Policy Articles
No Relief in Sight for Ag Labor Challenge
Published April 9, 2024
Workforce shortages are an issue throughout the economy. "That issue of labor is a big deal to us," said Rob Brenneman, vice president, National Pork Producers Council. California's Prop 12 policy has only added to the problem. "We have a…Working on a Farm Bill Solution to Prop 12
Published April 9, 2024
National Pork Producers Council President Lori Stevermer, who farms at Easton, Minnesota, said Prop 12 continues to be a legislative priority. "We are looking to the farm bill as a federal solution for Prop 12. That's what the Supreme Court…Activists Target Restaurant Shareholders
Published April 9, 2024
Animal rights activists have renewed their focus on major restaurant chains. Denny’s and Papa Johns are the latest chains being challenged to end the use of gestation stalls for pregnant sows. Institutional Shareholder Services is advising investors in Papa Johns…Ranchers Slam Endangered Species Act Change
Published April 9, 2024
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council are not happy with the Biden Administration’s changes to the Endangered Species Act rules. According to a statement, the one-size-fits-all strategy will drastically increase the regulatory burden for cattle producers and…Farm Bill on the Back Burner in the Upper Chamber
Published April 8, 2024
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has outlined his legislative priorities for the weeks and months ahead and the farm bill was not mentioned. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson has been more optimistic, saying action could be seen in…TX Farmers Sue USDA Over Discrimination Allegation
Published April 8, 2024
Four Texas farmers are suing USDA for prioritizing socially disadvantaged farmers when making disaster and pandemic relief payments. The lawsuit argues it is unconstitutional for this assistance to be based on race and sex.States Should Follow Science-Based Rules
Published April 8, 2024
More than 60 agricultural groups have created a coalition to protect the farmers’ access to crop protection tools. The Modern Ag Alliance is promoting the importance of science-based rules. While states have the option to expand the regulations for glyphosate…Important Decision Coming for Corn Based Ethanol
Published April 8, 2024
Reuters is reporting the Biden Administration will release its climate model for sustainable aviation fuel by mid-May. Citing unnamed sources, the story said ethanol is not expected to automatically qualify as a feedstock for these tax credits unless it can…GREET Decision in ‘Very Near Future’
Published April 7, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency’s update of the so-called GREET life cycle model will be complete in the “very near future.” EPA Administrator Michael Regan made that point at the Society of Environmental Journalists Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. The carbon intensity…