Latest News From Jenna Hoffman

EPA’s New WOTUS Rules: What Producers Need to Know About
EPA’s New WOTUS Rules: What Producers Need to Know About

Waters of the U.S. rules have evolved many times in the past 50 years. EPA announced another round of changes on Tuesday, following a May Supreme Court ruling that required EPA to revise the definition.

$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023
$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023

USDA on Thursday lowered expectations for both ag exports and imports in FY 2023. The export decline is linked to corn and wheat, while the import decline is correlated with easing prices.

Here’s How Pro Farmer's 2023 Yield Estimates Stack Up to USDA Expectations
Here’s How Pro Farmer's 2023 Yield Estimates Stack Up to USDA Expectations

Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa corn projections fall below USDA's August estimates. Soybeans are on par in all scouted states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and South Dakota.

Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 4: “Extreme” Variability Spans Iowa and Minnesota
Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 4: “Extreme” Variability Spans Iowa and Minnesota

Sudden death or their time to go? Soybeans dry up in Iowa as Minnesota corn faces burn up to the first leaf below ears.

Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 3: Heat and Stress Take a Toll on Corn in Iowa and Illinois
Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 3: Heat and Stress Take a Toll on Corn in Iowa and Illinois

Lack of moisture and high-heat days have Iowa locals concerned about cannibalized stalks, while Illinois considers impacts of wildfire smoke and overnight temps.

Diesel Camp: Career Doors Open to High School Students in Four States
Diesel Camp: Career Doors Open to High School Students in Four States

Titan’s program, Diesel Camp, hosted 9th and 10th grade high school students at four community and technical colleges in Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota to foster interest in diesel mechanics.

Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 2: Drought in Nebraska, Tar Spot in Indiana
Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 2: Drought in Nebraska, Tar Spot in Indiana

As scouts made their way through eastern Nebraska, the state’s extreme-to-exceptional drought conditions (15%) were obvious in corn. Scouts on the eastern leg saw more of a mixed bag for corn, including disease.

Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 1: Mostly Green in Ohio and South Dakota
Pro Farmer Crop Tour, Day 1: Mostly Green in Ohio and South Dakota

This time last year, more than 36% of South Dakota was covered in drought. This year, that number dropped to 14%. Dry conditions did improve in the east, but some fear early season dryness could play out in coming weeks.

Rain to Hit Ohio, Nebraska Fields this Week on Pro Farmer Crop Tour
Rain to Hit Ohio, Nebraska Fields this Week on Pro Farmer Crop Tour

Hitting the road on Pro Farmer Crop Tour this week? I hope you packed your rain gear.

Expect to See White Mold, SDS and Gall Midge on Pro Farmer Crop Tour
Expect to See White Mold, SDS and Gall Midge on Pro Farmer Crop Tour

Brad Nelson and Tim Gregerson farm on opposing legs of the 2023 ProFarmer Crop Tour. They share a field preview with AgriTalk Host Chip Flory, and their crop conditions couldn’t be farther from the same.

Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban
Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban

“Mexico’s decree, which runs counter to scientific findings and is in direct violation of USMCA, is negatively impacting American corn growers,” said Tom Haag, NCGA president.

Airlines Push Jet Fuel Subsidies to Help Corn Growers
Airlines Push Jet Fuel Subsidies to Help Corn Growers

“These tax credits, which encourage the use of more eco-friendly fuels, could make or break the prospects of corn ethanol as a sustainable aviation fuel," says Jim Wiesemeyer, ProFarmer policy analyst.

Iowa, Nebraska Sue EPA for Stalling Year-Round E15
Iowa, Nebraska Sue EPA for Stalling Year-Round E15

“There’s no question of the law, science or anything. They’re simply not doing their job,” says Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director.

The proposed Nebraska law would make it easier for farmers to move heavy implements on Nebraska highways.
Smooth Criminal: 3 Targets Thieves Look for on Your Farm

Austin Kings, rural crimes investigator for Missouri Highway Patrol, takes a look at how a criminal might view your farm and home—what they see that producers don’t, and how producers can prevent becoming a target. 

Milwaukee Opens Ag Export Facility, Adding $63 Million to Trade Annually
Milwaukee Opens Ag Export Facility, Adding $63 Million to Trade Annually

The ag port addition is expected to increase exports of DDGS, corn and soybeans by 400,000 metric tons each year.

Premium Diesel
Majority of U.S. Renewable Diesel is Consumed by California

Renewable diesel consumption in the U.S. hit 28 million barrels in 2021, according to the Energy Information Administration. California burned up 99% of that consumption rate.

Broadband Bill Would Push Internet to Every “Last Acre” in Rural America
Broadband Bill Would Push Internet to Every “Last Acre” in Rural America

“Producers looking to adopt precision ag technologies need network connectivity that extends far past their residences. They need to be able to make real-time decisions that increase yields," says Sen. Fischer (R-Neb.).

Senate Votes to Limit Foreign Land Ownership
Senate Votes to Limit Foreign Land Ownership

Roughly 37.6 million acres of U.S. ag land is foreign owned, according to USDA. However, select purchases of U.S. land could come to an end following a Senate vote this week.

What You Need to Know: EPA’s Proposed Herbicide Regulations
What You Need to Know: EPA’s Proposed Herbicide Regulations

Roughly 1.4 million metric tons of herbicide was applied globally in 2020. EPA looks to reduce the U.S.’s contribution to global herbicide numbers via a new regulation proposed on Monday.

Fill Farm Management Gaps to Maximize Farm Productivity
Fill Farm Management Gaps to Maximize Farm Productivity

“Most farms don’t have the time, capabilities, perspectives, resources or desire to do all the tasks it takes to run an operation," says Steve Kluemper, AgriStrategies LLC founder. "A lot of growers hire to fill gaps."

CLAAS Expands Lineup with Two New Tractors
CLAAS Expands Lineup with Two New Tractors

CLAAS introduced its latest tractor lines: the XERION 12.650 and 12.590, the ARION 660, 650 and 630, as well as row-crop friendly options on the AXION 960 TT and 930 TT on Tuesday.

U.S. Committee Proposes New Roadblock for Foreign Land Ownership
U.S. Committee Proposes New Roadblock for Foreign Land Ownership

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) introduced an act to prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting U.S. land near security sites, and would push a review of current ownership in these areas.

Climate Corp
Ag Climate Data Collection to be Improved with $300 Million Investment

USDA looks to improve the future measure, monitoring, reporting and verification of ag climate emissions via a $300 million investment announced on Wednesday.

USDA Initiates Aid Program to Address Farm Lending Discrimination
USDA Initiates Aid Program to Address Farm Lending Discrimination

The program targets those who were discriminated against before Jan. 1, 2021, or those still in debt from discriminatory USDA farm loans. 

Norwegian Phosphate Rock Discovery Could Meet Global Fertilizer Demand for 50 Years
Norwegian Phosphate Rock Discovery Could Meet Global Fertilizer Demand for 50 Years

According to Columbia University, 90% of the world’s mined phosphate is used as fertilizer in ag. Morocco supplies 34% of the world’s traded phosphate rock, but this dynamic could change with Norge Mining’s discovery.

Tarspotter App Could Help Shield Corn from a Tar Spot Invasion
Tarspotter App Could Help Shield Corn from a Tar Spot Invasion

“This is the earliest we’ve reported tar spot in Iowa,” says Robertson, Iowa State professor of plant pathology. She says the early detection could be due to the Tarspotter app. Here's how it works.

Ag Labor Working Group Created to Gather Input from Producers
Ag Labor Working Group Created to Gather Input from Producers

The Committee on Ag is looking to solve workforce issues with the formation of the Ag Labor Working Group. "Reforms are desperately needed to address this pressing issue," said Co-Chair Rick Crawford (R-Ar.).

Renewable Fuel Standard Slammed by Biofuel Industry
Renewable Fuel Standard Slammed by Biofuel Industry

EPA released biofuel blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard on Tuesday. While EPA says the decision will reduce reliance on oil imports, some biofuel industry leaders do not approve.

USDA Allegedly Impacted by Russian-Speaking Hackers
USDA Allegedly Impacted by Russian-Speaking Hackers

According to USDA, Russian-speaking hackers are the likely suspects. The Office of Personnel Management and two organizations within the Department of Energy also were apparently targeted or breached.

Food Manufacturers Agree to Use Only non-GMO Corn in Mexico's Tortillas
Food Manufacturers Agree to Use Only non-GMO Corn in Mexico's Tortillas

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.

Airplane
New Fuel Act Could Pump More Biofuels into the Jet Market

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.

84% of Iowa Farmland Now Owned Debt-Free
84% of Iowa Farmland Now Owned Debt-Free

Iowa State researchers find this is the state's highest level of farmland owned debt-free. In 1982, Iowa's debt-free land ownership was only 62%.

What’s the Most Random Thing You’ve Found in Your Field? 5 Farmers Share Their Stories
What’s the Most Random Thing You’ve Found in Your Field? 5 Farmers Share Their Stories

We recently asked farmers what’s the most random thing they’ve found in their fields. Here are a few of the responses. 

Community College Ag Programs Could See $20 Million in New Funds
Community College Ag Programs Could See $20 Million in New Funds

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.

US Moves to Full Blown Trade Dispute with Mexico Over GMO Decree
US Moves to Full Blown Trade Dispute with Mexico Over GMO Decree

“We fundamentally disagree with the position Mexico has taken on the issue of biotechnology, which has been proven to be safe for decades,” said Tom Vilsack, USDA secretary.

World’s Largest Soil Archive Brings History to Life
World’s Largest Soil Archive Brings History to Life

Nestled in an old barn sat 8,000 mason jars filled with soil dating back to 1862. Now the plan is to revisit the 450 sampling locations spanning 21 million crop acres for insights into soil fertility and conservation.

Dead Noise: AM Radio Could Soon Be Phased Out of All Vehicles
Dead Noise: AM Radio Could Soon Be Phased Out of All Vehicles

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.

US Treasury Dept. Moves to Limit Foreign Land Purchases Near Military Bases
US Treasury Dept. Moves to Limit Foreign Land Purchases Near Military Bases

The Office of Investment Security proposed a rule on Friday that would require foreign entities to garner U.S. government approval before they are able to purchase land within 100 miles of eight military bases.

Farmer Sentiment Rallied 6 Points in April Ag Economy Barometer
Farmer Sentiment Rallied 6 Points in April Ag Economy Barometer

The reason for the shift is rooted in financial improvements, according to James Mintert, professor in the Department of Ag Economics at Purdue.

Farmers Edge Satellite Image
The New Space Jam: Delivering 51 Years of Satellite Data to America's Producers

As of May 2022, there were 5,465 satellites orbiting earth, with 3,433 of those under U.S. ownership. NASA and Congress are looking to tap into those U.S. satellites to help producers make more informed crop decisions.

E15 is Back Again for Summer 2023
E15 is Back Again for Summer 2023

Generally, E15 is banned in summer months, but EPA flipped the script for the first time last year when it lifted the ban to lower pump prices.

3 Farmland Market Drivers to Consider Right Now
3 Farmland Market Drivers to Consider Right Now

Doug Hensley, President of Hertz Farm Management, says while farmland sales reached highs last year, they recently hit a plateau. Here are three market drivers Hensley encourages producers to consider.

Kentucky Joins Band of States Blocking WOTUS
Kentucky Joins Band of States Blocking WOTUS

Kentucky is the 27th state to put a wall up against the legislation. EPA countered Kentucky’s move, asking the court to make clear that the latest rule does not apply nationwide.

Missouri Moves to Tighten Reins On Foreign Land Ownership
Missouri Moves to Tighten Reins On Foreign Land Ownership

The Missouri Senate on Wednesday backed a plan to amend the state's foreign land ownership threshold. The bill also includes a provision that would limit foreign countries from acquiring farmland in Missouri by Sept. 1.

What’s Wrong with the Current Waters of the U.S. Rule?
What’s Wrong with the Current Waters of the U.S. Rule?

“As I understand it, this rule says EPA is going to determine jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis,” says NCBA's Ethan Lane. “This is never the way you want a bureaucracy to interact with your private businesses."

Which States Would Feel the Effects of Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban?
Which States Would Feel the Effects of Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban?

According to researchers at Ohio State University, most U.S. states will experience a “limited effect” of the dispute in the short term. But the long-term could significantly impact states such as Illinois.

Senate Ag Leaders Ask for More Farm Bill Funds
Senate Ag Leaders Ask for More Farm Bill Funds

“A commitment to additional financial resources for the farm bill will help to transition our farm and food supplies away from ad hoc support," the Committee members said in a letter.

What is Farmland Going for in Iowa?
What is Farmland Going for in Iowa?

The accelerated highs in 2022 don’t look to be hitting the brakes in the first quarter of 2023, according to Jim Rothermich, vice president of Iowa Appraisal.

Which Country Imports the Most U.S. Wheat?
Which Country Imports the Most U.S. Wheat?

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's latest report shows top U.S. wheat importers could see a shake-up if trade barriers aren't addressed.

USDA Announces Second Round of Debt Relief to "Distressed" Borrowers
USDA Announces Second Round of Debt Relief to "Distressed" Borrowers

This round is for those who were delinquent on a direct loan as of Sept. 2020, restricted a loan after Feb. 2020 through FSA, or those who owe more interest on a direct loan than the level of the principal.