Policy Articles
USDA Makes Major Pork Purchase
Published May 31, 2023
USDA plans to purchase $50 million of pork for distribution to food banks and school lunch programs. This is a Section 32 purchase which is designed to take surplus product off the market and support prices. The U.S. pork industry…Debt Ceiling Deal Secured
Published May 29, 2023
A tentative agreement is in place to suspend the debit ceiling until after the 2024 election. "It doesn't get everything everybody wants, but in a divided government that's where you end up," said House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. "I think it…Door Opens for Farm Bill Activity
Published May 29, 2023
Combest Sell and Associates managing partner Tom Sell hopes the agreement on the debt ceiling will spark momentum for the farm bill. “The farm bill tends to be an area where Congress can show how it can work together at…Tentative Timeline for Debt Ceiling Vote
Published May 29, 2023
Congress was scheduled to be on recess this week, but House members will return Tuesday. This agreement goes through the House Rules Committee Tuesday afternoon and a congressional vote on Wednesday. A Senate vote could happen as soon as Thursday.…Farm Bill Extension Possible
Published May 29, 2023
Former House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson addressed the U.S. Meat Export Federation Spring Conference. Peterson said he would be surprised if a farm bill is passed before the current law expires at the end of September. "I think they…Trade Partners Seek Supply Chain Solutions
Published May 29, 2023
Trade ministers from 14 countries participated in negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Agreement. These trade talks ended Saturday in Detroit. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said a first-of-its-kind agreement will establish a council to coordinate supply chain activities. It…House Dems Form Ag Task Force
Published May 29, 2023
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has formed a new task force on agriculture and nutrition. Most of the members appointed to the task force represent the East and West Coast. The focus of the group is to act as a…Ag Energy in the Farm Bill
Published May 28, 2023
Farm Bill and debt ceiling conversations continue. Bergey Windpower President Mike Bergey says now is the time to be talking with legislators. It’s important to relay what should and should not be tied to debt ceiling negotiations. “I think it’s…Entire Swine Industry Impacted by Prop 12 Decision
Published May 27, 2023
U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair-Elect Randy Spronk will take over leadership of the organization this fall. Spronk said this past week's USMEF Spring Conference considered difficult issues, like California's Proposition 12. Congressional action may be necessary to overturn the Supreme…