Latest News From POLICY

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.

Will Europe's Farmer Protests Make Their Way To The U.S.?
Will Europe's Farmer Protests Make Their Way To The U.S.?

Steve Cubbage says the upcoming farm bill could decide if the U.S. gets a taste for Europe's recent farmer protests.

Producers Can Now Enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage for This Year
Producers Can Now Enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage for This Year

USDA has announced that the 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage sign-up will open Feb. 28 and run through April 29.

Why Farmers Are Protesting In Europe
Why Farmers Are Protesting In Europe

Farmers are protesting across the European Union, saying they are facing rising costs and taxes, red tape, excessive environmental rules and competition from cheap food imports.

New Federal Feed Additive Legislation Proposed
New Federal Feed Additive Legislation Proposed

A bi-partisan coalition of U.S. representatives has proposed new legislation to streamline FDA approval of some feed additives.

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Producers Await Dairy Margin Coverage Sign up for the 2024 Calendar

Producers are hoping for stronger milk prices next year. First quarter milk price looks less than promising - causing producers to turn to plan B which is hoping DMC payouts generate a healthy sum in the year ahead.

Big News: House Passes Bill to Bring Whole Milk Back to School Menus
Big News: House Passes Bill to Bring Whole Milk Back to School Menus

More than a decade after banning whole and reduced-fat milk from being served during school lunches, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted in support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

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.

Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows
Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows

Analysts say an initial cut could be made as early as first quarter 2024. One of the key factors the central banking system will consider is whether its inflation rate target of 2% has been achieved.

Twenty Years Overdue? Why Producers Are Pushing for These 7 Major Changes to FMMO
Twenty Years Overdue? Why Producers Are Pushing for These 7 Major Changes to FMMO

The Federal Milk Marketing Orders haven't seen a major overhaul since 2000, and dairy farmers say it's past time for a change.

U.S. Ag Chief Seeking 'Creative' Ways to Sell Dairy in Canada After Trade Dispute Loss
U.S. Ag Chief Seeking 'Creative' Ways to Sell Dairy in Canada After Trade Dispute Loss

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the Biden administration is looking for "creative" ways to sell more U.S. dairy products in Canada.

U.S. Dairy Organizations Say the Recent USMCA Announcement is Major Setback
U.S. Dairy Organizations Say the Recent USMCA Announcement is Major Setback

Dairy organizations are disheartened by USMCA's dispute panel which is allowing Canada to restrict dairy access to the United States and weakens the agreement’s value for the U.S. dairy industry.

USMCA Trade Panel Rejects U.S. Complaint About Access to Canada Dairy Market
USMCA Trade Panel Rejects U.S. Complaint About Access to Canada Dairy Market

A trade dispute settlement panel set up under a major North American free trade agreement has rejected a U.S. complaint that Canada is improperly limiting access to its dairy 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.

Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension
Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension

Rep. Thompson, chairman of the House Ag Committee, continues to express optimism about passing a new farm bill in December in the House of Representatives. But he says an extension of the current farm bill is needed.

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.

Trade Relations Between the U.S. and China Just Got Even More Complicated
Trade Relations Between the U.S. and China Just Got Even More Complicated

China's Commerce minister expressed concerns over trade and tech restrictions to U.S. Senate Majority Leader this week. That's as the U.S. Commerce Department added 42 more Chinese companies to the export blacklist.

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. 

How Will A Looming Government Shutdown Impact Agriculture?
How Will A Looming Government Shutdown Impact Agriculture?

When the House and Senate returns on Tuesday, lawmakers will have just five days left to avoid a shutdown, which would impact several USDA services, including key reports. 

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. 

Could It Be Two Years Before Farmers See a New Farm Bill? The Ugly Truth About the Fight Over Funding
Could It Be Two Years Before Farmers See a New Farm Bill? The Ugly Truth About the Fight Over Funding

Members of Congress are currently in disagreement over how long it will take to get a new farm bill finished, which is why one ag economist fears it could take two years to finally see a new Farm Bill.

USDA Launches Milk Loss Assistance Program for Qualifying Weather Events
USDA Launches Milk Loss Assistance Program for Qualifying Weather Events

Assistance will be available to dairy operations that had to dump or remove milk without compensation from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.

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.

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.

Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban
Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban

“Mexico’s decree, which runs counter to scientific findings and is in direct violation of USMCA, is negatively impacting American corn growers,” said Tom Haag, NCGA president.

John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners
John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners

John Phipps says there are signs that water is the new oil as water rights turn into water fights across the western U.S. He thinks it's a battle that could only heat up in the coming years.

Senators Look To Rein-In Abuse Of Farm Payment System
Senators Look To Rein-In Abuse Of Farm Payment System

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Sherrod Brown have introduced the Farm Program Integrity Act. It would create a cap of $250,000 in commodity support for a single farm operation and, potentially, some undesirable side effects.

Broadband Bill Would Push Internet to Every “Last Acre” in Rural America
Broadband Bill Would Push Internet to Every “Last Acre” in Rural America

“Producers looking to adopt precision ag technologies need network connectivity that extends far past their residences. They need to be able to make real-time decisions that increase yields," says Sen. Fischer (R-Neb.).

Senate Votes to Limit Foreign Land Ownership
Senate Votes to Limit Foreign Land Ownership

Roughly 37.6 million acres of U.S. ag land is foreign owned, according to USDA. However, select purchases of U.S. land could come to an end following a Senate vote this week.

Major CRP Changes Could be Coming in the Farm Bill
Major CRP Changes Could be Coming in the Farm Bill

House Republicans, particularly on the House Ag Committee, are debating changes to the Conservation Reserve Program as part of the upcoming farm bill reauthorization.

WOTUS Meetings on the Calendar with New Recommendations in Tow
WOTUS Meetings on the Calendar with New Recommendations in Tow

EPA has been asked to exclude ditches from the definition of federal waters, include wetlands when they can't be distinguished from navigable waters, and erase the independent interstate waters and wetlands category.

Dairy Policy Hearing Set to Address the Federal Milk Marketing Order
Dairy Policy Hearing Set to Address the Federal Milk Marketing Order

The hearing, which will take place in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel, Indiana, could potentially result in the first significant reform of milk marketing orders since 2000.

John Phipps: Are Farmers Losing Interest in the Farm Bill?
John Phipps: Are Farmers Losing Interest in the Farm Bill?

Farm Bill discussions and debates don't pack as much drama for producers. According to JohnPhipps, there's an unspoken realization that the Farm Bill doesn’t have the same influence on the farm economy it once did.

New Farmland Bill Would Create a Public Database for Foreign Land Ownership
New Farmland Bill Would Create a Public Database for Foreign Land Ownership

The Farmland Security Act of 2023 seeks to further boost transparency in foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

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Organic Milk Producers Look to Differentiate from Traditional Milk

Organic dairy farmers emphasized the need for consideration of an organic exemption in any forthcoming federal order hearing, citing the current system as insupportable for their industry.

Ag Economists Turn More Positive Longer-Term On the Farm Economy
Ag Economists Turn More Positive Longer-Term On the Farm Economy

The July Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor showed several key changes from June including a bigger cut to corn and soybean yields, a drop in corn and soybean prices and more bullish cattle and hog prices.

Preliminary Trade Agreement Between U.S., Taiwan Garners Approval from Senate
Preliminary Trade Agreement Between U.S., Taiwan Garners Approval from Senate

The leaders also drafted a proposed legislation earlier this month that promises treaty-like benefits for businesses seeking cross-border investment opportunities via the tax code.

Farm Bill 2023 Draft is Expected by Mid-September
Farm Bill 2023 Draft is Expected by Mid-September

House Ag Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, along with other members, is seeking additional funding sources for the bill, but that will likely be the biggest farm bill hurdle that may trip up lawmakers.

Most Ag Economists Think It's Unlikely the 2023 Farm Bill Will Be Passed in 2023
Most Ag Economists Think It's Unlikely the 2023 Farm Bill Will Be Passed in 2023

The majority of ag economists don’t expect a farm bill to be written by the upcoming deadline, but a few think it could happen by the end of the year, according to the most recent Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor.

The Countdown is on for EPA to Revise WOTUS
The Countdown is on for EPA to Revise WOTUS

EPA has a deadline from the Eight Circuit Court of Appeals to offer a progress report on the Waters of the U.S. rule by Sept. 15.

U.S. Committee Proposes New Roadblock for Foreign Land Ownership
U.S. Committee Proposes New Roadblock for Foreign Land Ownership

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) introduced an act to prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting U.S. land near security sites, and would push a review of current ownership in these areas.

WOTUS Ruling Causing Confusion in Key Ag States
WOTUS Ruling Causing Confusion in Key Ag States

State officials find these states serve as early examples of the challenges other places may face in response to the recent Sackett ruling on WOTUS.

China's Exports Decline 12.4% Year-Over-Year
China's Exports Decline 12.4% Year-Over-Year

This slump, deeper than May's 7.5% drop, represents the largest decline since February 2020.

Is it Time to Repurpose CRP?
Is it Time to Repurpose CRP?

Dr. Carl Zulauf of Ohio State University, via a FarmDoc Daily article, proposes merging General CRP and Continuous CRP into a Site Specific CRP.

USDA Initiates Aid Program to Address Farm Lending Discrimination
USDA Initiates Aid Program to Address Farm Lending Discrimination

The program targets those who were discriminated against before Jan. 1, 2021, or those still in debt from discriminatory USDA farm loans.