA is required to finalize the RFS levels by June 14, as per a consent agreement reached in court with Growth Energy.
“EPA is using decade-old analysis to measure the carbon intensity of ethanol, despite the Department of Energy’s updated data,” says Chris Bliley of Growth Energy. “This bill will ensure we capture the accuracy.”
The Ukraine Black Sea grain deal has been extended for two more months, one day before Russia could have quit the pact over obstacles to its grain and fertilizer exports.
John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, says ag need to be “front and center” as the climate solution.
Rural electric cooperatives, utilities and other energy providers will soon be able to apply for nearly $11 billion in grants and loans for clean energy projects, funded by the $430 billion Inflation Reduction Act.
NPPC’s Michael Formica predicts Proposition 12 repercussions will be seen in California as early as this morning.
“If California were to win this Supreme Court case, there’s nothing stopping the state from saying, for example, you can only sell corn in California if it’s harvested with an electric combine,” says Dillard.
Rep. Thompson signaled he wants to hear “commitment from everyone, including the president, that we will get this done and in the manner I’ve been speaking about. Bipartisan, bicameral, on time and highly effective.’”
Automakers, including Ford, recently announced they are planning to remove AM radio from their lineups. Joe Gill, National Association of Farm Broadcasters president, says this move poses a threat to public safety.
Wil Wilkins was stunned to read a freshly erected federal sign adjoining his land: PUBLIC ACCESS THRU PRIVATE LANDS. In a flash, every citizen of the U.S. had crossing rights on his private ground.
More than 75% of the farm bill is reserved for nutrition and SNAP. Congressmembers are looking to tighten the reins on SNAP benefits that “cost taxpayers billions and contribute to the nation’s obesity,” says Sen. Rubio.