NATIONAL AG NEWS SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
America Celebrates National Ag Day
Today (Tuesday) is National Ag Day, celebrating American agriculture. In his proclamation of National Ag Day, President Joe Biden writes, “I call upon all Americans to join me in recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to and appreciation” of American agriculture. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is highlighting the technology and innovation in agriculture on the National Mall, with a half-mile of farm equipment and booths to educate the public and lawmakers. Also, student leaders from FFA, 4-H, Agriculture Future of America, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences are sharing information on the critical role agriculture plays in our culture and economy. A National FFA spokesperson says, “National Ag Day gives students from agriculture youth organizations the chance to work together and share the importance of agriculture and agricultural education with our national government leaders.” This year marks the 49th anniversary of National Ag Day, celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country.
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USDA Urges Communities, Farmers, Ranchers to be Prepared for Severe Weather
The Department of Agriculture Monday urged those in the path of the severe weather forecast for the Southeast this week to take steps now to keep their food safe, and for farmers and ranchers to take proactive steps to protect their livestock. The weather system is forecast to bring severe storms, including damaging winds, severe rain, potential flooding, hail and even tornadoes to parts of the Southern Plains and Gulf Coast. Meanwhile, USDA offers several risk management and disaster assistance options to help producers recover after disasters. Farmers who suffer losses and whose crops are covered for the 2021 crop year by the Federal Crop Insurance Program, or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program are asked to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office. Livestock and perennial crop producers often have more limited risk management options available, so there are several disaster programs for them. USDA encourages farmers to look for disaster tools, such as the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, on farmers.gov.
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Growth Energy Applauds U.S. House Action to Expand E15
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor Monday applauded members of the House of Representatives for introducing the Home Front Energy Independence Act. In response to rising gas prices and the global energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine, the legislation would make the sale of E15 year-round permanent, create a tax credit for higher biofuel blends, streamline E15 labeling, provide funding for E15 infrastructure, extend the biodiesel tax credit for three more years, and ban imports of Russian petroleum products. Skor says, “The Home Front Energy Independence Act would boost U.S. energy security by increasing the supply of lower-cost, homegrown biofuels available to drivers.” Iowa Republican Representatives Randy Feenstra and Ashley Hinson were joined by Democrats Cheri Bustos of Illinois and Angie Craig of Minnesota to introduce the bill. The House bill is companion legislation to a Senate bill introduced by Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst and Senate Democrat Amy Klobuchar.
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Smithfield Foods Contributes $2 Million to Ukraine Crisis Relief Efforts
Smithfield Foods Monday announced cash and in-kind donations totaling $2 million to crisis relief efforts aiding the citizens of Ukraine and those seeking refuge in surrounding areas. Smithfield will expand ongoing refugee relocation and aid assistance underway through its operations in Central Europe with $250,000 donations to each the Global Red Cross Network, Mercy Chefs, Save the Children and World Central Kitchen. Smithfield President and CEO Shane Smith says, “We are deeply proud of the decisive action our Smithfield Family has taken near the border and are committed to supporting and amplifying their good work.” Smithfield’s global footprint is comprised of operations in seven countries around the world, including the United States, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the U.K. and Mexico. Since the outset of violence in late February, Smithfield Europe operations have provided dedicated support for Ukrainian team members and refugees. Additionally, Smithfield Europe has engaged in regular donations of shelf-stable and other protein to food banks and temporary shelters across the region.
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Former U.S. President to Headline Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, is set to headline the 2022 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo, hosted annually by the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The event takes place at the Fort Worth Convention Center in downtown Fort Worth on March 25-27. President Bush will be joined by legendary singer/songwriter/actor Red Steagall, who will sit down with him for a special conversation about his time in the White House, the challenges facing our nation in the 21st century, and his current work at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. TSCRA CEO Jason Skaggs says, “He’s spoken all over the world, but on March 26, the 43rd President of the United States will address a group of cattle raisers in Fort Worth, and we couldn’t be more honored.” The event is the largest cattle and ranching industry event in the Southwest, with more than 4,000 attendees expected. Open-to-the-public, more information can be found at cattleraisersconvention.com.
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Fuel Prices Fall for First Time in 12 Weeks
For the first time in twelve weeks, the national average price of gasoline declined, down nine cents from a week ago. The national average gas price Monday was $4.24 a gallon, and the average diesel price fell 10 cents to $5.03 per gallon. The national average gas price is up 71.5 cents from a month ago and $1.37 per gallon higher than a year ago. GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan says, “While the decline is still subject to changes in global supply and demand, COVID and Russia’s war on Ukraine, we are poised to see additional downdrafts at the pump this week.” However, not everyone will see the relief, as West Coast gas prices keep rising. Oil markets have seen a dramatic rise in volatility due to lower liquidity prompted by exchanges raising margin requirements to ensure liquidity as oil prices trade wildly. U.S. retail gasoline demand saw a rise last week as national weekly gasoline demand rose 2.9 percent from the prior week.
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