Latest News From POLICY

Water Resources Bill Reauthorized with a Component that Will Impact Producers
Water Resources Bill Reauthorized with a Component that Will Impact Producers

The Fertilizer Institute applauded the passage of the legislation, which it dubbed an “integral” component of the fertilizer distribution system.

U.S.'s "Candid" GMO Corn Conversation With Mexico Results In Changes To Looming Trade Dispute
U.S.'s "Candid" GMO Corn Conversation With Mexico Results In Changes To Looming Trade Dispute

"We agreed to review their proposal closely and follow up with questions or concerns," said Tai and Vilsack in a joint statement.

Is the Great Financial Reset Now Underway?
Is the Great Financial Reset Now Underway?

The latest CPI shows that while inflation may be slowing, it still remains above the Fed's target. As inflation impacts farmers across their operation, Dan Basse looks at some of the concerns as farmers head into 2023.

senate
Congress Finally Reports Progress in the Omnibus Spending Bill

The agreement will allow lawmakers to spend the coming week hashing out specific spending levels for each federal agency as well as what legislative items they will attach to the bill, likely including ag aid.

Climate Corp
Soil Health a Priority in Latest USDA Climate Funding

Funding will be drawn from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), a development that has caught lawmakers’ attention.

Research in Ag-Tech Top-Of-Mind in Farm Bill Hearing
Research in Ag-Tech Top-Of-Mind in Farm Bill Hearing

“We rely on the support of farm bill funding and programs to ensure continued U.S. leadership as the provider of the best seed to the world," said Katy Rainey, Purdue associate professor, at the Senate Ag hearing.

Southern Border Crisis Might Shift Following Biden's Latest Move on Title 42
Southern Border Crisis Might Shift Following Biden's Latest Move on Title 42

Officials have been bracing for an influx of migrants when the authority lifts on Dec. 21. The Dept. of Homeland Security is projecting 14,000 migrants may then attempt to cross the U.S. southern border per day.

Mexico Signals New Decree is Coming for GMO Corn Imports
Mexico Signals New Decree is Coming for GMO Corn Imports

Mexican Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro told reporters in Mexico Wednesday the decree to bar imports of GMO crops into Mexico will be pushed back to 2025.

U.S./EU Spark a Trade Spat Over Limitations in the Inflation Reduction Act
U.S./EU Spark a Trade Spat Over Limitations in the Inflation Reduction Act

Europeans argue that the act is a beggar-thy-neighbor scheme designed to lure investors away from Europe, just as the region's economy teeters on the verge of recession.

Rail Strike Derailed as Biden Signs Labor Bill
Rail Strike Derailed as Biden Signs Labor Bill

According to Biden’s economic advisors, as many as 765,000 Americans — many union workers themselves — would have been put out of work in the first two weeks of shutdowns.

China Gives Signal it May Adjust its Stringent Zero-COVID Policy, Sparking New Wave of Protests
China Gives Signal it May Adjust its Stringent Zero-COVID Policy, Sparking New Wave of Protests

The top official in charge of China’s COVID-19 response told health officials Wednesday that the country faced a “new stage and mission” in pandemic controls.

Farm Share of the U.S. Food Dollar Hit a Record Low; What Does this Mean for Producers?
Farm Share of the U.S. Food Dollar Hit a Record Low; What Does this Mean for Producers?

Data released by USDA on Monday shows the farm share of the U.S. food dollar hit an all-time low in 2021. However, USDA says the decrease doesn’t necessarily mean producers are making less.

Renewable Fuel's Big Week: EPA's RFS Proposal And Year-Round E15 Legislation
Renewable Fuel's Big Week: EPA's RFS Proposal And Year-Round E15 Legislation

Proposed renewable fuel volume targets, electric vehicle's seat at the RFS table and year-round E15 odds: Here's everything you need to know about renewable fuel's big week on The Hill.

Congress Steps in to Avert Railroad Strike:  House Passes Measure, Awaits Senate Approval
Congress Steps in to Avert Railroad Strike: House Passes Measure, Awaits Senate Approval

Congress is stepping in to avert a nationwide railroad strike, which was set to happen as early as December 9.

Congress “Likely” to Pass a Rail Deal this Week, According to Soy Transportation Coalition’s Steenhoek
Congress “Likely” to Pass a Rail Deal this Week, According to Soy Transportation Coalition’s Steenhoek

Pelosi said the House this week will “take up a bill adopting the tentative agreement—with no poison pills or changes to the negotiated terms—and send it to the Senate.” Some industry leaders feel it will pass.

What You Need to Know About Vilsack's GMO Corn Conversation in Mexico
What You Need to Know About Vilsack's GMO Corn Conversation in Mexico

Vilsack urged Mexico to "find a way forward" and said that if Mexico's plans went unchanged, the U.S. government would be forced to consider all options, including legal action under the USMCA.

Biden to Call on Congress to Intervene in Rail Labor Dispute
Biden to Call on Congress to Intervene in Rail Labor Dispute

With less than two weeks from a railroad strike deadline, President Biden plans to call on Congress to take action to avert a shutdown of the country’s freight railroads. . .

The Scoop Podcast: Regulatory Uncertainty
The Scoop Podcast: Regulatory Uncertainty

As Richard Gupton from ARA says, the developments around the pending rail strike are still up in the air. He also gives updates from OSHA and EPA policies.

Airplane
Chinese Delegates Meet with Top U.S. Officials in New York

China moved to close parks, malls and museums on Tues. as COVID-19 cases hit near-record levels. Lockdowns follow reports that, days before COP27, Xi sent policy and business advisers to New York to meet U.S. executives.

Rail Strike Update: Labor Deal Deadline Shortened to Dec. 5
Rail Strike Update: Labor Deal Deadline Shortened to Dec. 5

Unions and railroads are back at the negotiating table. By law, Congress can intervene to impose an agreement if the two sides remain deadlocked. However, one union is now on schedule to strike Dec. 5.

Rep. G.T. Thompson Lists His 3 Farm Bill Objectives
Rep. G.T. Thompson Lists His 3 Farm Bill Objectives

Thompson is gearing up to replace Rep. Scott as the House Ag chairman in Jan. With his new title in tow, Thompson will be working alongside current Senate Ag Chairwoman Stabenow to pass farm bill 2023. 

With Midterm Elections Nearly in the Rearview, Leadership Roles Prepare to Change Hands
With Midterm Elections Nearly in the Rearview, Leadership Roles Prepare to Change Hands

Pelosi is to step down as leader of the Democratic Party in the House, a position she has held since 2003. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says he will remain in Congress but won’t seek a leadership position.

light-on-capitol-hill
A Divided Government: GOP Retakes the House by Slim Margin

Most now look for President Biden to increase his use of executive orders and regulations to fulfill some other goals, including those in the coming farm bill.

USDA Announces Phase 2 of ERP Along With New Aid Opportunities
USDA Announces Phase 2 of ERP Along With New Aid Opportunities

Phase 2 is targeted to those who suffered losses in 2020 and 2021 but may not have received any payments under Phase 1. With Phase 2 underway, USDA said that the signup deadline for Phase 1 ERP will now be Dec. 16.

A Possible Rail Strike is Quickly Approaching Unless Congress Steps In
A Possible Rail Strike is Quickly Approaching Unless Congress Steps In

Harvest is nearing the finish line, but as corn continues to pile up, there are renewed concerns about what a possible rail strike could mean for the grain industry, as well as fertilizer needs this fall.

John Phipps: There's a Wildcard in the Electric Tractor Debate
John Phipps: There's a Wildcard in the Electric Tractor Debate

Rural America, and farmers especially are skeptical to put it mildly about electric vehicles and tractors. John Phipps says this attitude is reasonable, but also myopic, and explains why in John's World.

Ag and Oil Industries Get Methane Makeover to Reach New Emissions Goal by 2030
Ag and Oil Industries Get Methane Makeover to Reach New Emissions Goal by 2030

EPA says the proposals would collectively reduce 36 million tons of methane emissions between 2023 and 2035, which it says is almost the equivalent of GHG emissions emitted from all U.S. coal power plants in 2020.

U.S. Relations with China to "Elevate" Following Biden, Jingping's First Face-to-Face Meeting on Monday
U.S. Relations with China to "Elevate" Following Biden, Jingping's First Face-to-Face Meeting on Monday

"We need to find the right direction for the bilateral relationship going forward and elevate the relationship," Xi said, while Biden stressed that the two countries can compete without it turning into a conflict.

Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day
Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day

Unions are arguing railroads haven't done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.

'Red Wave' of Voters Did Not Happen: Why Were Poll Predictions So Far Off the Mark?
'Red Wave' of Voters Did Not Happen: Why Were Poll Predictions So Far Off the Mark?

What caused the polls to shift away from the predicted ‘red wave’ many had suggested? It comes down to multiple factors, including abortion, Trump and voter turnout.

Foreign Carriers Offered Loophole to Leave U.S. Ports Without Goods, Despite Active Legislation
Foreign Carriers Offered Loophole to Leave U.S. Ports Without Goods, Despite Active Legislation

Congressmen who penned the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 are calling on the Federal Maritime Commission to mend the gap and provide "reasonable opportunities" for U.S. exporters to get their goods to foreign markets.

Midterm Elections Could Have Big Impact on Next Farm Bill
Midterm Elections Could Have Big Impact on Next Farm Bill

The midterm elections are critical for agriculture because whichever party controls the House and Senate will trickle down to the leadership of the ag and budget committees as they write a new farm bill. 

As Hearings for the Farm Bill Ratchet Up, You can Do 3 Things to Help Agriculture
As Hearings for the Farm Bill Ratchet Up, You can Do 3 Things to Help Agriculture

Increasingly the members of Congress who hold the primary responsibility of drafting the farm bill come from suburban and urban areas. They need the information and insights farmers are uniquely equipped to provide.

EPA's Small Refinery Exemption Data Under Fire by U.S. Accountability Office
EPA's Small Refinery Exemption Data Under Fire by U.S. Accountability Office

The GAO study released on Thursday found small oil refineries pay more than larger competitors to fulfill their blending obligations, showing EPA's reason to deny refinery exemption petitions is inaccurate.

Shipping containers
‘Dark clouds’ for Trade

Shipping giant Maersk on Wednesday warned of gloomy times ahead for global trade, even as it reported record profits stemming from high rates charged by its ocean business.

China Cites U.S. Ag for Why It's Chosen Not to Invade Taiwan
China Cites U.S. Ag for Why It's Chosen Not to Invade Taiwan

“In the last 2,500 years, every Chinese government that has fallen, has fallen over food,” says Kuehl, Armada chief economist. “They need those import markets—be it from the U.S, Canada, Brazil or Australia."

Is the U.S. Now Officially in a Recession?
Is the U.S. Now Officially in a Recession?

Friday brought mixed news for the economy. So, is the U.S. officially in a recession? K-State economists say it's more important to watch changes in behaviors versus debating the definition of recession.

New Demands by One Labor Union Renews Concerns about Possible Railroad Strike in November
New Demands by One Labor Union Renews Concerns about Possible Railroad Strike in November

Agriculture isn't out of the woods regarding rail transportation issues as new demands are being made by at least one union.  

U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban
U.S. Diesel Crisis Lingers as Europe Prepares for Russian Oil Ban

Global diesel and distillate fuel stocks have fallen to dangerous levels and the U.S. has been exporting a lot of diesel to Europe and Latin America, but now things are changing.

Ukraine Ag Export Numbers Have Recovered to Prewar Levels
Ukraine Ag Export Numbers Have Recovered to Prewar Levels

Data from Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food shows the country shipped 6.9 million metric tons of grain, vegetables and edible oils last month, nearly matching the 7.1 million tons exported in Sept. 2021. 

Is Carbon the New Cash Cow? Elanco CEO Thinks Dairy Farmers Could Make More Money Off Carbon Than Milk
Is Carbon the New Cash Cow? Elanco CEO Thinks Dairy Farmers Could Make More Money Off Carbon Than Milk

Dairy producers could soon serve up a climate solution that creates significant economic incentives for their farm. Jeff Simmons thinks dairy farmers are just years from making more money off carbon than milk products.

Mississippi River barge
New Supply Chain Setbacks: Mississippi River Levels Hit All-Time Low

"The low water disruption will be felt not only by our U.S. producers of food, farm, and fiber but also by U.S. and international consumers as well," says Friedmann of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition.

 Farm Bureau Seeks ‘Unified’ Farm Bill of Ag and Nutrition Aid
Farm Bureau Seeks ‘Unified’ Farm Bill of Ag and Nutrition Aid

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released its general new farm bill recommendations on Thursday. First on the AFBF’s list: “protect farm bill program spending.”

A Historical Day: SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments on Proposition 12
A Historical Day: SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments on Proposition 12

Terry Wolters was one of a handful of pork producers who watched Supreme Court justices grill attorneys with questions during oral arguments on Oct. 11 in NPPC v. Ross challenging the constitutionality of Prop 12.

Headwinds Start to Develop on U.S. Ag Export Front with Trade Deficit, Low Mississippi River Water Levels Add to Concern
Headwinds Start to Develop on U.S. Ag Export Front with Trade Deficit, Low Mississippi River Water Levels Add to Concern

The U.S. is projected to have record ag exports for the marketing year but is still posting a trade deficit.  Plus, headwinds such as slow water levels on the Mississippi River are adding to trade concerns.

Possible U.S. Rail Strike Now Back On the Table
Possible U.S. Rail Strike Now Back On the Table

A labor strike along U.S. railroads is still a possibility after the third-largest railroad union rejected a tentative labor agreement this week. The agreement had the support of the White House.

How Prop 12 Could Impact Crop and Livestock Producers
How Prop 12 Could Impact Crop and Livestock Producers

“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.

Foreign Farmland Ownership to be Addressed in New Study
Foreign Farmland Ownership to be Addressed in New Study

House Republicans asked the General Accountability Office to conduct a study on U.S. lands owned by foreign entities. The letter was signed by scores of other House Republicans.

Supreme Court to Hear WOTUS Arguments on Monday
Supreme Court to Hear WOTUS Arguments on Monday

The WOTUS case, Sackett v. EPA, centers on a long-running dispute involving an Idaho couple named Chantell and Michael Sackett. The Sacketts have won at the Supreme Court before.

How Low Will it Go? Harvest Barge Traffic Slows Due to Low River Levels
How Low Will it Go? Harvest Barge Traffic Slows Due to Low River Levels

Harvest progress is up, but river levels are down. South of St. Louis, parts of the Mississippi River are so low from weeks of drought that barge traffic is being limited.