Farm income is forecast far above average for second year
Record-high expenses and sharply lower federal subsidies will erode farm income in 2022, according to a forecast by the Agriculture Department. Nonetheless, U.S. agriculture would see one of its best years on record, with net farm income 26 percent above its 10-year average.
Despite ongoing pandemic disruptions, USDA sets transition to healthier school meals
Chocolate milk can remain in the cafeteria while schools serve more foods that are rich in whole grains and lower in salt over the next two years under a Biden administration plan for healthier school meals. The USDA announced the transition to healthier school food after loosening its rules during the pandemic so schools could continue to feed students despite staff and supply chain disruptions.
Today’s Quick Hits
Scant safety evidence: Despite assurances that oil field wastewater can be safely used to irrigate California farms, “there is scant evidence” to support that conclusion, according to a review of research and interviews with experts. (InsideClimate News)
Four NOSB appointees: The USDA appointed four new members to the advisory National Organic Standards Board, including California farmer Javier Zamora, for terms running through January 2027. (Agricultural Marketing Service)
Davis, Miller face-off: Illinois Reps. Rodney Davis, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Mary Miller will run against each other in the GOP primary in the 15th House District in central Illinois. (Illinois Times)
Shelve WOTUS?: The EPA should stop work on a new regulation, known as “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), until the Supreme Court rules on an Idaho case involving federal regulation of wetlands, said all 50 Republican senators. (Sen. Thune)
Nebraska ‘right to repair’: A bill to create a “right to repair” for Nebraska farmers was cleared by the Judiciary Committee for floor debate at the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
On The Calendar
Monday
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discusses USDA’s efforts in “combating the climate crisis by partnering with agriculture, forestry and rural communities to provide climate solutions that strengthen rural America,” 1:50 p.m. ET, Jefferson City, Missouri. USDA says the event at Lincoln University, a historically Black land-grant university, will be livestreamed at USDA Live.
Society for Range Management holds annual meeting, through Thursday, Albuquerque. Zach Ducheneaux, head of the Farm Service Agency, speaks on Monday.
Farm Credit Council holds annual meeting, through Wednesday, New Orleans.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders holds 2022 SAFSF Policy Convening online, through Wednesday.
Tuesday
Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie is lead witness at House Agriculture subcommittee hearing to review U.S. farm policy, 10 a.m.
World Ag Expo, with “the latest in farm equipment, communications and technology,” through Thursday, Tulare, California.
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives holds annual meeting, through Thursday, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Wednesday
CFTC chairman Rostin Behnam is lead witness at the Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, “Examining digital assets: Risks, regulation and innovation,” 10 a.m. ET. 106 Dirksen.
USDA releases monthly Crop Production and WASDE reports, noon ET. Analysts expect further declines in soybean crops in Brazil and Argentina due to dry and hot weather. A potential 30 million tonnes (1.1 billion bushels) of soybean production has been lost due to hostile weather in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, estimated trading house StoneX last week.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee hearing “to examine the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act,” 10 a.m. ET, 366 Dirksen. Witnesses include Deputy Chief Chris French of the U.S. Forest Service.
Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau holds 58th annual meeting, through Friday, Indian Wells, California.
Thursday
The Labor Department releases the monthly Consumer Price Index report, 8:30 a.m. ET.
Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City holds Ag Innovation 2022, 9 a.m. ET, Kansas City.
Friday
The National Cotton Council holds annual meeting, through Feb. 14, Houston.
USDA issues semi-annual Catfish Production report, 3 p.m. ET.
Saturday
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture holds the annual Winter Policy Conference, through Feb. 17, Arlington, Virginia.
The National Association of Conservation Districts holds annual meeting, through Feb. 16, Orlando.
