Latest News From POLICY

Commodity Programs Might See a 12% Cut in the Proposed $1 Trillion Farm Bill
Commodity Programs Might See a 12% Cut in the Proposed $1 Trillion Farm Bill

SNAP, which historically receives the greatest amount of farm bill funding, will see an 82% increase of a quarter-trillion-dollars.

U.S. Debt Will Likely Become a Major Issue in Washington
U.S. Debt Will Likely Become a Major Issue in Washington

“Over the long term, our projections suggest that changes in fiscal policy must be made to address the rising costs of interest and mitigate other adverse consequences of high and rising debt," CBO Director Swagel said

How Long Does it Take to Write a Farm Bill?
How Long Does it Take to Write a Farm Bill?

The House will take the reins in writing farm bill 2023. House Ag Chairman Thompson says the pen is “firmly” in his hand, with few tweaks to be made from 2018. The Senate says their version is nearly complete.

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Crop Insurance, Production Costs, ERP Among Key Topics at Senate Ag Farm Bill Hearing

A Senate Ag Committee hearing Thursday on the new farm bill raised a issue that is now evident: the Title 1 farm bill safety net can no longer deal with the current ag environment.

The Cost of a Farm Bill: 2023 Row Crop Priorities
The Cost of a Farm Bill: 2023 Row Crop Priorities

The 2018 farm bill was stamped with a $428 billon price tag when passed. With the bill set to expire on Sept. 30, here’s a breakdown of the topics ag groups look to push on the negotiating table.

NCBA Announces 2023 Policy Priorities
NCBA Announces 2023 Policy Priorities

NCBA recently approved the organization's 2023 policy priorities at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans. Here's the details.

Stepped-Up Basis Leaning in Favor of Rural America on House Ways and Means Panel
Stepped-Up Basis Leaning in Favor of Rural America on House Ways and Means Panel

With Republicans now in control of the House, Rep. RandyFeenstra (R-Iowa) said he wants to introduce legislation shielding the stepped-up basis and like-kind exchanges.

USDA Withholds the Names of Farm Subsidy Payment Recipients
USDA Withholds the Names of Farm Subsidy Payment Recipients

“It’s a mystery as to why the USDA began to hide the names of many recipients,” said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group.

FDA Looks to Consolidate its Food Policy and Regulation Divisions
FDA Looks to Consolidate its Food Policy and Regulation Divisions

The revamped foods program would absorb the functions of Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Office of Food Policy and Response, as well as some of the work of the Office of Regulatory Affairs.

USDA Officially Launches Pilot Cattle Contracts Library
USDA Officially Launches Pilot Cattle Contracts Library

According to USDA, the pilot will mirror the working library that was shared with stakeholders in 2022 but will now contain active contracts.

Vilsack Focuses on Farm Bill Possibilities with National Sustainable Ag Coalition
Vilsack Focuses on Farm Bill Possibilities with National Sustainable Ag Coalition

Vilsack said USDA believes there are more options for farmers other than “get big or get out. There’s got to be a system in which the many and most have a fair shot.”

SHIP IT Act Could Save Truck Drivers Up to $10,000 and Cover CDL Costs
SHIP IT Act Could Save Truck Drivers Up to $10,000 and Cover CDL Costs

Reps. Dusty Johnson and Jim Costa on Tuesday introduced the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act to expand the trucking workforce and offer flexibility in times of need.

Speaker McCarthy Selects Unruly House Rules Panel
Speaker McCarthy Selects Unruly House Rules Panel

For example, Rep. Ralph Norman in the past unsuccessfully pushed crop insurance amendments that would have cut premium incentives/subsidies by 15% for producers with specified adjusted gross incomes.

Debt Limit Debate: $1 Trillion Coin Not Off the Table
Debt Limit Debate: $1 Trillion Coin Not Off the Table

Some legislative officials have discussed the possibility that the Treasury could use an obscure law authorizing platinum coins to circumvent Congress if lawmakers don't raise the debt ceiling.

No, Wyoming Isn't Looking to Ban Electric Vehicles...Yet
No, Wyoming Isn't Looking to Ban Electric Vehicles...Yet

Sen. Anderson introduced a resolution last Friday aimed at phasing out electric vehicle sales in Wyoming by 2035. The resolution was referred to the state's minerals committee, who tabled it until 2024.

Ag Groups File Lawsuit to Challenge EPA's "Vague" New WOTUS Definition
Ag Groups File Lawsuit to Challenge EPA's "Vague" New WOTUS Definition

Farm Bureau's Duvall says the rule puts farmers and ranchers in a position where they will have to hire lawyers and consultants to establish the boundaries of farming.

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USDA Proposes Amendments to APHIS's Traceability Regulations

Under the rule, APHIS would require tags that are both visually and electronically readable for interstate movement of cattle and bison six months after a final rule is published in the Federal Register.

money-funnel
Bank of America Says a U.S. Debt Default is "Likely"

Speaker McCarthy agreed that the House wouldn’t lift the debt ceiling unless Congress slashes federal spending next fiscal year. Because of this, Bank of America is telling clients to expect a debt default this fall.

U.S. Could Run Out of Money by Thursday if the Debt Limit Isn't Lifted
U.S. Could Run Out of Money by Thursday if the Debt Limit Isn't Lifted

If the nation’s debt hits $31.4 trillion—it’s on track to do so by this Thurs.—the Treasury will need to take “extraordinary measures” to help pay the government's operations and ward off a historic default.

Four Ag Topics Discussed in Mexico City During USMCA Meetings
Four Ag Topics Discussed in Mexico City During USMCA Meetings

Mexican President López Obrador hosted President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau this week to discuss everything from methane reduction to the U.S./Mexico border wall.

USDA is Making Additional CFAP 2 Payments
USDA is Making Additional CFAP 2 Payments

The additional payments will be equal to 15% of the producer’s previous CFAP 2 payments.

Vilsack Lists USDA's 4 Policy Objectives for 2023
Vilsack Lists USDA's 4 Policy Objectives for 2023

Farm Bureau hosted Secretary Vilsack at its annual convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he announced the details of ERP Phase 2 and PARP, U.S.-made fertilizer and new meat and poultry processing facility plans.

Title 42 Talks Continue with Biden at U.S./Mexico Border
Title 42 Talks Continue with Biden at U.S./Mexico Border

President Biden traveled on Sunday to the U.S./Mexico border amid a surge in illegal border crossings. The administration announced a new program for up to 30,000 migrants a month to enter the U.S. legally.

Kevin McCarthy Finally Won the House Speaker Gavel, Now What?
Kevin McCarthy Finally Won the House Speaker Gavel, Now What?

After four days and 15 rounds of voting, McCarthy’s wait to become Speaker of the House has ended. During his first year as Speaker, he will need to raise the debt limit and fund the government.

Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Will Not Run for Office in 2024
Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Will Not Run for Office in 2024

“For the next two years, I am intensely focused on… leading the passage of the next five-year Farm Bill, which determines our nation’s food and agriculture policies," says Sen. Stabenow.

Policy and Payments: What Producers Can Expect in 2023
Policy and Payments: What Producers Can Expect in 2023

ERP Phase Two is likely to be announced by USDA in coming weeks, according to Jim Wiesemeyer. In a farm bill year, he says there might be more opportunities to capture additional profit.

A Competitive Advantage And Diversified Demand, U.S. Pork And Beef Exports Find Opportunity
A Competitive Advantage And Diversified Demand, U.S. Pork And Beef Exports Find Opportunity

U.S. pork and beef export markets may have unique opportunties in 2023, capitalizing on the competetive opportunity for U.S. pork exports in key markets and diversifying the portfolio of U.S. beef products.

EPA Releases New WOTUS Rule, with the Supreme Court Ruling Pending
EPA Releases New WOTUS Rule, with the Supreme Court Ruling Pending

The definition maintains longstanding exemptions for farming activities but trims an exclusion for prior converted cropland that had been in the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule.

4 Ag Policy Issues to Watch in 2023
4 Ag Policy Issues to Watch in 2023

Big moves in Washington in 2023 could impact your farm.

China to Adjust Trade Tariffs Starting Jan. 1
China to Adjust Trade Tariffs Starting Jan. 1

Export tariffs on aluminum and aluminum alloys will be raised. The current import tariff will stay on seven types of coal until March 31, with tariffs adopted for most favored nations from April 1.

In this Sept. 6, 2012, file photo, cotton farmer Teofilo "Junior" Flores drives his truck along the U.S.-Mexico border fence that passes through his property in Brownsville, Texas.
Supreme Court Orders Title 42 Border Restrictions to Remain in Place

The prospect of Title 42 ending prompted crowds to form on the Mexican side of the border of the U.S. as they awaited to cross the border.

What's in it for Ag in the New Spending Bill?
What's in it for Ag in the New Spending Bill?

The House on Friday averted a government shutdown by voting 225 to 201 in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023—the omnibus spending bill. Here's what's in it for ag.

U.S. Defense Spending Bill Leads to China Taking Aim at Taiwan
U.S. Defense Spending Bill Leads to China Taking Aim at Taiwan

Taiwan’s defense ministry said China sent 71 warplanes and seven naval vessels on “strike drills”⁠ — rehearsals for conflict ⁠— into its air-defense zones.

Mexico's GMO Corn Debate Tabled Until 2025, According to Mexico
Mexico's GMO Corn Debate Tabled Until 2025, According to Mexico

Minister Victor Villalobos said U.S. officials were satisfied with a proposal to delay a ban on the import of GMO corn until 2025, according to a published report.

Senate Confirms Alexis Taylor as USDA Trade Under Secretary
Senate Confirms Alexis Taylor as USDA Trade Under Secretary

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Alexis Taylor for Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. According to Taylor, her priorities include addressing export markets and food insecurity.

USMCA as a Framework: New Talks Between U.S., Ecuador, Uruguay
USMCA as a Framework: New Talks Between U.S., Ecuador, Uruguay

Government officials asked U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai to capitalize on the success of the USMCA and expand relations in the Western Hemisphere. 

 Ag Commodities Transformed into New Bioproducts
Ag Commodities Transformed into New Bioproducts

Soybean oil, food waste and leftover feedstocks and manure will be turned into bioproducts like asphalt and plastic, thanks to a USDA program aimed at increasing U.S. competition in global markets.

How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation
How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation

Text of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package was released early Tuesday morning. The Senate will vote first and intends to pass the measure before Thursday, leaving the House no time to demand changes.

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.

4 Ways to Advocate for Ag in the New Farm Bill
4 Ways to Advocate for Ag in the New Farm Bill

The 2023 farm bill will have tremendous influence on your farm. It will affect what U.S. agriculture does, and how we’ll feed the world, over the next five years.

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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.

Senators Propose Eliminating Tax Liability for IRA Assistance for Distressed Farmers
Senators Propose Eliminating Tax Liability for IRA Assistance for Distressed Farmers

The Family Farmer and Rancher Tax Fairness Act would remove the tax liability for distressed farmers for the assistance provided in Sections 22006 and 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

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.

Georgia Runoff Today Will Settle Last U.S. Senate Seat
Georgia Runoff Today Will Settle Last U.S. Senate Seat

Georgia voters today will decide the final Senate contest in the country, choosing between Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker.

‘Huge Black Hole’ of Protein Demand Awaits in Africa
‘Huge Black Hole’ of Protein Demand Awaits in Africa

A recent USDA trade mission to Kenya determined that ecommerce in the area, post-COVID, has huge growth potential and signs of demand for U.S. red meat products.

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.

Producers Beware: A Look Inside the Animal Activists' Playbook
Producers Beware: A Look Inside the Animal Activists' Playbook

Here’s three key claims and takeaways from this year’s animal rights extremist conferences and how they plan to turn consumers away from meat, poultry and dairy products.

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.