American Farm Bureau Federation

Supreme Court Rules Against EPA in WOTUS Case

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 20:10:09 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court sided with an Idaho couple in a significant environmental case against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over a plan to develop a small lot near Priest Lake. This decision has national implications for water quality, ag, development and the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

The court was unanimous in finding that the land owned by the Idaho family was not subject to the Clean Water Act. The court was split 5-4 on the court’s new “test”, which stated that only wetlands with a continuous surface connection to a body of water are covered by the law.

Related story: What’s Wrong with the Current Waters of the U.S. Rule?

The case focused on the interpretation of the 1972 Clean Water Act and asked for a clearer definition of what the law intended by giving the EPA authority to regulate WOTUS.

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, shared in an EPA press release that he’s “disappointed” by the Supreme Court’s ruling that “erodes longstanding clean water protections.”

"[The administration] worked to establish a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’ that safeguards our nation’s waters, strengthens economic opportunity, and protects people’s health while providing the clarity and certainty that farmers, ranchers, and landowners deserve,” Regan said. “These goals will continue to guide the agency forward as we carefully review the Supreme Court decision and consider next steps.”

What Supreme Court justices have to say on the WOTUS ruling

Court Justice Samuel Alito, joined by four conservative justices, wrote the opinion stating that the federal government could regulate water that has a “continuous surface connection” to major bodies of water. This ruling overturns a previous decision by a federal appeals court that supported the EPA.

Alito said the EPA’s interpretation of its powers went “too far.”

“We hold that the Clean Water Act extends to only those wetlands with a continuous surface connection to bodies that are ‘waters of the United States’ in their own right, so that they are ‘indistinguishable’ from those waters,” Alito wrote, quoting from past court opinions.

Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court’s liberals, comparing the ruling to last term’s decision limiting the EPA’s ability to combat climate change.

“The vice in both instances is the same: the Court’s appointment of itself as the national decision-maker on environmental policy,” she wrote, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh wrote separately to object to the majority’s reading of the law. He wrote that the majority’s new test “departs from the statutory text, from 45 years of consistent agency practice, and from this Court’s precedents” and will have “significant repercussions for water quality and flood control throughout the United States.” Kagan, Sotomayor and Jackson joined Kavanaugh.

What the ag industry has to say on the WOTUS ruling

Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) calls the ruling a “victory” for farmers, ranchers and landowners.

“The decision reaffirms the rights of property owners and provides long-needed clarity to rural America. In light of this decision, the Biden Administration should withdraw its flawed final WOTUS rule,” Thompson said. “It is time to finally put an end to the regulatory whiplash and create a workable rule that promotes clean water while protecting the rights of rural Americans.”

Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau president, echoed Thompson, saying the EPA “clearly overstepped” its authority under the Clean Water Act.

“The justices respect private property rights. It’s now time for the Biden administration to do the same and rewrite the Waters of the United States Rule,” Duvall said. “Farmers and ranchers share the goal of protecting the resources they’re entrusted with, but they deserve a rule that provides clarity and doesn’t require a team of attorneys to properly care for their land.”

Background on the WOTUS case

The case began when Michael and Chantell Sackett purchased a vacant lot in a residential subdivision in Idaho in 2004. They acquired the necessary county permits to develop the site, but the EPA argued that the land was subject to its review because it contained wetlands about 300 feet from Priest Lake.

Related story: What Bodies of Water are Considered WOTUS?

This case, having returned to the Supreme Court for the second time, was closely monitored by environmentalists, developers, and farming groups due to the ongoing debate over the extent of the EPA’s jurisdiction beyond navigable lakes, rivers, and into smaller streams and wetlands.

What’s Next for WOTUS?

A court decision against the EPA, said Attorney Rafe Petersen, who represents miners, offshore wind developers and others seeking EPA permit, likely leaves the Biden administration to start all over again from scratch.

“I don’t see how they get away from that,” Petersen said. “The Biden administration is really boxed into the corner.”

The ruling trims the jurisdiction of EPA to regulate waters under the Clean Water Act to interstate and navigable waters and immediately adjacent wetlands. It is a return to the traditional understanding of what Congress passed in the early 1970s.

A Historical Day: SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments on Proposition 12

Mon, 15 May 2023 13:41:32 GMT

Operating with the constant backdrop of uncertainty of new and pending legislation makes it difficult to run any business, let alone a farm, says National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) president Terry Wolters, a Minnesota pork producer.

He was one of a handful of pork producers who watched Supreme Court justices grill attorneys with questions during oral arguments on Oct. 11 in NPPC v. Ross brought forward by the American Farm Bureau Federation and NPPC challenging the constitutionality of California Proposition 12.

“Proposition 12 is not good for my animals. It’s not good for the consumers. And it’s definitely a challenge for the future of farming,” Wolters said during a media briefing following oral arguments. “When I’m on the farm in the Midwest, it seems like Washington, DC, can be a long way away. It’s fascinating today to watch the two worlds come together on an issue so significant to our industry.”

From animal welfare and worker safety to food affordability and producer livelihoods, Wolters said Proposition 12 threatens the pork industry. One state should not be able to regulate commerce in another state and set arbitrary standards that lack any scientific, technical or agricultural basis, NPPC said in a statement.

“We’ve worked long and hard to be able to proudly tell the story of the U.S. pig farmer to the Supreme Court. And today was the day...a very remarkable day,” Wolters said.

Michael Formica, NPPC chief legal strategist, agreed it was a good day in court. He said he felt hopeful to hear the justices understand the trouble that will be created by laws like Proposition 12 that reach far outside of the state’s borders and try and impose the moral wills of one state on farmers, or in this case, on any business or operation that’s located entirely in other states.

“It has a tremendous impact on pork production and pork prices. But if let stand, it would have a tremendous impact on the U.S. economy and on the flow of commerce across borders,” Formica said.

Competing Morals

The concept of “moral will” was mentioned often throughout the oral arguments. Formica said different states having different competing morals will always be a risk.

“Some of the California voters voted for this, but we have pork producers here on our board and other pork producers in the courtroom today, who every day wake up with a moral imperative to care for their animals, to raise those animals in a sustainable fashion and then ultimately to produce food that feeds everyone and in a fashion that everyone can afford to eat it,” Formica said.

The justices pointed out that farmers’ morals command them to take care of the animals and to produce food. So, what happens when one state comes up with a decision that they determine is the best way to care for animals?

“What happens when Ohio convenes all of its experts and they come up with a decision that they determine is the best way to raise animals in Ohio? Does California have the right to usurp the legislative and regulatory authority of Ohio within the state of Ohio?” Formica asked. “I don’t think the Constitution allows it. I think we heard from justices that they’re very troubled by that notion.”

At the end of the day, NPPC and AFBF support pork producers raising pigs in a way that’s best for them and their operation. For example, Scott Hays, NPPC president elect and a pig farmer from Missouri, says gestation crates work best on his farm.

“Sows are bullies. They fight. They assert their dominance. Housing animals in individual pens where they can be fed and watered and cared for individually is a very humane way of housing them,” Hays said.

Formica said one of his concerns is the changing nature of ballot initiatives.

“If a farmer were to go and change their operation to comply with (California) Proposition 12, what is there to stop New York from turning around in two years and say it’s not 24 square feet, it’s got to be 26 square feet? And then, two years after that, California goes back and says let’s make it 30 square feet,” Formica said. “If there’s really market demand, we’ve got this thing called the free market in this country and it’s amazing. If there’s demand, supply will follow.”

Producer Perspectives

For Lori Stevermer, NPPC vice president and a pig farmer from Minnesota, being able to sit in the courtroom to hear oral arguments was exciting and reaffirms the Constitution is on pork producers’ side.

“It also made me very happy to be part of both NPPC and AFBF. These organizations are working on my behalf for important issues like this. As a smaller farmer, I can’t do it myself. But to see what they’re doing and hearing the case they brought forward, it was just very exciting and very positive,” Stevermer said.

There’s no doubt this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will long be remembered by Hays, too.

“The exchange with the judges and the lawyers was interesting. I enjoyed their comments and the depth of knowledge of what’s at stake here,” Hays said. “I felt like they were really trying to understand and come up with a decision that is best for all Americans. That’s going to be a high-quality, low-cost protein source for everyone, not imposing one group’s opinion on the rest of us.”

Stevermer said pig farmers have always been good at responding to market demands, utilizing new technology and listening to advice from veterinarians and consultants.

“We continue to evolve and learn from each other,” she said. “I don’t see that changing. That’s what makes us a great industry and such a low-cost producer. Consumers send us the signals, then we use the technology and expertise available to us to make the right decision for our farms and our animals.”

A Life-Changing Case

Even though Stevermer doesn’t own sows, she says the outcome of today has a major impact on her life.

“If the cost to implement in California is great as we expect it will be, or if the market is cut off, it’s very possible the people we raise pigs for will say, ‘we don’t need your farm anymore because we don’t have any place to sell our pork.’ And that takes us out of the business,” Stevermer said. “It’s a life-changing case for many of us – not just me.”

To that point, Wolters added there’s a large financial investment decision that’s going to have to be made for owners of sow farms.

“In today’s inflationary period and with the availability of supplies, every producer is going to have to sort that out individually whether they can financially move forward with the new model,” Wolters said.

A ruling is due by the end of June, Reuters reports.

SCOTUS Zeroes in on Key Proposition 12 Issues

More from Farm Journal’s PORK:

Follow California Proposition 12 SCOTUS Oral Arguments Live

Proposition 12 is Not the Way We Want to Care for Animals, Hays Says

How Prop 12 Could Impact Crop and Livestock Producers

Proposition 12 Will Push Pig Farmers Out of Business, NPPC and Farmers Say

Ironic Timing: NPPC, AFBF File Reply Brief on Prop 12, CDFA Finalizes Rules

Proposition 12 Compliancy: Don’t Do It for Free, Hollis Says

Why Agriculture Can’t Ignore Proposition 12 and Question 3

Ag Teachers: 4 Free Classroom Lessons Available Through Farm Bureau

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:41:01 GMT

Four free Applied Digital Skills lessons were launched by the 2023 Farm Bureau Foundation Fellows on Wednesday to help students learn about food, fuel and fiber.

According to American Farm Bureau Foundation’s press release , the 40- to 90-minute courses focus on four themes:
1. Careers
2. Celebrating local food events
3. Pollinators
4. Regenerative ag

Powered by Google, the lessons were designed with a focus on rural classrooms and will be offered free of charge, along with a stipend and Chromebooks.

“Our Foundation Fellows have done an outstanding job crafting these unique and engaging lessons,” said Daniel Meloy, executive director of the Foundation for Ag. “Whether you’re a teacher in a rural, urban or suburban classroom, these lessons can be used to teach a broad variety of technical skills while fostering understanding of ag.”

The first two lessons were released on March 21. The full suite is now available in Google’s lessons collections .

What Teachers Can Learn from the Farm Bureau Courses

Students weren’t the only ones in mind when creating the software. Meloy breaks down the vision for teachers’ learning in the program:

“Digital skills are increasingly becoming a prerequisite for jobs in today’s economy, yet students in rural areas in particular often don’t have access to the resources that will set them up for success, such as broadband access and program instruction,” he said. “We hope this program empowers teachers to introduce their students to the exciting world of agriculture, while also teaching them an array of technical skills.”

Teachers who choose to use the program will be offered 1:1 instruction from Google experts.

Ag Groups File Lawsuit to Challenge EPA's "Vague" New WOTUS Definition

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:27:35 GMT

A group of 17 organizations are challenging the new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) definition through a lawsuit against the EPA, filed Thursday.

“The EPA’s new rule doubles down on the significant nexus test, which is this unworkable test for jurisdiction of when the federal government regulates farms and ranches,” says Travis Cushman, Farm Bureau’s deputy general counsel. “We filed our lawsuit to stop it.”

The lawsuit comes as the EPA published its final definition of WOTUS on Dec. 30, which gives federal protection to large waterways, such as interstate rivers and streams, and adjacent wetlands.

Ag Policy Whiplash

In a press release on the lawsuit, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says the rule is “vague” and puts farmers and ranchers in a position where they will have to hire lawyers and consultants to establish the boundaries of farming, which “isn’t what clean water regulations were intended to do.”

Ethan Lane, NCBA’s vice president of government affairs, echoed Farm Bureau, saying the “unjust” ruling hits too close to home.

“I’m from the state of Arizona. The ‘significant nexus’ test that determines a dry stream bed from some kind of runoff area is describing my entire home state, depending on the definition you use,” he says. “We need clarity.”

Why Rule on WOTUS Now?

The new definition and lawsuit come as the Supreme Court is evaluating a decision on another WOTUS case that could significantly impact WOTUS rulemaking, which is set to be ruled on later this year.

Farm Bureau Seeks ‘Unified’ Farm Bill of Ag and Nutrition Aid

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:35:41 GMT

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released its general new farm bill recommendations on Thursday.

Farm Bureau’s Agenda

First on the AFBF’s list : “protect farm bill program spending,” followed by “maintain a unified farm bill that keeps nutrition programs and farm programs together.” They also want a robust federally subsidized crop insurance system and “adequate” staffing and funding of the USDA’s technical assistance programs for farmers and ranchers.

The AFBF suggested three minor changes to public nutrition programs, including one to allow food banks to buy fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops directly from farmers.

“It makes perfect sense” to combine commodity supports and SNAP (food stamps) in the same piece of legislation, said president Zippy Duvall in announcing the group’s farm bill priorities on Thursday.

Farm Bureau also said more milk should be eligible for the Dairy Margin Coverage subsidy program.

Lock-in Rates

The AFBF called for higher reference rates and loan rates, at a still-to-be-determined level and cost, and more emphasis on stewardship on working lands rather than long-term idling of cropland.

“We believe that because of the higher cost of production, it justifies the increase in the reference prices for Title I commodities to ensure farmers remain economically viable,” said Duvall.

Farm Bureau knows full well not to be too specific ahead of their January annual confab.

On the Conservation Reserve Program

The enrollment cap for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) should be lowered from its current 25.5 million acres, Farm Bureau said, and landowners should be encouraged to return prime cropland now in the reserve to production.

“We believe that the right way to do it is through working land projects,” he said. Land set-asides limit the land available for new and beginning farmers and constrict crop production in a hungry world, said Duvall.

Farm Bill Math

Around 85% of all farm bill spending is on food and nutrition programs, primarily food stamps. So, there is usually a concerted battle by various groups and lawmakers over the remaining 15%. That process has begun.

Total funding beyond food and nutrition spending should be increased for adequate farm policy support. One of the ways, but by no means the only way to do that, is via a large boost in maximum spending for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

More on farm bill 2023:

What’s Your Take on the 2018 Farm Bill?
5 Conservation Needs to be Met in Farm Bill 2023
New Farm Bill, but Same Debate on Food Stamps

Ag Industry Leaders Congratulate Biden, Echo His Call for Unity

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 22:54:01 GMT

Following the inauguration of President Joe Biden, the 46^th President of the United States, agriculture industry leaders congratulated Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. They also echoed Biden’s call for unity and a commitment for Americans to work together toward common goals.

In a statement, American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duval said addressing the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities is important, including strengthening the farm bill, expanding trade, finding a fair solution to the farm labor shortage and expanding rural broadband access.

“We are also looking for partners in our efforts to achieve sustainability goals while ensuring climate policies remain market-based and voluntary. We have been meeting with President Biden’s nominees to discuss priority issues and today we shift into high gear to achieve these goals,” he said. “All of this can be done if we commit ourselves to working together for a better America. Agriculture is traditionally divided more by regional differences than by political parties. We urge our elected leaders to continue that tradition of bipartisanship in the agriculture committees and throughout our government. Our country faces some big challenges. Let’s get to work on solutions.”

Similarly, the National Milk Producers Federation CEO Jim Mulhern noted what he called the dawn of a new chapter in American history.

“Inaugurations represent new beginnings and new opportunities. This is especially important today, as we begin this journey at a time of turmoil that has intensified in recent months and weeks,” he said in a statement. “We in dairy offer our own commitment to work on a bipartisan basis for progress on issues important to dairy farmers, their cooperatives and the greater good. We also look forward to engaging with the broader agricultural community to meet our common challenges and build a thriving rural America that lifts the entire nation.”

Constance Cullman president and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association noted the need to curb COVID-19 and spur the economy.

“Now more than ever, we need a strategy that will curb the spread of COVID-19 and get our economy going and growing again; an efficient regulatory system that allows U.S. manufacturers to swiftly bring innovations that can improve animal health and nutrition to the marketplace; and trade policies that foster opportunities for growth and leadership abroad to maintain our competitive edge,” she said in a statement. “We also look forward to working together on a science-based strategy for tackling climate change and improving rural infrastructure, including improving the connectivity of the rural communities responsible for keeping us fed in times of calm and crisis.”

Emily Skor CEO of Growth Energy congratulated the president and vice president while noting President Biden’s campaign promise to “usher in a new era of biofuels.”

“We look forward to working with the President and his Administration to deliver on his promise and include biofuels as a big part of the climate strategy for decarbonizing the transportation sector immediately,” she said in a statement.

The Ag Retailers Association CEO and President Daren Coppock joined the other leaders in looking forward to working on issues critical to their trade group.

“The Biden transition team worked diligently to be inclusive of ag retailers from day one, and for that we are grateful. We appreciate the engagement we have already had with the leadership of the incoming administration and look forward to continuing those relationships for a bright future for American agriculture,” Coppock said.

Chuck Conner of the National Council for Cooperatives suggested a key piece of agriculture’s success under the new administration hinges on the confirmation of Tom Vilsack, President Biden’s choice for Agriculture Secretary.

“Key to ensuring that happens will be filling out the leadership team at the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” he said in a statement. “We urge the Senate to quickly take up and confirm the nominations of Tom Vilsack for secretary of agriculture and Jewel Bronaugh for deputy secretary of agriculture.”

USMCA Passage Encouraged by 960+ Ag, Food Associations and Companies

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:48:03 GMT

A collation of U.S. food and agriculture associations and companies addressed a letter to Congress seeking quick ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The letter was sent on June 11 by more than 960 groups representing the U.S. food and agriculture value chain at the national, state and local.

An excerpt of the letter says:

“Over the last 25 years, U.S. food and agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have more than quadrupled under NAFTA – growing from $9 billion in 1993 to nearly $40 billion in 2018. NAFTA has significantly helped create a reliable, high-quality supply of food products for U.S. consumers, while supporting more than 900,000 American jobs in food and agriculture and related sectors of the economy. USMCA builds on the success of the NAFTA agreement, and will ultimately lead to freer markets and fairer trade. This modernized trade agreement makes improvements to further enhance U.S. food and agricultural exports to our neighbors and would deliver an additional $2.2 billion in U.S. economic activity.”

The letter was signed by a number of national groups representing farmers and ranchers, including:

American Farm Bureau Federation
American Soybean Association
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Cotton Council
National Corn Growers Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Pork Producers Council
National Sorghum Producers

Also signing the letter were food processing companies, along with state and local agriculture associations.

Discussions in Congress

A hearing was held by the House Agriculture Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee the same day the letter was sent. The subcommittee was reviewing the state of U.S. agricultural products in international markets and following the hearing Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (R-NC) and Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) both expressed the importance of getting USMCA passed .

“USMCA is a no-brainer for American agriculture. If the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) estimated $2.2 billion increase in ag exports doesn’t convince my colleagues, then all they need to do is talk to a local farmer or rancher. American producers have made it clear: the best thing we can do for our lagging agriculture economy is get this deal done. I urge my colleagues on the committee to join me in calling for Speaker Pelosi to bring USMCA to a vote in the House as soon as possible,” says Rep. Rouzer.

“Rather than spew platitudes about the importance of free trade to American agriculture, it’s time for the House Democratic Leadership to get serious about the clear win that sits before them – the USMCA agreement. Today’s hearing further underscored that ratifying USMCA is critically important to America’s farmers, ranchers, and dairymen. With the ITC report in hand, Speaker Pelosi should bring USMCA up for a vote as quickly as possible,” says Rep. Conaway.

Dairy Voicing Concerns

The dairy industry had already pushed for swift passage of USMCA just a day prior , on June 10, when three national dairy groups, including the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), sent a similar letter to members of the House of Representatives. IDFA released a statement regarding the latest letter expressing the importance of USMCA because of fixes to current trade policies with Canada and Mexico.

“USMCA meets the U.S. dairy industry’s top priorities to ensure a more level playing field, including preserving duty-free market access to Mexico, eliminating the unfair Canadian Class 7 pricing program and increasing market access to the Canadian market,” says Michael Dykes, DVM, president and CEO of IDFA. “The U.S. dairy industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs in the United States and pumps $620 billion into the U.S. economy, is making a strong appeal to Congress to vote to ratify this important trade deal. USMCA will ensure that our dairy industry grows valuable market share and continues to be viewed by our North American customers as a reliable supplier.”

USMCA is currently awaiting ratification from both the House and Senate. Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) tells Farm Journal that ideally Congress will be wrapped up by August with USMCA.

For more on USMCA read the following articles:

Trump Brings Border Wall Fight To AFBF, Promises Ag Labor Solution

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:20:18 GMT

President Donald Trump brought his fight to build a border wall to the 100^th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting in New Orleans, La., on Monday. There, the president found support for border security and received a standing ovation when he promised to address ag labor concerns.

“We’re going to have a barrier. We’re going to have something that’s going to be very strong,” Trump said to a standing crowd of 7,000 farmers.

In December, 20,000 migrant children were illegally brought across our borders, said Trump, adding “most of the drugs” in the U.S. enter via the southern border. According to Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol agents are asking for a wall and America must provide them the tools necessary to do their jobs well.

“As president, the defense of our nation is my highest and most important duty, and this is the defense of our nation,” he said. “I will never ever back down.”

Trump invited Arizona rancher Jim Chilton on stage to say a few words. Chilton’s ranch, which sits along the U.S.-Mexico border, is on the route for a major Mexican drug trafficking cartel.

“Mr. President, we need a wall,” said Chilton to a standing ovation. He thinks a wall is necessary to stop drug traffickers from importing drugs that “poison our people.”

Directing his comments to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Chilton said: “Walls are not immoral. The biggest wall I’ve ever seen is around the Vatican.”

Addressing the concern of many in the agricultural industry, Trump promised immigration reform, which would make it easier for farmers to source immigrant labor.

“We want to take people in to help our farmers,” he said. “We’re going to make it easier for them because you need these people.”

The cheers of the farmers in attendance made it clear they support President Trump’s border wall and his promises of immigration reform.

Touching On Trade

President Trump briefly mentioned trade during his one-hour talk, touching on a potential trade deal with the European Union, the trade war with China and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“I don’t blame China,” he said, adding it’s our leaders’ fault for allowing the theft of intellectual property to happen. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen a continual decline in the U.S. share of agricultural trade all throughout the world. You know it’s all going in the wrong direction when you see that happen. We do the right deal with the Chinese—you’re talking about massive [improvement].”

Trump added China is already “backordering” products from the U.S. While export data is not available during the ongoing government shutdown, previous data shows China is purchasing soybeans, but at a very slow rate.

“We want a fair deal for American farmers, removing China’s arbitrary bans on agricultural imports to safeguard our intellectual property and providing fair market access to all American producers,” he said.

Trump also touted opening markets for pork exports to Argentina, poultry exports to India and Morocco, potato exports to Japan and beef exports to Brazil and China.

In addition, the president said he made history by replacing the “horrible” North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with USMCA. That deal has yet to be approved by Congress.

Overviewing The Wins

While addressing Farm Bureau members, President Trump gave an overview of his ag policy scorecard, mentioning several subjects that received standing ovations from the crowd. Those included tax reform, the repeal of the Waters of the U.S. rule, the “virtual elimination” of the estate tax, an increase in farm income and the passage of the farm bill.

Ag Groups Respond to China Tariff Action

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:10:51 GMT

Here’s a sampling of comments from agricultural trade groups regarding China’s proposed plan to impose $50 billion on U.S. imports.

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)

“There are no winners in a trade war, only casualties. As trade tensions continue to mount with China, the expanded list of tariffs on food and agriculture exports are making America’s farmers the first casualties.”

“Our corn farmers have worked for decades to support fair and open trade practices because we understand that trade is a two-way street. In today’s global economy, we know that we need to be competitive to grow and maintain our market share. Our farmers have done that, which is why agriculture has a positive trade balance. In 2018, the U.S. is forecast to export $139.5 billion in agricultural goods to the 95 percent of consumers who live outside the U.S. Instead of new protectionist policies, our nation’s focus should be on growing market access and promoting expanded trade from our most competitive industries.

-Wesley Spurlock, Chairman of NCGA and Texas farmer

American Soybean Association (ASA)

“We have been warning the administration and members of Congress that this would happen since the prospect for tariffs was raised. That unfortunately doesn’t lend any comfort to the hundreds of thousands of soybean farmers who will be affected by these tariffs. This is no longer a hypothetical, and a 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans into China will have a devastating effect on every soybean farmer in America.”

“But there is still time to reverse this damage, and the administration can still deliver for farmers by withdrawing the tariffs that caused this retaliation. China has said that its 25 percent tariff will only go into effect based on the course of action the administration takes. We call on President Trump to engage the Chinese in a constructive manner—not a punitive one—and achieve a positive result for soybean farmers.”

-ASA President and Iowa farmer John Heisdorffer

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG)

“Farmers across the country have invested a lot of money and time over the years to develop a Chinese market that has great potential to buy even more American wheat. Now that effort is in jeopardy at a time when big global supplies have already pushed farm gate wheat prices down to unsustainable levels.”

-USW Chairman, Mike Miller, USW Chairman and wheat farmer from Ritzville, Washington.

“Continued drought, low prices and trade uncertainty adds pressure to passing a Farm Bill on time as well as creating uncertainty for producers and lenders. In a trade war, agriculture is always the first target. The Administration can support rural Americans by working with Chinese officials to avoid these damaging tariffs.”

-NAWG President Jimmie Musick a wheat farmer from Sentinel, Oklahoma

National Sorghum Producers

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time sorghum farmers have faced depressed prices and market uncertainty. We saw a similar reaction after the announcement of anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of U.S. sorghum into China on February 4, following the Administration’s tariff action on imports of Chinese solar panels and washing machines.”

“Trade wars are not good for anyone, and we urge President Trump and other negotiators to take a constructive approach in the ongoing negotiations that do not threaten more harm to U.S. sorghum producers. Our hope is that this situation will be resolved sooner rather than later. Sorghum is good for U.S. farmers and traders, and good for China.”

-NSP Chairman and Nebraska farmer Don Bloss

American Farm Bureau Federation

“Farmers and ranchers are, by necessity, patient and optimistic. We know markets ebb and flow. But China’s threatened retaliation against last night’s U.S. tariff proposal is testing both the patience and optimism of families who are facing the worst agricultural economy in 16 years. This has to stop.

“Growing trade disputes have placed farmers and ranchers in a precarious position. We have bills to pay and debts we must settle, and cannot afford to lose any market, much less one as important as China’s. We urge the United States and China to return to negotiations and produce an agreement that serves the interests of the world’s two largest economies.”

-American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

U.S. Meat Export Federation

“China is a promising market for U.S. beef, and, since the June 2017 reopening, the U.S. industry has made an exceptional effort to provide customers with high-quality beef at an affordable price. This is not an easy task, due to our 13-year absence from the market and China’s beef import requirements.”

“Over the past nine months, interest in U.S. beef has steadily gained momentum in China and our customer base has grown. But if an additional import tariff is imposed on U.S. beef, these constructive business relationships, and opportunities for further growth, will be put at risk. USMEF is hopeful that this trade dispute can be resolved without China introducing additional obstacles for U.S. beef.”

-USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

“It is unsettling to see American-produced beef listed as a target for retaliation. Sadly, we are not surprised, as this is an inevitable outcome of any trade war. This is a battle between two governments, and the unfortunate casualties will be America’s cattlemen and women and our consumers in China. The Trump Administration has until the end of May to resolve this issue. We believe in trade enforcement, but endless retaliation is not a good path forward for either side.”

- Kent Bacus, Director of International Trade and Market Access for the NCBA

National Pork Producers Council

“Exports are extremely critical to the financial well-being of our producers. Over the past 10 years, the United States, on average, has been the top exporter of pork in the world, and we’re the lowest-cost producer. The U.S. exports pork to more than 100 nations, and those exports support 110,000 American jobs. Last year, nearly $6.5 billion of U.S. pork was exported, which was more than 26 percent of U.S. pork production.”

- Neil Dierks, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council

U.S. Agriculture Preparing for African Swine Fever Outbreak

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 04:46:19 GMT

The outbreak of African Swine Fever continues to spread through China. The country reporting two new cases over the weekend and officials say they are cracking down on any farm trying to cover-up an outbreak. One of the new cases was found in wild hogs the other a small herd of 40. That herd, however, is in one of the top pork-producing regions of the country.

The Sichuan region produced almost 66 million pigs last year which is more than any other province. According to officials, ASF has now been found in every major pig-producing regions of China.

In the U.S., work is underway to keep ASF out of the states. USDA sharing this with AgDay:

Confirmation of African swine fever cases in China and the European Union over the past several months prompted USDA to review and strengthen its protections. This involves partnering with the swine industry, producers, CBP, and the travelling public to help ensure we protect American agriculture. To prevent ASF from entering the country, USDA has in place a series of interlocking safeguards. They include: -Collaborating with states, industry and producers to ensure everyone follows on-farm biosecurity and best practices (including for garbage feeding in states where that is allowed); -Restricting imports pork and pork products from affected countries; and -Working with CBP staff at ports of entry to train their inspection dogs, as well as to increasing screening vigilance to pay particular attention to passengers and products arriving from affected countries. USDA is committed to working closely with the swine industry and producers to ensure strict biosecurity procedures are in place and being followed on all swine farms.

AgDay-TV host Clinton Griffiths spoke with Michael Nepveux, an economist with American Farm Bureau Federation , about the potential impacts of African Swine Fever on the global pork industry.

Clinton: As we watch African Swine Fever develop in China how bad is it really? Do we know?

Michael: “So far African swine fever has popped up in China with over 60 outbreaks in 18 different provinces. Today, there has been over 200,000 pigs culled. With China, these numbers are widely suspected to be under-reported but at this stage, it’s still too early to really say how bad it’s going to be.”

Clinton: What is China doing to stop it?

Michael: “One of the restrictions that China put in place is they banned the transport of hogs through provinces that are infected with African Swine Fever. Where the pork is produced in the country and where the majority of the pork is consumed you’re starting to see a really big price spread between those areas. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pork. So, if this turns out to be something as big as 15% of China’s herd it’s a good idea to remember that that’s the size of the entire U.S. herd just for a magnitude comparison.”

Clinton: At this point what should producers here at home be doing?

Michael: “Well at this point it also wouldn’t be a bad idea for producers to have a conversation with their veterinarian about reviewing their on-farm biosecurity plan. Another way to prepare for this is the pork board website has a foreign animal disease checklist about what producers can be going through and making sure that their farm is prepared for anything to happen. Additionally, at this point, USDA is having wargaming exercises to essentially practice how they would respond to any kind of outbreak occurring in the U.S. as well. So, the industry and the government and producers are all remaining vigilant on how to prevent the spread to the United States.”