Ukraine grain exports to suffer as Russia blockades Black Sea
The United States will work with allies to find new ways to get Ukrainian grain onto the world market following Russia’s decision to effectively blockade its ports again, said an administration spokesman on Monday. Nonetheless, exports from Ukraine, a leading supplier of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, are sure to decline with the demise of the year-old Black Sea grain agreement, he said.
With a second beef plant, Walmart raises concerns about vertical integration in cattle markets
Last month Walmart announced plans to open a plant in Olathe, Kansas, that will turn large cuts of beef into meat case-ready steaks, filets, and more for its Midwest stores. This $257 million investment is the latest in Walmart’s efforts to build its own Angus beef supply chain, which began in 2019 when it partnered with processors and a ranching company to open its first case-ready beef plant in Georgia and launch an in-house Angus brand across the Southeast.
Torres Small vows to help farms of all sizes succeed
Minutes after taking the oath of office on Monday, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said the USDA should help farms of all sizes and types of production be successful. “That’s why I’m so excited to have this job,” said Torres Small, who received Senate confirmation last week for the No. 2 position.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
MFP skewed grain marketing: The $23 billion in trade-war payments, issued through the Market Facilitation Program, gave farmers a cash cushion that allowed some to look for better corn, wheat, sorghum, and soybean prices rather than sell immediately after harvest. (farmdoc daily)
Michigan funds free school meals for all: The Michigan state budget includes $160 million so public schools can serve breakfast and lunch for free to all students for the coming year. (Holland Sentinel)
USDA gets a ‘C’: Farm Action and the Open Markets Institute said the USDA “must act urgently” to implement President Biden’s executive order for federal agencies to encourage more competition in the U.S. economy, giving the department a “C” for its work so far. (Open Markets)
Lawsuit attacks CAFO permits: A lawsuit filed on behalf of the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance says the state exceeds the authority of the U.S. Clean Water Act by requiring large dairy farms to obtain permits aimed at keeping manure out of waterways. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
Corn, soy ratings improve: Some 57 percent of the soybean crop is rated as good-to-excellent, up 4 points in the past week, and 57 percent of corn is rated good/excellent, a 2-point improvement. (USDA)
