As globe warms, risk of agricultural drought rises, says climate report
Without immediate and broad-scale action to limit greenhouse gas emissions, global warming almost certainly will result in heat waves, changes in rainfall patterns and agricultural droughts, said a report by the UN climate change panel on Monday. Agricultural and ecological droughts were likely to become more frequent in western North America, said the report.
Senators question slow pace of pandemic payments to farmers
The Biden administration has committed $7.3 billion in pandemic aid to farmers and ranchers since March but payments are now much smaller; $583 million in the past four months, according to an unofficial tally by FERN.
Big boost for USDA in Senate budget proposal
The budget plan unveiled by Senate Democrats on Monday would increase USDA spending by $135 billion over a decade, equal to a 9-percent increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Today’s Quick Hits
Vote on Bonnie, Torres Small: Leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee hoped to schedule a vote on USDA nominees Robert Bonnie and Xochitl Torres Small this week, opening the way to a possible confirmation vote by the Senate before its summer recess. (FERN’s Ag Insider)
Cargill and Continental in poultry: Agribusiness giants Cargill and Continental Grain said they would form a joint venture to buy poultry producer and processor Sanderson Farms for $4.5 billion. (Cargill)
Tyson raises prices: Chief executive Donnie Smith said meat processor Tyson Foods already has raised prices for restaurant customers and plans to increase supermarket prices on Sept. 5 in a race against inflation. (Reuters)
Still eating meat: People are eating more plant-based burgers, but it doesn’t mean there’s a decline in the demand for meat, says public health attorney Michele Simon. (VegNews)
