Biden administration announces largest increase ever in SNAP benefits
The Biden administration will increase SNAP benefits by an average of 25 percent on Oct. 1 — the largest increase in the history of food stamps — based on a reassessment of the cost of a nutritious diet. Analysts and anti-hunger advocates said on Sunday that the increase would improve the diets of millions of poor Americans.
U.S. fertilizer makers harmed by imports, says trade agency
There is a “reasonable indication” that domestic fertilizer manufacturers are being hurt by the alleged dumping of imported fertilizer in the United States, the U.S. International Trade Commission declared in a unanimous vote.
Today’s Quick Hits
Block Mexican ships: In a biennial report to Congress, NOAA identified 31 nations and entities involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and said Mexican fishing vessels will be barred from U.S. ports because of continued “pirate” fishing. (NOAA)
Carbon-neutral cattle: The largest U.S. cattle producers group announced sustainability goals that included demonstration of carbon-neutral cattle production by 2040 and improved producer profitability by 2025. (NCBA)
Doubts about digesters: In dairy-dominated Tulare County in California’s Central Valley, community activists say there’s no evidence that manure digesters, touted as an efficient way to handle agricultural emissions, provide environmental benefits to residents. (InsideClimate News)
Brazil wheat record: Growers will harvest a record 7.7 million tonnes of wheat in Brazil in the 2021/22 marketing year, up 23 percent from last year, which will allow larger exports of the grain even though Brazil remains a net importer of wheat. (USDA)
On The Calendar
Monday
American Dairy Products Institute and American Butter Institute hold annual conferences online, through Friday.
First day of Pro Farmer Crop Tour, which will scout more than 2,000 fields in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota to assess potential corn and soybean production, through Thursday.
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress report, 4 p.m. ET.
Wednesday
National Agricultural Law Center holds a webinar, “Considering Carbon: Agribusiness and all things Crypto; an introduction to the basics,” noon ET.
American Coalition for Ethanol holds its 34th annual conference, through Friday, Minneapolis.
USDA releases biennial Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report, 3 p.m. ET. The 2019 report said 75 percent of farms had internet access. Over half of farms conducted farm business on a smartphone or tablet, compared to 44 percent in 2017.
Thursday
R-CALF USA holds national convention, through Friday, Rapid City, South Dakota.
U.S. Apple Association holds 126th Annual Crop and Outlook Marketing Conference, through Friday, Chicago.
Friday
Purdue University holds a webinar on its annual report, “Indiana farmland values and cash rent values,” 12:30 p.m. EDT.
Deadline for landowners to apply to enroll land in the CRP Grasslands option.
USDA releases monthly Cattle on Feed report, 3 p.m. ET.
Saturday
World Honey Bee Day, created by apiarists to honor bees and beekeeping each year on the third Saturday of August.
Sunday
SNAC International holds SNAXPO conference and trade show, through Aug. 25, Charlotte, North Carolina.
