AG COUNCIL NEWS & INFORMATION BRIEF
July 31, 2023
WASHINGTON AG UPDATE
House Heads to Recess Prior to Considering Ag Spending Bill: The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned for its monthlong August recess prior to giving floor consideration for its fiscal year 2024 agriculture appropriations bill. The delay avoids consideration of a controversial spending bill and many controversial amendments. With the fiscal year scheduled to conclude September 30th, the House is expected to be extremely busy when they return after Labor Day as they consider various spending bills for the upcoming fiscal year. More...The Hill | Agri-Pulse | DTNPF | WSJ
Break Down of Russia & Ukraine Grain Deal Disrupts Market: Recent actions by Russia to limit Ukraine's abilities to export grain have caused significant disruptions in global grain trading markets. In addition to discontinuing the grain deal, Russia has also attacked grain storage facilities and key logistic routes for Ukraine's grain exports. The action intensifies the severity of the conflict in the region and increases risks of food insecurity for many parts of the world dependent on exports from the region. More...Politico | WSJ | Washington Post | AP
Grassley Takes Aim at Farm Program Payments: On July 27, 2023, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bill aimed at limiting eligibility and payments for farmers through farm bill programs. The bill will likely be a farm bill priority for Senator Grassley as he's long been a proponent of limiting farm program payments. However, the measure is expected to receive strong opposition from Vice Chairman Boozman (R-AR) as he represents a constituency that strongly opposes such restrictions. More...Grassley Announcement | Bill Text | Bill Summary | S. 2610
Federal Commodity Check-offs Attacked and Defended: Federal commodity check-off programs that fund research and promotion efforts aimed at advancing industry and benefiting farmers are an area of growing interest as Congress begins debating annual funding for the USDA and the farm bill. Commodity interest organizations and farm groups have largely come to the defense of these programs as some legislators have sought to end or reform the programs. The USDA currently oversees 22 commodity checkoff programs. More...Farm Press | AgDaily | Commodity Group Letter
National Corn Growers Association Approves Resolution Supporting Mandatory Base Update: One of the most significant considerations among the topics of the farm bill is what to do with base acre allocations for commodity title programs. At the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Congress earlier this month, the organization approved a resolution from South Dakota supporting a mandatory base update. Such an update would prove to be controversial as it would more closely tie farm programs to planted acres, and it would likely mean much less money for certain states, including Arkansas. For Arkansas, such a mandatory update would likely lead to tens of millions less farm program dollars to Arkansas as base acres for cotton and rice would decline significantly under such a scenario. The Ag Council opposes a mandatory update, but we do support a voluntary option for an update should that be beneficial to a farming operation. More...FarmDoc Daily | DTNPF | CRS Report on Base Acres
EPA Makes Public Pesticide Incident Reports: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it has moved to increase transparency by posting 10 years of pesticide incident data on its website. The data is now available to search directly on the agency's website, allowing users to access raw data on certain pesticide incidents. EPA considers a pesticide incident as any exposure or effect from a pesticide’s use that is not expected or intended. Pesticide incidents may involve people, domestic animals, wildlife, or the environment. More...AgFax | EPA Announcement | EPA Incident Database
Groups Call on EPA & Corps to Update WOTUS: Several interest organizations urged the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to write a new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that incorporates changes relating to a recent Supreme Court of the United States (WOTUS) ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case. The EPA recently announced plans to amend its current rule by September 1. More...Waters Advocacy News Release | Waters Advocacy Coalition Letter |
EPA Releases Draft Herbicide Strategy for Comment: The U.S. EPA recently released its draft herbicide strategy for public comment as part of the agency’s work to better comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in protecting federally endangered and threatened species from conventional agricultural herbicides. The strategy includes proposed early mitigation plans for more than 900 listed species and designated critical habitats to reduce potential impacts from the agricultural use of these herbicides while helping to ensure the continued availability of pesticides. More...EPA Announcement | EPA Docket | Submit Comment | EPA ESA Workplan Page
In Defense Authorization Bill Senate Votes to Prohibit Certain Foreign Purchases of Farmland: Prior to adjourning for the August recess, the Senate approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to bar investors "subject to the jurisdiction or direction of" the governments of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran from purchasing more than 320 acres of agricultural land. It would also apply to land valued at more than $5 million. The provision is expected to be approved by Congress and signed into law by President Biden. More...Agri-Pulse | Reuters
Ag Law Center Hosting Webinar on Ag Labor Laws August 9th: On Wednesday August 9th, the National Agriculture Law Center will host a webinar offering the latest legal and regulatory issues related to the agriculture labor laws. The webinar will provide an overview of the recent laws and regulations related to agriculture labor, including H-2A visas, which are in growing demand for employers. The webinar will begin at noon and feature expert attorneys. More...Webinar Info | Registration Link
ARKANSAS AG UPDATE
Members Encouraged to Apply for Service on State Boards and Commissions: We strongly encourage Ag Council members to apply for public service on various agriculture related state boards and commissions which serve important roles for our industry. We stand ready to help our members navigate the application and appointment process. More...https://agcouncil.net/services/leadership/ | Application Portal | Office of Governor Homepage
Arkansas Cotton Farmers Now Able to Register for Trust Protocol Payment Program: Arkansas cotton producers can apply through September 1, 2023, for the Climate Smart Cotton Program, a five-year project led by the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. The program aims to incentivize farmers to participate in the Trust Protocol System, which was created by the U.S. cotton industry to measure and improve the industry’s carbon footprint while building on the four pillars of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices. Participating producers will receive technical and financial support as well as other benefits that can enhance their operations, profitability, and environmental stewardship. More...Youtube Video | Trust Protocol Homepage
Ag Council to Hold Next Board Meeting in Stuttgart August 21: The Ag Council board of directors will hold its next meeting on Monday, August 21, at the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. The meeting will begin at 9:00am and adjourn following lunch. The agenda is expected to include panel discussions on state and federal issues impacting the row crop industry with special guests. More...Meeting Announcement
USA Rice Accepting Applications for Rice Foundation Leadership Program: USA Rice recently announced that the Rice Foundation is now accepting applications for its rice leadership program, which is sponsored by John Deere Company, RiceTec and American Commodity Company. The Rice Leadership Development Program gives future leaders a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. The class attends four one-week sessions over a two-year period that encompasses studies of all aspects of the rice industry through firsthand observations. They also attend seminars and workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills. Applications are accepted now through September 8th. More...USA Rice Leadership Program | Application Form
Grow for the Green Soybean Yield Challenge Accepting Entries Through August 1: The Arkansas soybean yield challenge, known as "Grow For The Green," is accepting contest entries through August 1. The initiative, funded with farmer check-off funds, is a cooperative arrangement between the Arkansas Soybean Research & Promotion Board, the Arkansas Soybean Association, and the University of Arkansas. The effort is aimed at researching ways of enhancing yield potential for Arkansas farmers. Top yield producers from designated zones receive cash prizes. More...Grow For The Green Homepage | Announcement | Entry Form
Arkansas Rice to Celebrate Research History at Field Day in Stuttgart: The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is celebrating the 25th year of the Dale Bumpers Rice Research Center as part of the upcoming Arkansas Rice Field Day Events to be held August 2nd and 3rd in Stuttgart in partnership with the University of Arkansas System's Division of Agriculture. The Bumpers Rice Research Center will host an open house and reception on the afternoon of the 2nd and cooperate with the University on field tours the morning of August 3rd. The University research center is next door to the USDA research center. In addition to these events, the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board will hold a meeting beginning at 1:30pm on the 2nd at the University research center. The events are open to the public. More...UA Field Day Info | Field Day Agenda | Bumpers Research Center Event Info Page | RSVP Form for Bumpers Event | Full Agenda
USDA RMA to Hold Listening Session on Prevent Plant in Stuttgart August 3rd: The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) is holding a listening session in Stuttgart, Arkansas, August 3rd from 1pm-3pm, following the University of Arkansas Rice Field Day. The listening session, which is part of the agency's recent request for information, is open to the public and growers are encouraged to attend. The agency is seeking input from farmers on how the program should be operated. More...USDA RMA Request for Information | USDA RMA Listening Sessions |
UADA to Host Field Day at Pine Tree August 10th: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hosting a soybean and rice focused field day at its Pine Tree Research Station on August 10th. The program will highlight ongoing research and recommendations from university experts and scientists. Much of the research highlighted is funded through the rice and soybean research and promotion boards with farmer funding from the check-off programs. The Pine Tree Research Station is located at 7337 Highway 306 West in Colt. The research station is part of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture. More...Field Day Info
UPL Announces Partnership with UADA to Utilize Seed Treatment Patents: UPL, a global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, recently announced a new agreement with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) for exclusive access to UADA’s filed patents covering the novel use of Fenclorim as a seed treatment with micro-encapsulated herbicides to protect crops against weeds. According to the release, UPL will utilize these patents to develop and launch new herbicides for use with Fenclorim-treated seeds. Through the agreement, UPL hopes to provide growers with powerful new tools to combat resistant weeds without damaging their crops. More...UPL News Release
Nutrien Makes $400,000 Investment in New UADA Rice Center: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) recently announced that Nutrien Ag Solutions will donate $400,000 to support research and outreach efforts at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center. The new center is under construction, however, field research is well underway at the 600 acre site. The research farm and facility have received significant funding at the direction of Arkansas's rice industry through the Rice Research and Promotion Board with a combination of funds provided from check-offs and tariff rate quota funds from the U.S. government. More...UADA Release
Wilson to Host Cotton Festival: Wilson, Arkansas, intends to play host a new festival September 16th that will focus on the community's rich history related to cotton. According to the community's website, the festival will be known as Cotton Fest and will feature live music, food, and fireworks. The community also saw a new hotel and golf course open this summer to add to its growing collection of tourist attractions. More...Event Page | City of Wilson | Hospitality Options
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
Pine Tree Discoloration & Mortality Reporting
Feral Hog Task Force
2023 Arkansas Grown Publication
Digital Edition of Delta Farm Press
ECONOMIC & INDUSTRY NEWS
July 31 Crop Progress Report: On Monday, July 31st, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued a Crop Progress Report for Arkansas showing 72 of the corn crom to be good to excellent condition, 78 percent of the cotton crop to be in good to excellent condition, 69 percent of soybeans to be in good to excellent condition, 67 percent of rice to be in good to excellent condition, and 81 percent of peanuts to be in good to excellent condition. Each crop has an estimated 8 percent or less considered to be in poor to very poor condition. More... Arkansas Report | US Report
USDA Releases Farm Prices and Farm Expenditures Reports: On Friday, July 28th, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) issued its new reports on agricultural prices and farm production expenditures. The reports estimate various economic data for prices received and paid in relation to farm operations and commodities. The reports highlight various cost increases experienced by farmers during the 2022 crop year. The reports also show tighter margins for farmers this year as input costs remain high and futures market prices have declined from 2022 levels. More...Agricultural Prices | Farm Expenditures
USDA Issues New Interactive Tool to View Crop Rotation History on Acres: The USDA recently unveiled a geospatial product called Crop Sequence Boundaries (CSB) that offers public access to national-scale visual crop rotation data for the first time. The new tool was developed by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Economic Research Service(ERS), two of the department’s statistical scientific research agencies. CSB is a cutting-edge map of agricultural fields that provides crop acreage estimates and historical planting decisions across the contiguous United States. The open-source product uses satellite imagery and other public data to allow users to analyze planted U.S. commodities, enhancing not only agricultural science and research, but providing producers an innovative resource to help make farming decisions. More...USDA Announcement | Interactive Map Link
Cotton Trust Protocol Names New Executive Director: The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol recently announced the appointment of Daren Abney to serve as Executive Director. Abney, long involved in textile sustainability efforts, brings several years of international experience garnered in organizations across the apparel and fashion industry such as Better Cotton, Textile Exchange, and most recently Lenzing Group. The Trust Protocol, which was developed and designed by the U.S. cotton industry, aims to preserve and grow demand for U.S. grown cotton by establishing quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurement to the key sustainability metrics of cotton production. More...USCTP News Release | More on Daren Abney
July 28th UofA Arkansas Rice Update: Arkansas-Crops
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