AG COUNCIL NEWS & INFORMATION BRIEF
May 3, 2023
WASHINGTON AG UPDATE
Debt Ceiling Debate Intensifies with New Warning: The latest debt ceiling warning issued on May 2nd by Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen indicated that the U.S. may not be able to meet its debt obligations beyond June 1st. The warning is quickly leading to a more intense debate in Washington over how to address the issue. Last week the House approved a proposal led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) that proposed to reduce annual spending, establish spending caps, and transform policy priorities related to energy and certain entitlement programs. The McCarthy proposal was declared dead on arrival by the Senate Democratic majority and President Biden who threatened to veto the proposal if it were to make it through Congress. The next steps for what will happen on this issue are not clear, but the looming deadline makes the negotiations a centerpiece of activities in Washington. More...WSJ I | WSJ II | WashingtonPost | Politico
House & Senate Ag Committees Hold Farm Bill Hearings: In recent days, the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have held hearings on the farm bill that focused on producer perspectives and viewpoints on commodity, insurance, and conservation titles. The hearings featured farmers representing a range of commodities and regions. Included as a witness in the Senate Agriculture Committee was Rich Hillman of Carlisle who spoke on behalf of rice producers. More...4.26.23 House Hearing | House Video | 5.2.23 Senate Hearing | Senate Video | ArkansasOnline | Agri-Pulse
USDA Announces Start of Climate Smart Commodity Program: USDA recently announced the official kick-off of the implementation phase for 141 projects funded through the $3.1 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities effort funded through use of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds. According to USDA, project partners are beginning work on formal implementation of the climate-smart production practices, marketing, and quantification, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas benefits that are funded through the effort as agreements are finalized on a rolling basis. As part of the initiative, USDA is incorporating a partnership network among all grant recipients to accommodate cooperation and collaboration among projects to generate key lessons-learned as projects are implemented. More... USDA Announcement | Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities | Agri-Pulse | DTN
ARKANSAS AG UPDATE
Members Encouraged to Apply for Service on State Boards and Commissions: During the 94th General Assembly in 2023, several laws changed related to state boards and commissions, including agriculture related boards and commissions. Most of the law changes related to the appointment processes and administrative duties of the boards and commissions. These changes were enacted in an effort to address recent court rulings and orders related to the constitutionality of the structure of the boards and commissions. With the new laws, qualified individuals are now required to apply for the positions through a web based portal administered by the Office of the Governor who is tasked with making appointments along with the confirmation of the Senate. We strongly encourage Ag Council members to apply for these positions as they serve important roles for our industry, and we stand ready to help our members navigate the appointment process. More...https://agcouncil.net/services/leadership/ | Application Portal | Office of Governor Homepage
Ag Council Spring Board of Directors Meeting: The Ag Council of Arkansas will hold its next board of directors meeting on Wednesday, May 10th, at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station in Marianna, Arkansas. Doors will open at 8:30 and the meeting will begin at 9am and conclude with lunch. Attendees can expect to receive an overview of the General Assembly's legislative session, an update on the development of the farm bill, and other relevant information facing the row crop industry. Guest speakers will include Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and Senate Agriculture Committee Republican Staff Director Fitzhugh Elder. More...Event Info | Agenda
Rice Industry to Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Rice Research Center: The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony (open to the public) at the new Northeast Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC) on May 9th at 10:30am. The Research Center, which is actively conducting research at the 600 acre location along Highway 1 in Greenfield, will soon have supporting infrastructure for labwork, office space and meetings. Funding for the NERREC construction comes through the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board, provided by the Colombia TRQ (tariff rate quotas) program as part of the U.S. – Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and private donations. More...FarmPress | NRREC Website | NRREC Twitter
Arkansas Updates Groundwater Protection and Management Report: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Division, which houses the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, recently released its annual groundwater report outlining the condition of Arkansas's groundwater resources. The report summarizes the monitoring well network data and provides a yearly update on the tax credit and water use registration programs. More...ArkansasOnline | Arkansas Department of Ag News Release | Arkansas Groundwater Protection & Management Report | Arkansas Dept of Ag Natural Resources Division
Arkansas Revenues Decline, but Exceed Projections: On May 2nd, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration issued its monthly revenue report for April showing that monthly revenues were down 23.4% from 2022. However, the report was in excess of forecasted estimates by $123.5 million or 16.7%. Estimated annual surplus revenues for fiscal year 2023, which ends June 30th are expected to exceed $1 billion. More...ArkansasBusiness | TalkBusiness | ArkansasOnline | DFA April Revenue Report
Governor Hutchinson Announces Presidential Bid: On April 26th former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson formally announced his plans to run for President of the United States. More... Announcement Video | Announcement Transcript | ASA2024 | ArkansasOnline
Support Wynne Community in Tornado Relief Efforts: Following a devastating tornado that hit the community of Wynne, Arkansas, on March 31st, a disaster relief effort was launched to help aid the community in its efforts to clean up and rebuild. According to reports, approximately 1,200 citizens in the area are without homes as between 300 and 400 homes destroyed or damaged. In addition, the school and sewer plant were demolished, and daily necessities remain in short supply. More...Wynne Schools Relief Fund Info | Cross County Relief Fund Info
UofA Issues Arkansas Rice Update: On Friday, April 28th, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension Service issued a new rice update for the 2023 crop year. The report provides an update for the crop year by describing various economic factors, weather factors, and agronomic facing rice farmers in Arkansas so far this year. More...4.28.2023 Rice Update | Latest UofA Crop News
USDA Arkansas Newsletter: USDA's Arkansas offices recently issued its April newsletter providing updates from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). The newsletter provides reports from agency administrators and information on program sign-up dates and other important matters at each agency. More...April USDA Arkansas Newsletter
MidSouth Ag Law Seminar Set for June 8-9: The Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference, set forth by the National Ag Law Center (NALC) based at the University of Arkansas, will take place in Memphis June 8-9 marking its 10th year. The conference, which focuses on issues relevant to the Mid-South, will include sessions on solar leasing, the 2023 Farm Bill, farm succession and healthcare planning. All net proceeds from registrations and sponsorships will go towards the newly created NALC Scott Fancher Ag Law Scholarship. More...MidSouth Ag Law Seminar Information | Agenda & Registration | Scott Fancher Ag Law Scholarship
Delta Classic Golf Tournament Scheduled for July 20: The Delta Classic Golf Classic, a four person scramble format event held a The Ridges at Village Creek, is scheduled for July 20th. The event serves as an important fundraiser to support students in the University of Arkansas's Department of Crop, Soil, & Environmental Sciences. With support from alumni and friends, CSES has awarded over $480,000 in scholarships to our deserving students. More...Tournament Information | Registration
May 31 is Deadline to Apply for Century Farm Program: The Arkansas Century Farm Program application deadline is May 31. The program recognizes Arkansas’s rich agricultural heritage and honors families who have owned and farmed the same land (at least ten acres) for at least 100 years. The program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Qualifying farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established. More...Century Farm Program | Application Form (printable version)
Farmers Reminded to Complete Ag Census: USDA NASS is still accepting response information for its ag census through the end of May. Farmers are strongly encouraged to reply if they've not done so to date. Farmers should complete their ag census either online or by mail as soon as possible. The online questionnaire is accessible on desktop, laptop, and other mobile devices. More...agcounts.usda.gov
Additional Arkansas Ag Resources:
Ag Council Leadership Opportunities
Apply for Service on State Boards & Commissions
USDA NRCS Arkansas Offices
UADA Crop Budgets
Arkansas Row Crop Risk Management
UofA Variety Test Homepage
Rice Performance Trial Data
Cotton Variety Testing Update
2023 Arkansas Grown Publication
Digital Edition of Delta Farm Press
ECONOMIC & INDUSTRY NEWS
May 1 Crop Progress Report: On Monday, May 1st, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued a Crop Progress Report for Arkansas showing 82 percent of the corn crop planted, 68 percent of the rice crop planted, and 43 percent of the soybean crop planted. Cotton was reported as 3 percent planted. Winter wheat was reported as 71 percent headed. Soil moisture levels remain elevated, but conditions have allowed for significant progress in planting across Arkansas. More... Arkansas Report | US Report
May 1 Commodity Use Reports: On Monday, May 1st, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued commodity use reports for primary commodities in the U.S. More... Cotton System | Fats & Oils | Flour Milling | Grain Crushings
Snow Melt Raises Flood Threat in Upper Mississippi River: The Mississippi River is expected to see high water in the coming weeks as heavy rains and rapid snow melt combine in the upper regions of the river. Flood control systems are expected to manage the higher waters for the most part, but water levels may crest at marks ranking in the top 10 of all time in some regions. More...WashingtonPost | ArkansasOnline
DTN Market Insights: Commodity Market Info
Arkansas Economic Profile: 2022 Pocket Facts - News | USDA Arkansas Ag Economic Overview | Arkansas Ag Census Data | Arkansas Historical Data | Arkansas Farms & Land Report | Arkansas Land Values & Cash Rent Report
Arkansas Farm Labor Report
UofA Crop Updates | UofA Land Grant Research & Extension Service Video