Latest News From POLICY

USDA Reveals Farmers Have Received More Than $4 Billion in ERP Payouts to Date
USDA Reveals Farmers Have Received More Than $4 Billion in ERP Payouts to Date

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced agricultural producers have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (formerly WHIP+), representing 67% of the $6 billion projected to be paid.

Biden to Call on Congress to Suspend Gas and Diesel Tax This Summer
Biden to Call on Congress to Suspend Gas and Diesel Tax This Summer

The move is contingent on legislative action, which would temporarily lift the 18.3 cents tax per gallon on gasoline and 24 cents tax per gallon on diesel during the summer months.

U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Bayer Bid to Nix Roundup Lawsuits
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Bayer Bid to Nix Roundup Lawsuits

Bayer has argued that the cancer claims over Roundup and glyphosate go against sound science and product clearance from the EPA.

Why is E85 Almost $2 Cheaper Than Other Blends of Gasoline?
Why is E85 Almost $2 Cheaper Than Other Blends of Gasoline?

With drivers searching for the cheapest gas price possible, gasoline with higher blends of ethanol is seeing an uptick in demand as E85 is currently priced 30% to 40% less than E10.

WOTUS Roundtable Reveals New Rule Pushes Definition 'Back to Square One', says NCBA
WOTUS Roundtable Reveals New Rule Pushes Definition 'Back to Square One', says NCBA

EPA hosted its fifth WOTUS roundtable last week with the Kansas Livestock Association, revealing murky waters in the WOTUS definition.

Pump Prices Soar As Biden Dedicates $7.5 Billion to Electric Vehicles
Pump Prices Soar As Biden Dedicates $7.5 Billion to Electric Vehicles

The Biden administration announced funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build a “convenient and equitable” charging network of 500,000 stations.

Vilsack Announces $2B in Funding to Transform U.S. Food System
Vilsack Announces $2B in Funding to Transform U.S. Food System

Transforming the U.S. food system by improving supply chains and addressing issues exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic was detailed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack during a speech at Georgetown University.

CRP Contract Termination to Offset Global Food Crisis Gains USDA's Approval
CRP Contract Termination to Offset Global Food Crisis Gains USDA's Approval

Participants who seek this one-time, voluntary termination do not have to repay rental payments. But they must make requests for voluntary termination in writing through their local USDA office.

containers_exports_trade
What Biden's New Economic Framework Means for Ag Trade

President Biden spent last weekend in Tokyo, Japan. During the visit, Biden announced a dozen Indo-Pacific countries will join the U.S. in a “sweeping” economic initiative, primarily focused on countering China.

Oil Pumps
Biden Administration Has Not Ruled Out Curbs on Exports to Ease Fuel Prices

U.S. President Joe Biden has not ruled out using export restrictions to ease soaring domestic fuel prices, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said on Tuesday.

Diesel Prices Jump 37% in 10 Weeks, Gas Prices Projected to Hit $6.20 by August
Diesel Prices Jump 37% in 10 Weeks, Gas Prices Projected to Hit $6.20 by August

The White House is considering waiving U.S. gasoline environmental rules aimed at reducing summertime smog, hoping the waiver will combat rising pump prices, Reuters reported.

Unbounded: Government Claims Right of Access and Surveillance on All Private Land
Unbounded: Government Claims Right of Access and Surveillance on All Private Land

Is private land a federal playground? The government claims a phenomenally powerful right—access and surveillance on every inch of farmland, hunting ground, and pasture in the U.S., without warrant or probable cause.

Wilbur-Ellis Puts Ford Electric Trucks in The Field
Wilbur-Ellis Puts Ford Electric Trucks in The Field

Through a collaboration with Ford Pro, Ford Motor Company’s commercial division, Wilbur-Ellis will initially integrate 10 of the new Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks into its fleet in California.

Conservation, Loan Rates and Insurance: 3 Farm Bill Topics Gain Traction
Conservation, Loan Rates and Insurance: 3 Farm Bill Topics Gain Traction

The Senate Committee on Ag, Nutrition and Forestry held the first 2023 Farm Bill hearing in early May. Hearing attendees agreed the 2023 Farm Bill should echo elements in the current bill and address new topics.

USDA Extends Comment Period for Competition Challenges in Ag
USDA Extends Comment Period for Competition Challenges in Ag

Three requests for information were published by the Federal Register. The requests outlined information about competition in regard to producers’ access to fertilizer, seed and ag inputs, as well as food retail.

Water_Stream_Grain_Bins_Pens
WOTUS Roundtable Reveals Potential Runoff Management Flaws in the Midwest

“This flawed system isn’t due to rains or weather. Unless we have remedial practices and advocate for cover crops, buffer strips and diversity, we can’t solve the problem," says Former USDA Soil Scientist Thicke.

Biden: Double Crop Because 'We Can't Take Any Chances'
Biden: Double Crop Because 'We Can't Take Any Chances'

Biden says Ukraine has 20 million tons of stored grain awaiting export to various countries. He says lack of port movement coupled with halted planting in Ukraine will ignite a global food crisis unless action is taken.

Zippy Duvall: Labor is Biggest Limiting Factor for American Agriculture
Zippy Duvall: Labor is Biggest Limiting Factor for American Agriculture

The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation weighs in on immigration reform and year-round work permits, Waters of the U.S. concerns and support for the new Climate-Smart Commodities Program.

Two Reasons to Keep U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Imports
Two Reasons to Keep U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Imports

Pro Farmer's Jim Wiesemeyer is told U.S. lawmakers want Chinese import tariffs knocked down to minimize inflationary pressure. USTR Katherine Tai says tariff adjustments aren't likely, but are on the table.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Was Not Arrested Last Week
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Was Not Arrested Last Week

Speculation over whether U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was arrested last week made its rounds on social media over the weekend, but USDA confirmed to Farm Journal the story is false.

Is the World Running Out of Grain?
Is the World Running Out of Grain?

Concerns over the world’s supply of grains and oilseeds are prompting the Biden administration to step in and encourage more production. Grain analysts say supplies of grains are tight due to the situation in Ukraine.

Biden's Plan to Boost Wheat, Soybean Acres Called ‘Baffling, Convoluted’ Without Much Impact
Biden's Plan to Boost Wheat, Soybean Acres Called ‘Baffling, Convoluted’ Without Much Impact

Biden administration wants more total planted acres with a focus on soybeans and wheat. That is the clear conclusion from what the administration is proposing as part of its latest wish list for Congress. 

Ethanol Plant
Renewable Fuel's Big Week on The Hill

EPA Administrator Michael Regan hints at a major uptick in renewable fuel blending obligations to be announced on June 3rd, as ethanol production is stunted by railway inefficiencies.

3 Ways to Reduce the Pressure on Fertilizer Logistics
3 Ways to Reduce the Pressure on Fertilizer Logistics

Last week, ARA put out a member alert detailing three urgent matters that need attention by the federal government

How Will 400 Million People in China's Lockdown Affect Global Markets?
How Will 400 Million People in China's Lockdown Affect Global Markets?

While China grapples with choosing which production lines to reopen, the food shortage conversation looks to ramp up.

Will Indonesia's Ban on Palm Oil Exports Derail Renewable Diesel Growth in the U.S.?
Will Indonesia's Ban on Palm Oil Exports Derail Renewable Diesel Growth in the U.S.?

CBOT soybean oil prices hit a record high after Indonesia announced it will effectively ban palm oil exports as of April 28. With no timeline in place, some question the motive and duration of the announced ban.

Corng
Secy. Vilsack: E15 Won’t Inflate Food Prices, 'There’s Plenty of Corn Here'

The war in Ukraine will dictate food prices, according to Vilsack: "We don’t really know what the impact is going to be on Ukraine’s crop this year, or what it’s going to look like in terms of exportability.”

Food at Home Prices Shot Up 10% — and American Shoppers are Willing to Fork Over the Extra Cash
Food at Home Prices Shot Up 10% — and American Shoppers are Willing to Fork Over the Extra Cash

Food prices continue to climb across the board. According to the latest Consumer Price Index, increasing grocery prices account for the largest share of the hike. However, shoppers don't view prices as high.

Pesticide Approval System to be Revamped, According to EPA
Pesticide Approval System to be Revamped, According to EPA

EPA believes the current pesticide approval system has major “unsustainable and legally tenuous” setbacks. Courts currently dictate ESA cases for the EPA, but this new workplan will allow the Agency to work alone.

E15 Summer Ban Suspended, USDA Commits $700M To Biofuels Producers
E15 Summer Ban Suspended, USDA Commits $700M To Biofuels Producers

Stakeholders applaud President Biden following months of pleading for increased biofuel availability while others set the record straight on biofuel impacts on the climate.

USDA Office Building
Vilsack Says Only 1.8 Mil. of 4 Mil. Expiring CRP Acres Will Be Re-Enrolled

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack provided more details regarding the general CRP signup that ended March 11. He said only 1.8 million of the 4 million acres in expiring contracts will be re-enrolled in the program.

New Plantings in CRP Not Feasible, According to USDA
New Plantings in CRP Not Feasible, According to USDA

Nearly 4 million acres of CRP expire this year. Secy. Vilsack wrote to National Grain and Feed Association's Mike Seyfert to share converting CRP is “unfeasible.” However, Vilsack did offer one caveat in his letter.

fertilizer
USDA Says There Are No Plans to Issue Direct Payments to Farmers Coping with Skyrocketing Fertilizer Prices

USDA says there are currently no plans to provide direct payments to farmers impacted by soaring fertilizer prices. The news comes as farm groups and lawmakers are asking assistance to help with rising fertilizer costs.

Focus on these five areas to mind your bottom line in 2018
Will USDA Tap CCC to Send Fertilizer Price Aid Payments to Farmers?

A growing number of lawmakers, farm groups and farmers are pleading for assistance from still surging fertilizer prices. One possibility for USDA would be to tap the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act.

Factors That Will Shape the 2023 Farm Bill
Factors That Will Shape the 2023 Farm Bill

With Ukraine and Russia at war in the midst of a world moving away from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot to consider in the 2023 Farm Bill. Industry experts weighed-in to share their predictions.

Soybean Prices Sink On Major Surprise in USDA's March 31 Acreage Report
Soybean Prices Sink On Major Surprise in USDA's March 31 Acreage Report

USDA’s Prospective Plantings report came with some shocks as farmers revealed 2022 planting plans. Despite the higher than expected soybean acreage numbers, some analysts say the soybean balance sheet is still tight.

2022 Planted Acres: Corn Down 4%, Soybeans Up 4%
2022 Planted Acres: Corn Down 4%, Soybeans Up 4%

For 2022, USDA are expecting more soybean acres than corn. That’s according to the 2022 Prospective Plantings report released on March 31.

EPA Approves 134 More Counties for Enlist Use In 2022
EPA Approves 134 More Counties for Enlist Use In 2022

The recent action means Enlist One and Enlist Duo can now be used in all counties of Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

In Attempt to Boost Exports, Ukraine Government Removes Corn and Sunflower Oil Export License Requirements
In Attempt to Boost Exports, Ukraine Government Removes Corn and Sunflower Oil Export License Requirements

The Ukranian government announced removal of corn and sunflower oil export license requirements to allow for easier exports, while also hoping the sale of the commodities will provide money for spring planting.

China Can't Control Latest COVID-19 Outbreak, and It Could Now Constrict Containers at World's Busiest Port
China Can't Control Latest COVID-19 Outbreak, and It Could Now Constrict Containers at World's Busiest Port

The commodity markets came under pressure to start the week as traders tried to shed risk over shipping concerns in China as COVID-19 concerns caused officials to shut down transportation amid a two-pronged lockdown.

USDA-office
Biden's USDA Budget Proposal Seeks Big CRP Boost with $2.4B to Enroll Targeted 27 Million Acres

President Biden's USDA FY 2023 budget proposal focuses on climate, conservation and research with $3.8 billion discretionary spending increase for USDA with climate, conservation and clean energy the major focal points.

AgriTalk: AFBF Weighs in on Shipping Reform, Court’s Decision to Review Prop 12 
AgriTalk: AFBF Weighs in on Shipping Reform, Court’s Decision to Review Prop 12 

As March prepares to make its exit this week, the U.S. pork industry received some long-awaited news. Dale Moore, executive vice president at AFBF, said it’s absolutely good news during a conversation on AgriTalk.

Inflation Already Costing Consumers, USDA Makes Large Upward Revisions in Food Price Forecast
Inflation Already Costing Consumers, USDA Makes Large Upward Revisions in Food Price Forecast

USDA now expects food price inflation in 2022 to be from 4.5% to 5.5%, compared with 2021, based on the all-food Consumer Price Index. No category shows a potential decline.

From All Angles: Food Chain Mandates Threaten Producers, Impact Consumers
From All Angles: Food Chain Mandates Threaten Producers, Impact Consumers

Precedent-setting mandates are coming at ag from all angles, undermining freedom of farmers. These regulations aren't based on science. They aren't based on experience. Many argue they aren't based on a shred of truth.

Wildfires to Water Quality: State Leaders Discuss Agricultural Adversity
Wildfires to Water Quality: State Leaders Discuss Agricultural Adversity

Ted McKinney, NASDA CEO, led the climate conversation with a diverse list of speakers. From wildfires to water quality, each corner of the nation spoke to their state’s ag adversity, and their work in overcoming it.

Canada's CP Rail To Resume Operations After Arbitration Agreement
Canada's CP Rail To Resume Operations After Arbitration Agreement

Canada's Minister of Labour Seamus O'Regan Jr, who mediated the talks, said normal operations will continue at CP during the arbitration period.

Canadian Pacific Rail Strike to Add to Commodities Supply Shock, Hurt Farmers Ahead of Planting
Canadian Pacific Rail Strike to Add to Commodities Supply Shock, Hurt Farmers Ahead of Planting

A labor dispute that shut down operations at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd on Sunday is set to aggravate a shortage of commodities, and a prolonged lockdown could hurt farmers ahead of the spring planting season.

John Phipps: In Right to Repair, Farmers May Be Watching the Wrong Battle
John Phipps: In Right to Repair, Farmers May Be Watching the Wrong Battle

The Right to Repair movement in agriculture is a popular cause with farmers, for various good and questionable reasons. As multiple states create Right to Repair rules, it looks like we may be watching the wrong battle.

Greg Henderson
U.S. Senate Works Overtime to Protect Sunshine

A foreign leader addressing a joint session of Congress this week was a rarity. Not to be outdone, the partisan and often cantankerous members of the U.S. Senate passed legislation unanimously on a voice vote!

gas-meter-on-empty-1556070-1600x1200
Year-Round E15 Sales Could Address Pain at the Pumps

A bipartisan group of senators penned a letter to President Biden, urging his administration to mitigate rising fuel costs by increasing higher blends of American biofuels.