USDA: Test for bird flu before interstate transport of cattle
Michigan officials said the H5N1 bird flu virus has infected three additional dairy herds in the state, just as the USDA recommended farmers test their herds for the virus before moving cattle between states. The tests should both give us more information and should mitigate further state-to-state spread between herds,” said the USDA’s animal health agency.
Rivals trim soy oil’s lead among biomass-based diesel feedstocks
With the explosion in production of renewable diesel, yellow grease and corn oil are cutting into soybean oil’s position as the dominant feedstock for biomass-based diesel fuel, said three agricultural economists.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Far right courts farmers: Far-right politicians in Europe are making common cause with protesting farmers, hoping to broaden their appeal by promising an overhaul of EU agricultural policies. (Washington Post)
‘Don’t cut interest rates’: The Federal Reserve should be patient “and wait for clear and convincing evidence” the U.S. inflation rate has slowed to 2 percent — the Fed’s target — before lowering interest rates, said the president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Hunger in West and Central Africa: Nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa “will struggle to feed themselves in the June-August 2024 lean season,” up from a November forecast of 51 million, said a new assessment. (FAO)
ON THE CALENDAR
Monday
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack speaks at North American Agricultural Journalists meeting, Washington.
SNAC International holds SNX24, an education and collaboration forum, through Tuesday, Dallas.
The National Restaurant Association holds its public affairs conference, through Wednesday, Washington.
USDA releases weekly Crop Progress, 4 p.m. ET.
Tuesday
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is lead witness at Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on proposed fiscal 2025 budget for the Agriculture Department, 10 a.m. ET, 124 Dirksen.
U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai is lead witness at the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Biden administration’s 2024 trade policy agenda, 10 a.m. ET, 1100 Longworth.
U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore is lead witness at the House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the agency’s proposed fiscal 2025 budget, 9:30 a.m. ET, 2008 Rayburn.
USDA and Census Bureau hold semiannual Data Users Meeting to discuss upcoming changes in the agricultural statistics report and to gather feedback on existing reports and data gathering practices, 2 p.m. ET, Chicago.
Wednesday
U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai is lead witness at Senate Finance Committee hearing, “The president’s 2024 trade policy agenda,” 10 a.m. ET, 215 Dirksen.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is lead witness at the House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the proposed fiscal 2025 budget for the Interior Department, 9:30 a.m. ET, 2008 Rayburn.
Senate Health Committee holds hearing, “Feeding a healthier America: Current efforts and the potential opportunities for Food is Medicine,” 2:30 p.m. ET, 430 Dirksen.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association holds the 2024 Legislative Conference, through Friday, Washington.
Ohio State University economist discusses renewable energy and rural America as part of the 2024 Economic Outlook and Policy Webinar Series.
USDA releases annual National Hemp Report and monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook report, 3 p.m. ET.
Thursday
International Grains Council releases Grains Market Report, London.
Friday
USDA releases monthly Cattle on Feed report, 3 p.m. ET.
