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See the Agenda for the Aug. 23 Illinois Farm Journal Field Day Event
See the Agenda for the Aug. 23 Illinois Farm Journal Field Day Event

It’s almost time for the 2021 Farm Journal Field Day events! First up is Whiskey Acres, a seed-to-spirit operation.

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Delta, Beef Prices Threaten to Take the Sizzle Out of U.S. Steakhouses

Just as American steakhouses are recovering from the first wave of COVID shutdowns, the Delta variant threatens to diminish the appetite for a sector seen as a barometer for full U.S. economic recovery.

First-Ever Mandatory Federal Cuts to Colorado River Cripples Critical Water Source for Arizona Agriculture
First-Ever Mandatory Federal Cuts to Colorado River Cripples Critical Water Source for Arizona Agriculture

Federal officials announced this week mandatory water cuts to the Colorado River, marking the first federal water cuts, and it's the first-ever water shortage for a river that serves 40 million people in the West.

Port Problems Continue as Single COVID-19 Case Partially Shutters World's Third Largest Port in China
Port Problems Continue as Single COVID-19 Case Partially Shutters World's Third Largest Port in China

Shipping issues continue to surface. The latest is in China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan container port, which is the third-busiest in the world, and has been partially shut down for six days, with no sign of reopening yet.

USDA to Increase SNAP Benefits By More than 20% Starting in October
USDA to Increase SNAP Benefits By More than 20% Starting in October

A big increase in benefits is on the way for Americans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The average SNAP benefit will increase for FY 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, according to the agency.

As California Wildfires Rage, State Leaders, Students and Veterinarians Launch Effort to Help Rescue Livestock
As California Wildfires Rage, State Leaders, Students and Veterinarians Launch Effort to Help Rescue Livestock

Western wildfires continue to rage in the west, as California's biggest wildfire is leading to widespread evacuations of livestock. And now there are efforts underway to care for animals left behind.

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52% of New Spending in Senate Infrastructure Bill Funds Transportation, Passage Expected to Hit Major Roadblock in the House

The Senate passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Tuesday, and transportation could receive more than half the new funding slated in the bill, but the plan is expected to hit a major roadblock in the House.

 Drought and Grasshoppers Ravage Fields in Northwest, Some Producers Bale 10% of Normal Hay Crop
Drought and Grasshoppers Ravage Fields in Northwest, Some Producers Bale 10% of Normal Hay Crop

The drought in the West is producing many firsts, as farmers and ranchers grapple with dire decisions including pulling their cattle off federal lands early. Now many worry they won't source enough feed for winter.

See the 2021 Farm Journal Field Day Agendas
See the 2021 Farm Journal Field Day Agendas

In 2021, you have the choice to join Farm Journal Field Days in person or online.

August Provides Brief Break from Heat, Meteorologist Says Much of U.S. Should Brace for Mild Fall
August Provides Brief Break from Heat, Meteorologist Says Much of U.S. Should Brace for Mild Fall

July proved to be a scorcher in the West, but the weather story flipped to start August, with much of the eastern half of the country enjoying cooler and dryer air during the first few days of the month.

Tyson Foods Mandating COVID-19 Vaccinations for U.S. Employees
Tyson Foods Mandating COVID-19 Vaccinations for U.S. Employees

The company says it will also provide $200 to fully vaccinated frontline team members.

Grasshoppers Finish off North Dakota Crops, Pastures Already Plagued by Drought, Farmers Say
Grasshoppers Finish off North Dakota Crops, Pastures Already Plagued by Drought, Farmers Say

Heat and drought aren't the only issue farmers in drought-stricken areas are dealing with. Grasshoppers are also destroying pastures and crops. Producers say it's finishing off what's left of an already dire crop.

EPA Announces Plans to Revert Back to Pre-Obama WOTUS Rule, Public Input Meetings Set for August
EPA Announces Plans to Revert Back to Pre-Obama WOTUS Rule, Public Input Meetings Set for August

EPA announced it's creating a durable definition of WOTUS by reverting back to the pre-Obama era rule as a framework. EPA is encouraging farmers and ranchers to weigh in during a series of public meetings in August.

$1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Clears Senate Hurdle, Includes Biggest Bridge Funding Since Eisenhower Era
$1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Clears Senate Hurdle, Includes Biggest Bridge Funding Since Eisenhower Era

The Senate cleared a key procedural vote on a bipartisan infrastructure deal Wednesday, which could set Biden’s infrastructure focus into action. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called it “a very big moment."

Tense U.S., China High-Level Meeting Wraps Up, China Says Countries are in a 'Stalemate'
Tense U.S., China High-Level Meeting Wraps Up, China Says Countries are in a 'Stalemate'

U.S. and Chinese officials met face-to-face for high-level talks, and the meeting had a tense tone as the countries remain at odds over issues from cyber security to human rights. 

National Drought Monitor: More Of The Same
National Drought Monitor: More Of The Same

This week’s data show the highest percentage of the U.S. is in an extreme/exceptional drought since the data series began in 2000.

One-Fifth of President's Recent Executive Order Impacts Agriculture, Draws Mixed Reaction from Farm Groups
One-Fifth of President's Recent Executive Order Impacts Agriculture, Draws Mixed Reaction from Farm Groups

After President Biden signed a sweeping Executive Order late last week, NCBA and other livestock groups praised the President's focus on meat, poultry. However, not every ag group is on board with the President's plan.

Grassroots Carbon Targets Grazing and Pastureland
Grassroots Carbon Targets Grazing and Pastureland

“We like to say that the program isn’t about the cow, but the how,” says Lauren Miller, VP Carbon Footprint Solutions at Grassroots Carbon. “Our aim is to scale up the restoration of prairie grasslands..."

AEM, John Deere Respond to Biden's Planned Executive Order Over Right to Repair Equipment
AEM, John Deere Respond to Biden's Planned Executive Order Over Right to Repair Equipment

After more than a decade of legislative proposals, the Biden Administration is preparing plans to allow equipment owners to have the right to repair their own equipment. AEM and John Deere responded to the planned order.

Biden Sides with Farmers Over 'Right to Repair' Tractor Software Battle
Biden Sides with Farmers Over 'Right to Repair' Tractor Software Battle

U.S. President Joe Biden wants the Federal Trade Commission to limit the ability of farm equipment manufacturers to restrict tractor owners from using independent repair shops or complete some repairs on their own.

Accidental Success: A Hot Dog that Tastes Like Steak
Accidental Success: A Hot Dog that Tastes Like Steak

Patrick Montgomery is in the business of delivering customers the best steaks they'll ever eat. Along the way, he may have just created the best hot dog anyone has ever tasted as well.

From Emergency Haying and Grazing to Increased Salinity on Stock Dams, Drought Brings Challenges for Ranchers
From Emergency Haying and Grazing to Increased Salinity on Stock Dams, Drought Brings Challenges for Ranchers

AgDay’s Clinton Griffiths reports that evaporation has increased the salinity in stock dams in South Dakota, some to lethal levels for livestock.

Average Cost of a 4th of July Cookout is Down Compared to Last Year
Average Cost of a 4th of July Cookout is Down Compared to Last Year

The American Farm Bureau says average cost for 10 people is less than $6 per person.

Over 1,000 Counties Approved for Emergency Haying and Grazing
Over 1,000 Counties Approved for Emergency Haying and Grazing

Emergency haying and grazing on CRP land is now allowed in 32% of the counties in the U.S., according to USDA. In June alone, emergency haying and grazing was authorized in 196 counties.

Why Should You Attend the 2021 Farm Journal Field Days?
Why Should You Attend the 2021 Farm Journal Field Days?

Farm Journal Field Days is a combination of virtual and live programming to take place Aug. 23–27. Here’s an overview of the fun ahead.

Group with Ties to Mormon Church Outbids Bill Gates’ Group for Easterday Land
Group with Ties to Mormon Church Outbids Bill Gates’ Group for Easterday Land

An investment company with ties to the Mormon church has the high bid for land that belonged to the now bankrupt Easterday Farms and Easterday Ranches.

Senate's "Growing Climate Solutions" Plan Gets Agriculture's Backing
Senate's "Growing Climate Solutions" Plan Gets Agriculture's Backing

A plan to help farmers and ranchers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while gaining more clarity on carbon markets, is moving through Congress. The Senate approved the "Growing Climate Solutions Act," with a 92-8 vote.

'We've Struck a Deal': Biden Announces Agreement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Spending Plan
'We've Struck a Deal': Biden Announces Agreement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Spending Plan

After months of negotiations, President Biden and announced Thursday a deal was reached on an infrastructure spending plan. The news came after a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators Thursday.

Overturning Current WOTUS Would Show ‘Lack of Common Sense,’ Grassley Says
Overturning Current WOTUS Would Show ‘Lack of Common Sense,’ Grassley Says

“I like to say you’re going to have to have a permit to do normal farming decisions,” he told Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk.

10% of Contiguous U.S. Experiencing Exceptional Drought, Highest Since 2011
10% of Contiguous U.S. Experiencing Exceptional Drought, Highest Since 2011

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 10% of the contiguous U.S. is now under an "exceptional drought," which is the highest the rate has been since 2011.

USDA Vows to Fight Court Decision to Halt Loan Forgiveness for Farmers of Color
USDA Vows to Fight Court Decision to Halt Loan Forgiveness for Farmers of Color

A federal judge announced Friday a decision to halt payments in a USDA loan forgiveness program designed to help farmers of color. USDA has until Friday to respond to the court’s temporary restraining order. 

Embattled Waters of the U.S. to be Redefined for Agriculture – Again
Embattled Waters of the U.S. to be Redefined for Agriculture – Again

The EPA and Department of the Army announced a plan on Wednesday to initiate a new rulemaking process to restore the protections that were in place prior to the 2015 WOTUS implementation.

 One Week After JBS Cyberattack, U.S. Feds Recover Ransom Paid By Colonial Pipeline Via Blockchain
One Week After JBS Cyberattack, U.S. Feds Recover Ransom Paid By Colonial Pipeline Via Blockchain

One week after a cyberattack shut down meat packing plants in three countries, U.S. officials seized the cryptocurrency payment that was made during the Colonial Pipeline hack less than a month earlier.

World Food Prices Rise at Fastest Pace in a Decade as Inflation Concerns Continue in U.S.
World Food Prices Rise at Fastest Pace in a Decade as Inflation Concerns Continue in U.S.

The United Nations issued a warning this week as world food prices are rising at their fastest pace in a decade. Global food prices have risen for 12 consecutive months and now sit at their highest level since 2011.

USDA Forecasts Farm Exports to Hit a New Record in 2021
USDA Forecasts Farm Exports to Hit a New Record in 2021

Demand for pork and grains is helping propel prices in 2021, and USDA is forecasting it to be a record year. 

Recent Rains Won't Be Enough to Rid Plains, Southwest of Drought
Recent Rains Won't Be Enough to Rid Plains, Southwest of Drought

The dire drought situation is one USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey thinks could last through at least the remainder of 2021. Forecasts also point to a drier weather pattern returning for Texas and the Plains.

Cattle Groups Say Historic Meeting to Fight Market Monopoly is Just the Start
Cattle Groups Say Historic Meeting to Fight Market Monopoly is Just the Start

Calls for change came to a head this month, as cattle groups held an industry-wide meeting made history. And the groups say the first meeting is just the start.

U.S. Needs to Conserve Land Twice the Size of Texas to Reach Biden's 30x30 Goal
U.S. Needs to Conserve Land Twice the Size of Texas to Reach Biden's 30x30 Goal

The plan is now called "America the Beautiful," and is a 10 year, locally-led and voluntary nationwide effort to conserve, connect and restore 30% of the nation's lands and waters by the year 2030.

FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccination with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccination with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

“We know rural areas are different from urban areas, people are more spread out, it's not always as easy to travel to one location that's close to everyone to get a vaccine," Dr. Murthy says.

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Vilsack Goes on Offense Re: Errant Meat Consumption Reports

Secretary Vilsack flatly denied there is any effort by President Biden to reduce meat consumption to meet proposed cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. "Sometimes in the political world, games get played," he said.

Ag Groups: Biden Misses the Mark with 30x30 Plan
Ag Groups: Biden Misses the Mark with 30x30 Plan

Ryan Yates, managing director of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), says while the plan sounds simple, there are still a lot more questions than answers regarding what the plan truly means.

Land Grab or Climate Solution? President Biden Could Unveil '30 by 30' Plan Details Next Week
Land Grab or Climate Solution? President Biden Could Unveil '30 by 30' Plan Details Next Week

Details of a U.S. land and water related executive order could be unveiled soon. Known as the ’30 by 30’ plan, it would place 30% of U.S. lands and 30% of U.S. waters under federal jurisdiction by 2030.

Devastating Drought: Texas Farmers Say 2021 Drought Already Rivals 2011
Devastating Drought: Texas Farmers Say 2021 Drought Already Rivals 2011

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows from North Dakota to Texas, all the way west to California, the most severe levels of drought didn’t ease across the U.S. this past week. 

Carbon Contract Reality: Why Conservation-Minded Farmers May Not Qualify for Private Carbon Programs
Carbon Contract Reality: Why Conservation-Minded Farmers May Not Qualify for Private Carbon Programs

The chase to capture carbon continues. It’s a possible new source of income for farmers and ranchers, but it's also bringing a set of challenges and questions. The answer could be both public and private programs.

Parking Planters and Culling Cows: Early, Harsh Realities of North Dakota’s Growing Drought
Parking Planters and Culling Cows: Early, Harsh Realities of North Dakota’s Growing Drought

North Dakota just endured its driest September to March ever on record. On Thursday, Governor Doug Burgum declared a state of emergency due to drought. Farmers are now forced to make tough decisions, early.

Nature Conservancy and NRCS Enter Cooperative Agreement
Nature Conservancy and NRCS Enter Cooperative Agreement

The Nature Conservancy and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announce a five-year cooperative agreement to increase private land conservation in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

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Senate Bill to Reform Hours of Service, Logging Regulation for Ag Haulers

Senators John Hoeven and Michael Bennet reintroduced the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the Hours of Service and Electronic Logging Device regulations at the U.S. DOT.

Biden Rolls Out $2T Infrastructure Plan, Funding to Fuel Broadband, Roads and Waterways
Biden Rolls Out $2T Infrastructure Plan, Funding to Fuel Broadband, Roads and Waterways

President Biden is preparing to announce a $2.25T infrastructure plan on Wednesday. It's aimed to fuel funding for America’s roads, waterways, broadband and the electric grid, but there's also a focus on climate.

Shipping Costs Surge, Causing Farm and Ranch Supplies Prices to Climb
Shipping Costs Surge, Causing Farm and Ranch Supplies Prices to Climb

Problems at ports are magnifying a surge in container shipping costs. And those costs are now showing up as farmers and ranchers source farming supplies.

Critics of Biden's $3T Infrastructure Plan Says It's Too Costly, Not Enough Focus on Infrastructure
Critics of Biden's $3T Infrastructure Plan Says It's Too Costly, Not Enough Focus on Infrastructure

The Biden Admin. is readying a $3T infrastructure and economic plan. While officials say the plan centers around roads and infrastructure projects, critics say that’s only a small piece of the potential proposal.