U.S. consumer demand for meat at the retail level remains exceptionally strong despite rising prices caused by increased production costs and supply chain challenges. A new CoBank report says that may change soon. Once the full effect of increased costs of producer price inflation shows up in the retail meat case, demand will get tested.…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
NEPA Changes Signal Return to Prior Regulations
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall responds to an announcement on the final phase 1 revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act, known as NEPA. Duvall says, “AFBF is disappointed that the Biden administration has decided to reverse commonsense reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act.” AFBF says farmers and ranchers share the goal…… MORE
Lawmakers Tackle Shipping Concerns
A pair of House lawmakers this week introduced the SHIP IT Act, seeking to address the supply chain backlog in the freight network at U.S. ports. Introduced by Republican Representatives Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota and Byron Donalds of Florida, the legislation builds on the STOP the GRINCH Act introduced last fall. The STOP the GRINCH…… MORE
Lawmakers Support Cal Prop 12
Senate Democrats, including the Senate Ag Committee Chair, urge Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to support California’s Proposition 12 before the Supreme Court. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla of California, along with New Jersey’s Cory Booker and Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow from Michigan, made the request in a letter to Vilsack. In 2018, California…… MORE
Veterinary Debt Solutions Program Launches
Farm Journal Foundation is partnering with the Zoetis Foundation to launch a new program to find solutions for relieving student debt in the veterinary industry. The effort’s long-term goal seeks to address shortages of veterinarians to work with farmers in rural areas. The new Veterinary Debt Solutions Program will convene leaders from across the livestock,…… MORE
Tractor and Combine Sales Drop
Ag tractor and combine sales posted their first decline in March since July 2021, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. U.S. total farm tractor sales fell 21.1% for the month of March compared to 2021. U.S. combine sales for the month dropped 10.2% to 343 units sold. Total farm tractor sales are now down…… MORE
U.S. Cattlemen Supports Bill Updating The Packers And Stockyards Act
The bipartisan Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act, or A-PLUS Act, was introduced into the House last week. The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association says it’s a long-overdue idea that will help spur more processing capacity in the U.S. if it becomes law. It would allow livestock auction markets to hold an ownership interest…… MORE
Surface Transportation Board to Deal with Rail Issues
The Surface Transportation Board says it will hold public hearings on April 26 and 27 on recent rail service problems and recovery efforts involving several Class One carriers. The Board plans to direct several executive-level officials from many major railways to appear during the hearing. Rail network reliability is essential to the nation’s economy and…… MORE
World Beef Demand Continues to Soar
U.S. beef exports turned in another strong performance in February. USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation says the strong month for beef was led by excellent value growth in key Asian and Latin American markets. Beef exports hit 108,500 metric tons in February, 5% higher than last year. Beef’s export value rose…… MORE
USDA Strengthens Pollinator Research Support
The Department of Agriculture is expanding its commitment to advancing research and priorities that support pollinator health. USDA is soliciting nominations for members to serve on its newly formed USDA National Pollinator Subcommittee. The subcommittee is part of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. The board provides feedback to the Agriculture…… MORE
