CBO adds 2 percent to cost of farm bill programs – May 15, 203

CBO adds 2 percent to cost of farm bill programs

Higher enrollment in SNAP and lower commodity prices will boost the 10-year baseline for the farm bill to $1.48 trillion, the most expensive ever, said the Congressional Budget Office in an updated projection of federal spending.

Facing the flood in California’s San Joaquin Valley

California is fighting a slow-motion disaster, one that could become its largest flood in recent history. As the near-record snowpack in the Sierra mountains melts, the water making its way through the foothills is pooling in the basin, reviving a lake that had long disappeared. And while the return of Tulare Lake could devastate everyone in the region, historically disenfranchised communities like Allensworth are uniquely vulnerable.

TODAY’S QUICK HITS

Deforestation drop: Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest fell 68 percent in April from the previous year, preliminary government data showed on Friday. (Reuters)

Farmworker fears: A new Florida law targeting undocumented immigrants has some farmworkers too scared to go to work and considering leaving the state, which would cause a staffing crisis for the state’s farmers. (WPTV)

Dropping wheat: America’s wheat fields have become so plagued by drought that farmers are now poised to abandon crops at the highest rate in more than a century. (Bloomberg)

Willie for farmers: The LBJ Foundation honored Willie Nelson with its most prestigious award, the LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award, for his work in support of farmers and rural communities. (WXAN)

ON THE CALENDAR

Monday
It’s the USDA’s birthday; created on May 15, 1862, under a law signed by President Lincoln, who later described USDA as “the people’s department.”
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress report, 4 p.m. ET.

Tuesday
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo testify at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on “U.S. security, competitiveness and the path ahead for the U.S.-China relationship,” 2 p.m. ET, 106 Dirksen.
House Agriculture subcommittee hearing, “To review the National Forest system: Supporting forest health and confronting the wildfire crisis,” 10 a.m. ET, 1300 Longworth.
House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing, “Examining the challenges facing forest management, wildfire suppression and wildland firefighters ahead of the 2023 wildfire year,” 2 p.m. ET, 1324 Longworth.
The Consumer Federation of America holds the annual Consumer Assembly, through Wednesday, Washington. Speakers include Sens. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

Wednesday
House Agriculture subcommittee hearing, “A review of animal agriculture stakeholder priorities,” 10 a.m. ET, 1300 Longworth.
Senate Agriculture subcommittee hearing, “Rural broadband: Connecting our communities to the digital economy,” 3 p.m. ET, 328A Russell. For details, click here.
International Dairy Food Association holds Dairy Tech Conference 2023, through Thursday, Minneapolis.

Thursday
At its awards luncheon, the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City salutes Marty Vanier, director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center at Kansas State University, and Blake Hurst, who served as president of the Missouri Farm Bureau for 10 years, 12:30 p.m. ET, Kansas City.
International Grains Council releases Grain Market Report, London.
USDA releases monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook, 3 p.m. ET.

Friday
President Biden attends the Group of Seven summit, through Sunday, Hiroshima, Japan. Topics will include “the G7’s unwavering support for Ukraine, addressing the dual food and climate crises, securing inclusive and resilient economic growth and continuing to lead a clean energy transition at home and for our partners around the world,” said the White House.
USDA releases monthly Cattle on Feed report, 3 p.m. ET.

Saturday
The National Restaurant Association holds annual show, through May 23, Chicago.

Bookmark the permalink.