Category: Ag News

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 13:23:31 CDT

Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after House Republicans introduced the Commitment to America, a policy platform to create An Economy That’s Strong, A Nation That’s Safe, A Future That’s Built on Freedom, and A Government That’s Accountable:

“House Republicans have an agenda that will put America back on the right track. Currently, the United States is at an inflection point. Inflation is at a near 40-year high with rising prices chipping away at family budgets. At the Southern Border, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and law enforcement have made more than 2 million arrests as illegally crossing migrants and drugs continue to flow into the country. And across the nation, the Biden Administration and Washington Democrats seem more interested in encroaching on Americans’ constitutional rights than being accountable to the People. The White House and Democrat-controlled Majority in Congress control Washington. This is their record.

“Republicans have a plan for a new direction. Our Commitment to America fosters an economy that’s strong, one that cuts wasteful government spending and lowers Americans’ cost of living. Our Commitment to America ensures a nation that is safe, one that secures the border and supports public safety. Republicans’ Commitment to America creates a future that’s free, advancing the Parents’ Bill of Rights and confronting Big Tech.

“I’m proud to join my House Republican colleagues introducing the Commitment to America, and look forward to spreading our common-sense, responsible agenda across Oklahoma’s Third District.”

To learn more about House Republicans’ Commitment to America, click here.

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 13:17:56 CDT

September is national Hunger Action Month and BASF is once again donating to the Kansas Food Bank through its Sack Hunger initiative. Since 2016, whenever the Kansas State defensive sacks an opposing quarter…

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:31:10 CDT

Today, in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and members of the House Republican Conference unveiled the “Commitment to America,” a policy framework to build a strong American economy and overcome the failed policies from Congressional Democrats and the Biden Administration. Following the press conference, Glenn “GT” Thompson, Republican Leader of the House Committee on Agriculture, issued the following statement:

“One of the primary pillars of Leader McCarthy’s ‘Commitment to America’ is delivering an economy that is strong. The U.S. agriculture industry continues to face fractured supply chains, skyrocketing input costs, and historic levels of inflation, all of which are hampering producers’ ability to provide a safe and abundant food supply. I have always said food security is national security, yet the reckless policies and regulatory burdens coming from Congressional Democrats and the Biden Administration present a generational threat to American agriculture. The ‘Commitment to America’ agenda can help us reverse this dangerous trajectory and rebuild a robust rural economy that unleashes domestic production of food and fiber.”

Over the past year, House Agriculture Committee Republicans supported the “Commitment to America” plan through roundtable discussions and identifying and developing policy solutions in coordination with House GOP taskforces. Read more below.

H.R. 8069, Reducing Farm Input Costs and Barriers to Domestic Production Act

On June 15, 2022, House Agriculture Republicans introduced H.R. 8069, the Reducing Farm Input Costs and Barriers to Domestic Production Act. The bill requires the Biden Administration to reverse its regulatory barriers to domestic agriculture production and provide immediate relief to families across the country.

To watch the press conference, click here.

To read more about the H.R. 8069, click here.

Conversation with a Purpose Roundtable

On July 15, 2022, Republican Leader Thompson hosted a roundtable discussion at Burk-Lea Farms in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The event was sponsored by the Energy, Climate, and Conservation (ECC) Task Force, created by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy last year to promote innovation, invest in clean energy infrastructure, and implement initiatives in natural solutions and conservation. Thompson was joined by Congressmen Garret Graves (LA-06), Chairman of the ECC Task Force, John Joyce (PA-13), David Valadao (CA-21), and John Rose (TN-06).

To watch the roundtable, click here.

To read more about Conversation with a Purpose, click here.

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:08:10 CDT

Click here to listen to audio

KC Sheperd, Farm Director, is visiting with Bob Rodenberger, a partner with Stockman Oklahoma Livestock Marketing, as he gives his thoughts on the cattle on feed numbers to be released today, why added value programs bring more dollars at the sale barn, higher beef prices, and what to do in your operation if you want to see higher bids at the sale barn.

With tighter cattle numbers at play, Rodenberger said we are coming into a time period we haven’t seen since 2011 and 2012.

“I think it will be worse as far as number in 2011 and 2012 as what is going to be available to kill,” Rodenberger said. “We have not seen heifer retention yet.”

Rodenberger capitalizes on the fact that most cattle producers are putting the same amount of money into producing a weaned calf, so having a quality calf crop with desirable genetics to sell should be the goal of every producer who is wanting to make the most when it comes time to sell.

Click the LISTEN BAR below to hear KC’s full conversation with Bob Rodenberger giving his wrap of the cattle markets this week.

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:01:49 CDT

The dairy checkoff’s “Reset Yourself with Dairy” campaign earned a best-in-class International Milk Promotions (IMP) Trophy at the recent International Dairy Federation’s World Dairy …

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:02:48 CDT

Media registration is now open for the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference, Nov. 9-11 in Oklahoma City.

The registration fee is waived for working media. Obtain the passcode by emailing Joe Schuele or calling 303-547-0030. To register, CLICK HERE.

Wednesday’s opening general session will feature Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, who will provide a detailed update and outlook on cattle numbers and production of beef and other proteins, both domestic and international, along with grain supplies and other key operating costs that impact prices and profitability.

Thursday’s general session will focus on Japan, where USMEF’s Tokyo office is celebrating its 45th year. Japan is the highest value market for U.S. red meat exports – taking $2.05 billion in the first half of this year, or more than one-fifth of U.S. export value. Japan’s foodservice industry has been rebounding from COVID and consumer spending on meat is among the world’s highest. U.S. beef and pork face increasing competition in Japan and the yen has plummeted past 20-year lows. But as a key ally and trade agreement partner, great opportunities lie ahead in Japan, despite these challenges. USMEF Japan has continuously adapted to the dynamic situation while also increasing consumer awareness about the U.S. production process, introducing them to U.S. farmers and ranchers as part of the sustainability story. In this session, you’ll hear USMEF’s latest insights from Japan and details on our current marketing initiatives.
Friday’s closing business session will feature guest speaker Sharon Bomer Lauritsen, agricultural trade policy consultant with AgTrade Strategies LLC. She will offer analysis of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and other Biden administration trade initiatives, and share insights on their potential impact on red meat exports. This session will also include election of a new USMEF officer team.

All sessions will be held at the Omni Hotel, with lodging information available from the registration page. The hotel room block reservation deadline is Oct. 14. For questions, contact USMEF Vice President of Communications Joe Schuele or Communications Director John Herath.

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:59:13 CDT

U.S. wheat growers have a long history of recognizing the value of export market development by supporting the successful public-private partnership with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). That…

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:48:04 CDT

American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition Announce Winners of the 14th Annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration

American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition announce the winners of the 14th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a national event that ran between June 21 – September 19, 2022. Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the national winners. The Celebration also recognizes top markets in five regions nationwide and in all 50 states.

More than 2000 markets nationwide participated in the 2022 celebration with over ten million supporters engaged through voting, visiting the celebration website and engaging with the celebration on social media.

“America’s farmers markets serve as anchors of communities from coast to coast, providing access to fresh, healthy food and helping residents develop relationships directly with farmers and purveyors,” said Greg Plotkin, American Farmland Trust’s Director of Digital Communications. “I am proud of the value the Celebration lends to the nation’s farmers markets, helping them secure new sponsorships, vendors, and shoppers. On behalf of everyone at American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition, congratulations to all the national, regional, and state winners!”

“The Farmers Market Coalition is thrilled again to partner with American Farmland Trust for this annual celebration of farmers markets,” said Hannah Fuller, Farmers Market Coalition Communications Manager. “Whether it’s in a small town or a major urban center, farmers markets are hubs of community action and bringing people together. We love how this celebration brings communities together to support their farmers market organizations online and in person.”

Since 2008, the celebration has highlighted the important role farmers markets play in American communities and our larger food system. Farmers markets are on the leading edge of educating consumers about where food comes from and reinforce AFT’s message of No Farms, No Food. They foster direct relationships between community members and farmers to help create a more fair, sustainable and just food system. Participating in the Celebration is a way for people to come together and support their communities and local food producers.

National Winners

National winners are awarded $5,000 for first, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, $750 for fourth and $250 for fifth. These funds are awarded to markets for marketing, communications and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact.

FIRST: Overland Park Farmers Market, Overland Park, KS – Awarded $5,000

It is an honor and privilege to win America’s Favorite Market. This is an award that I’m proud to say is truly a community award.

Over the last three years, staff, vendors and shoppers physically pivoted repeatedly to meet the health guidelines set before us to open and operate safely. We all mentally adapted to overcome the fears and uncertainties of the unknowns. For years, the market has been viewed as a large community gathering place with events and entertainment to make Downtown Overland Park a desirable destination place, all of which was suspended during our temporary relocation. However, this pandemic has highlighted the primary function of what a farmers’ market is and how critical local food is to both vendors and shoppers. From opening as a drive-thru market, to a social distancing market and then moving back to Downtown Overland Park to now the Expanded Pavilion Site, we learned the value and were reminded just how essential the farmers’ market truly is. The OPFM provides healthy food and gives low-income shoppers a way to access local goods bringing the equality of sustainable products to all.

Kristina Stanley, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation, City of Overland Park

SECOND: Columbia Farmers Market, Columbia, MO – Awarded $2,500

To be recognized as one of the top markets in the country, for the second year in a row, is such an honor for our organization. Many customers have asked us over the past few months what this contest means. Our answer all summer has been that it means we have the best customers. Our community has supported our hard-working farmers and producers for 42 years and has allowed us to grow into the thriving organization we are now. With the help of those supporters and the recognition of this competition, we’ve had the best year on record in 2022. Breaking customer count records week after week, our vendors have sold more than ever, we’ve dispensed more nutrition incentive benefits to our community than ever, and we’ve opened another weekly market. We owe such a big thank you to the mid-Missouri community for supporting our producers, our market, and voting for us in this competition.

Corrina Smith, Executive Director, Columbia Farmers Market

THIRD: Nampa Farmers Market, Nampa, ID – Awarded $1,500

I am proud to accept this honor on behalf of so many amazing people. The vendors at the Nampa Farmers Market are some of the hardest working people I know. They invest their heart and soul in providing the best for their customers. Several of them serve as board members, as well. And that board is filled with incredible men and women who work tirelessly to pitch in with bookkeeping, entertainment, special events, social media, advertising, and countless other jobs that make the Nampa Farmers Market something special. And of course, the Nampa community values us as a vital part of the downtown area. We are not just a place to shop for them – we are their friends.

Jeralynne Bobinski, Market Manager, Nampa Farmers Market

FOURTH: West Windsor Community Farmers Market, West Windsor, NJ – Awarded $750

“Placing fourth in the nation allows us to celebrate and bring more awareness to our nearly twenty year-old market, whose mission has always been to support New Jersey farmers, local food producers and purveyors, create a welcoming community space for all and engender a healthy lifestyle. Seeing the diversity of markets across the country through the American Farmland Trust Celebration highlights all of us doing this invaluable work. We’re proud to be in good company.”

Chris Cirkus, Market Manager, West Windsor Community Farmers Market

FIFTH: Monroe Farmers Market, Monroe, CT – Awarded $250

While we are a small town, I’ve learned to never underestimate this community’s love and appreciation of our Farmers’ Market as demonstrated during this celebration! Since the Market’s inception in 2008, we have embraced a traditional model of farmers & vendors being required to grow/raise/make their own items sourced right here in CT. It has helped us keep our focus and stay true to our mission each season by promoting agriculture in its various forms. Each week, we take pride in highlighting our farmers & vendors through samplings and the launch of our Market Minis program this year which encourages our next generation of consumers to engage with the various aspects of our Market. Both of those programs were launched after earning 3rd place funding in the Country last year! It has been a true joy to participate in this annual celebration with the intention of supporting other Markets, raising each other up, and sharing our mutual pride and dedication in this important agricultural initiative.

Kelly Plunkett, Market Manager, Monroe Farmers Market

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 08:42:55 CDT

“America’s farmer co-ops would like to thank Senators Angus King (I-Me.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) for introducing the Expanding American Agricultural Trade and Exports (CREAA…