Latest News From Ag Policy

USDA: $66 Million Investing in America Funds to National Forests and Grasslands
USDA: $66 Million Investing in America Funds to National Forests and Grasslands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday nearly $66 million to improve water quality, roads, trails, bridges and fish habitat on national forests and grasslands nationwide.

11 Key Takeaways From Biden's State Of The Union Address
11 Key Takeaways From Biden's State Of The Union Address

President Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his SOTU speech Thursday. From the economy to his thoughts on infrastructure, the border and climate, there were several key takeaways for agriculture.

NCBA Welcomes Landmark Habitat Conservation Bill
NCBA Welcomes Landmark Habitat Conservation Bill

NCBA urged members of Congress to support the recently introduced America's Wildlife Conservation Act, a bill that would provide regulatory certainty for landowners who participate in species conservation agreements.

Pork Producers Adopt Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution at National Pork Industry Forum
Pork Producers Adopt Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution at National Pork Industry Forum

U.S. pork producers approved a resolution to enhance the country’s live swine traceability system during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum on March 7. Here's what it means for the industry.

NCBA Hails Limited SEC Rule as Win for Cattle Producers
NCBA Hails Limited SEC Rule as Win for Cattle Producers

The SEC released a limited greenhouse gas disclosure rule that omits the requirement for large publicly traded companies to release greenhouse gas emissions data from private companies in their supply chain.

Trade Groups Criticize USDA’s Final P&SA Rule
Trade Groups Criticize USDA’s Final P&SA Rule

Meat and poultry industry trade groups were quick to criticize USDA's announcement of changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act claiming the changes add unnecessary regulations and costs.

USDA  Issues Final Rule to Clarify Standards Under P&SA
USDA Issues Final Rule to Clarify Standards Under P&SA

New final rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act promotes inclusive competition and prevents discrimination, retaliation and deception in contract farming.

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Poultry Line Speed Lawsuit Dismissed Against USDA

A U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, dismissed a lawsuit filed four years ago against the USDA regarding its decision to increase line speeds at poultry plants.

USDA Announces Progress on Newly Authorized Climate Programs
USDA Announces Progress on Newly Authorized Climate Programs

A new report explains how the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program will facilitate farmer, rancher, and private forest landowner participation in voluntary carbon markets.

American Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act Introduced
American Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act Introduced

The American Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to boost the money available to fund wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and sportsmen education programs.

Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production
Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production

Denmark's farmers on Wednesday voiced concerns that plans to levy a carbon emission tax on farming as part of efforts to meet Denmark's ambitious climate goals would force them to reduce production and close farms.

NASDA Urges Federal Support for State Meat Inspection Programs
NASDA Urges Federal Support for State Meat Inspection Programs

NASDA members urge Congress to require USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service to provide at least 50% funding match to state departments of agriculture to ensure the viability of state meat and poultry inspection.

Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’
Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’

A new act aims to boost transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so consumers know what they are buying. Here's what you need to know.

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Elects New Officers
Cattlemen’s Beef Board Elects New Officers

Cattle producers Andy Bishop of Kentucky, Ryan Moorhouse of Texas and Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst of Oklahoma are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB).

NCBA Releases 2024 Policy Priorities
NCBA Releases 2024 Policy Priorities

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show.

NCBA Backs FAIR Labels Act to End Deceptive Fake Meat Labeling Practices
NCBA Backs FAIR Labels Act to End Deceptive Fake Meat Labeling Practices

The bill would end deceptive labeling practices on fake meat products and ensure that consumers know exactly what they are buying at the grocery store.

USDA Invests $207 Million in Clean Energy and Domestic Fertilizer Projects
USDA Invests $207 Million in Clean Energy and Domestic Fertilizer Projects

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack told attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention that new investments will generate income, create jobs and strengthen competition for farmers and ranchers.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Sets its Federal Policy Focus for 2024
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Sets its Federal Policy Focus for 2024

NASDA members, the state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, have announced the chosen five issues to serve as the organization’s primary policy focus for 2024.

NCBA Continues to Push for Death Tax Relief
NCBA Continues to Push for Death Tax Relief

Current Death Tax relief is set to expire at the end of 2025, and it is vital that Congress acts soon and provide permanent relief for family operations.

Attacks In The Red Sea Are Now A Nightmare For Shippers. Here's Why It Could Actually Open The Door For More Exports Of U.S. Corn
Attacks In The Red Sea Are Now A Nightmare For Shippers. Here's Why It Could Actually Open The Door For More Exports Of U.S. Corn

From drought issues posing problems in the Panama Canal to growing tensions and attacks in the Red Sea, it's causing freight rates to skyrocket and ongoing delays in shipping products around the globe. 

Firefighters from across Kansas and Oklahoma battle a wildfire near Protection, Kan., Monday, March 6, 2017.
Acting Secretary of Interior Announces $138 Million for Wildland Fire Mitigation and Resilience

Historic funding will support wildland firefighters, reduce the risk of future wildfires, and advance fire recovery.

Judge Orders Wind Turbines Removed From Osage Nation
Judge Orders Wind Turbines Removed From Osage Nation

Removal of the 84 turbines erected beginning 10 years ago without a mining permit from the Osage Nation ends a long legal battle and will cost the developers $300 million.

Which Foreign Country Owns the Most Farmland in the U.S.? Hint: It's Not China
Which Foreign Country Owns the Most Farmland in the U.S.? Hint: It's Not China

In October 2023, Arkansas became the first state to ban foreign-owned farmland. More states look to adopt similar laws, but one policy expert says the issue is rooted in politics and warns of unintended consequences.

Five Gray Wolves Released in Colorado
Five Gray Wolves Released in Colorado

The first wolves were released in a voter-approved reintroduction project that sharpened the ideological divide between Colorado’s rural and urban residents.

From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024
From a Recession in China to $4 Corn, Here Are 10 Potential Surprises Ag Economists Say Could Impact Agriculture in 2024

From the election to world trade, as well as geopolitical factors that have the potential to shape agriculture in 2024, the December Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows the possibility of several economic surprises.

 House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 
House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 

 The House of Representatives passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act on Tuesday. It will help fight illicit use of the product in humans while preserving access to the drug for animals.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Reveals the Final COP28 Declaration Will Not Focus on Agriculture and Food
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Reveals the Final COP28 Declaration Will Not Focus on Agriculture and Food

COP28's decision to not include food and agriculture as a way to meet climate goals was influenced by a request from the G77 group of developing countries for additional review related to agriculture and food.

USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses
USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses

 Some Republican House and Senate members have expressed their concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, particularly regarding the new payment formula used for ERP in 2022.

New Legislation Could Protect Livestock Producers, Tackle Rising Costs
New Legislation Could Protect Livestock Producers, Tackle Rising Costs

Sen. Josh Hawley introduces the Protecting Interstate Commerce for Livestock Producers Act to protect farmers from costly regulations – made in other states – that will hurt their business and drive-up consumer costs.

Cattle Producers Praise Farm Bill Extension
Cattle Producers Praise Farm Bill Extension

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) praised Congress for passing a government funding package that includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.

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Cattlemen Object to Plans to Introduce Grizzly Bears in Pacific Northwest

This latest proposed rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service follows years of opposition from rural Washington communities, cattle ranchers, and sheep producers.

NCBA Again Strongly Opposes Paraguayan Beef Imports
NCBA Again Strongly Opposes Paraguayan Beef Imports

NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with USDA over Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the outdated information used to justify Paraguay’s access to the U.S. market.

As Washington Works to Prevent a Government Shutdown, House And Senate Ag Committees Reach Deal On Farm Bill Extension
As Washington Works to Prevent a Government Shutdown, House And Senate Ag Committees Reach Deal On Farm Bill Extension

An extension of the current farm bill is now a reality. House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders were able to extend the current legislation as a possible government shutdown looms.

Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely
Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely

The debate over immigration continues to be an issue in Washington. However, the Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows economists are still skeptical it's enough for Congress to act on immigration reform.

The Ag Economy Is Healthy, And That's One Reason Economists Think It Could Be 2025 Before We See A New Farm Bill
The Ag Economy Is Healthy, And That's One Reason Economists Think It Could Be 2025 Before We See A New Farm Bill

Political unrest, a healthy ag economy and the start of an election year. These are all reasons economists in the October Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor think it could 2025 before Congress passes a new farm bill.

The U.S. And Europe Are At Odds Over Trump-Era Tariffs, And It's Now Causing Strained Relations
The U.S. And Europe Are At Odds Over Trump-Era Tariffs, And It's Now Causing Strained Relations

While the U.S. and EU aim to make progress during an upcoming summit, reaching a final agreement is uncertain. This issue has significant implications for U.S./EU ties, climate goals, and geopolitics.

House Nominates Scalise for Speaker, the Farm Bill Needs an Extension
House Nominates Scalise for Speaker, the Farm Bill Needs an Extension

Work by the House or Senate Agriculture Committee on a new farm bill is essentially stalled, Randy Russell tells AgriTalk's Chip Flory. Russell says that could be the case until government funding issues are resolved.

$80 Million Grant to Fund Pilot Program Encouraging Climate-smart Practices on Farms
$80 Million Grant to Fund Pilot Program Encouraging Climate-smart Practices on Farms

Virginia Tech received a record $80 million grant from USDA to help farmers implement climate-smart practices that could significantly reduce greenhouse gasses.

Is A Recession Imminent? Here Are The Red Flags Ag Economists Are Now Watching
Is A Recession Imminent? Here Are The Red Flags Ag Economists Are Now Watching

While ag economists continue to be at odds when it comes to the likelihood of a recession in the U.S., some doubt the country's biggest importers will be able to avoid a recession over the next 18 months.

The Government Didn't Shut Down, And That's Good News For The Farm Bill
The Government Didn't Shut Down, And That's Good News For The Farm Bill

With the government funding in place for now, work on a new farm bill can continue, with the same questions (timing, funding, Title 1 reform, etc.) still being unanswered. 

Veterinarian
Need A Veterinarian In Your Area? Then Support This Legislation Now

Less than 5% of new grads choose rural food animal practice. That needs to change to protect the U.S. food supply and public health. Contacting legislators is one way farmers and ranchers can weigh in and help.

U.S. House Votes to Reject Attack on Checkoffs
U.S. House Votes to Reject Attack on Checkoffs

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelming rejected a proposal on Wednesday that would have barred USDA from operating commodity checkoff programs.

Ag Groups Voice Opposition to Spartz Anti-Checkoff Amendment
Ag Groups Voice Opposition to Spartz Anti-Checkoff Amendment

130 ag and forestry group urge congress to reject an anti-checkoff amendment to legislation that funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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NCBA Backed Legislation to Boost Oversight of Foreign Ag Purchases Advances

The Agricultural Security Risk Review Act would add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment, an interagency committee that reviews the national security impact of foreign investments.

Crude Awakening: Rising Oil Prices Complicate Fed's Rate-Hike Decisions
Crude Awakening: Rising Oil Prices Complicate Fed's Rate-Hike Decisions

As brent crude futures soar toward $100, it's creating a new battle in the Federal Reserve's effort to fight inflation. One money manager warns another rate hike is likely. 

Proposed Legislation Seeks to Analyze Livestock Industry Consolidation
Proposed Legislation Seeks to Analyze Livestock Industry Consolidation

The Livestock Consolidation Research Act would direct a study on the impact of livestock industry consolidation, and a report about how this has affected new market entrants, access to resources and purchasing power.

John Phipps: Trying to Explain the Unexplainable in China
John Phipps: Trying to Explain the Unexplainable in China

China's GDP growth could possibly drop lower than the U.S. this year. In fact, fewer and fewer sectors are healthy, and only then by direct government intervention.

50-year-old Endangered Species Act Finally Has a Manual for Farmers
50-year-old Endangered Species Act Finally Has a Manual for Farmers

A half-century after Richard Nixon signed it into law, the Endangered Species Act now has a user manual to help farmers, thanks to the National Agricultural Law Center.

EPA’s New WOTUS Rules: What Producers Need to Know About
EPA’s New WOTUS Rules: What Producers Need to Know About

Waters of the U.S. rules have evolved many times in the past 50 years. EPA announced another round of changes on Tuesday, following a May Supreme Court ruling that required EPA to revise the definition.

$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023
$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023

USDA on Thursday lowered expectations for both ag exports and imports in FY 2023. The export decline is linked to corn and wheat, while the import decline is correlated with easing prices.