U.S. farmers lean into corn, soy and wheat in 2023
American farmers will plant 7.6 million more acres of corn, soybeans and wheat, the “big three” crops of modern U.S. agriculture, this year than last, according to USDA estimates. With normal weather and trend-line yields, the result could be the largest soybean crop ever and the biggest corn crop since record production in 2016.
Cost-share grants for rural renewable energy
The USDA will award up to $1 billion in grants to help farmers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems or make energy-efficiency improvements to their property, announced Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Meatpacking among ‘most dangerous’: Updated data from the Labor Department say that meatpackers “continue to be among the most dangerous industries” in the country. (Economic Policy Institute)
Plenty of trade barriers: The annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers listed significant trade barriers worldwide to U.S. exports, with agriculture facing obstacles that included non-science-based restrictions on biotech crops. (U.S. trade representative)
Vote against China purchases: On a 407-26 vote, the House approved language that would prohibit the Chinese government or agents of the Communist Party from buying an interest in U.S. farmland or land used to produce renewable energy. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)
Higher ‘make’ allowance: The International Dairy Foods Association asked the USDA to increase the so-called make allowance — an estimate of the cost to process milk into cheese, butter and other products — on grounds that cost have risen dramatically. (The Hagstrom Report)
Easter potatoes, not eggs: Potatoes USA, the national marketing board for the potato industry, is providing tips on how to paint potatoes for Easter as an alternative for parents who worry Easter eggs will be too pricey. (Axios)
ON THE CALENDAR
Monday
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announces “significant new investments in New Mexico … to expand access to high-speed broadband internet.” Members of the New Mexico congressional delegation were to join Vilsack in Albuquerque for the announcement.
Russell Hiatt, president of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, and Luke Worrell, president of the Realtors Land Institute, discuss farmland values in the Midwest and the impact of higher interest rates at a luncheon meeting of The Chicago Farmers, 12:30 p.m. ET, Chicago.
The USDA issues the first Crop Progress report of the year, 4 p.m. ET. The report will be issued each Monday throughout the growing season, with the last report appearing Nov. 27.
Tuesday
American Enterprise Institute holds a panel discussion, “Reforming the federal crop insurance and disaster aid programs,” 10 a.m. ET.
Purdue releases the monthly Ag Economy Barometer, a monthly gauge of the health of the agricultural economy.
USDA releases Hatchery Production Annual report, 3 p.m. ET.
Wednesday
Northern Soy Marketing and Agri-Pulse hold a webinar, “Uncovering soybean export potential,” 3 p.m.
Friday
End of 30-day period for U.S.-Mexico technical consultations over Mexico’s ban on imports of GMO corn used in making tortillas. Under USMCA rules, the United States has a right to file a formal trade complaint after consultations.
Final day to enroll land in the long-term Conservation Reserve. Some 23 million acres are enrolled in the reserve at present. Contracts expire Oct. 1 on 1.9 million acres. The USDA is aiming for the statutory limit of 27 million acres.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization releases monthly Food Price Index, Rome.
