House chairman says 2023 farm bill will be later than expected
Congress will have to temporarily extend the lifespan of the 2018 farm bill because it will miss the Sept. 30 deadline for enacting its successor, said House Agriculture chairman Glenn Thompson. It was the first direct acknowledgement by one of the “four corners” of farm policy — the leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture committees — that the 2023 farm bill would be late.
Tipping point for plant-based proteins
Sales of plant-based alternatives to red meat, poultry, and seafood are down 20 percent from their peak in 2020 and the industry “faces something of a tipping point,” said a report by agricultural lender CoBank on Monday. “Consumers remain interested in the concept of plant-based meats, but concerns about highly processed products and higher prices have put off many prospective regular consumers,” wrote CoBank senior economist Billy Roberts.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Montana youths win climate case: In a case brought by young environmental activists, Montana state judge Kathy Seeley ruled the state unconstitutionally failed to consider the impact on the environment when considering requests for fossil fuel development. (Associated Press)
Disaster flexibilities in Northeast: The USDA will implement flexibilities for farmers in the Northeast in its commodity support, disaster relief, and land stewardship programs. (USDA)
Wild rice in peril: Climate change is causing more rainfall and flooding in the Upper Midwest and jeopardizing the survival of wild rice, which grows best in shallow water. (Sahan Journal)
Court backs bumble bee: U.S. district judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “did not set forth a reasoned basis” for refusing in 2020 to designate critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee and told the agency to reconsider. (Center for Biological Diversity)
Soybean crop condition improves: With the corn and soybean crops in their reproductive stages, the weekly Crop Progress report said 59 percent of soybeans were in good or excellent condition, 5 points better than last week; 59 percent of corn was rated as good or excellent, a 2-point improvement. (USDA)
