June 10th, 2025
WOAH Adopts ASF Vaccine Standard
The World Organization for Animal Health recently adopted an African Swine Fever vaccine standard as a means to help control the disease. The agreement was reached during the Organization’s 92nd General Session in Paris last week. The Organization feels ASF control is possible. Key elements of the new standard include that vaccines must be manufactured with the highest quality and be proven to be effective and safe for use. The Organization warned that poor quality or non-compliant ASF vaccines may make the disease situation worse instead of improving it. To comply with the new standard, evidence will be required proving the vaccine’s efficacy, including in terms of reducing the severity of the symptoms and further transmission of the virus. WOAH (WHOA-ah) says vaccination alone, even if it meets these standards, won’t be enough without high levels of biosecurity, control of animal movements, and import restrictions. The decision to vaccinate ultimately rests with veterinary authority.
***********************************************************************************
Farmer Pushes Back Against HHS Secretary
A Minnesota sugarbeet farmer wants consumers and legislators to know that sugar is an all-natural product. Tim Deal responded to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr., who said “sugar is poison” back in April. “Sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that it is poisoning us,” Kennedy said. That was the same day Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins visited an American Crystal Sugar Facility in North Dakota, owned by about 3,000 sugar beet growers in North Dakota and Minnesota. “Sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers always have and always will support food and ag policies grounded in strong science,” Deal said. “It’s an unwelcome shock for any farmer to hear our crops compared to poison and illegal drugs.” Deal also said he didn’t know anyone who would find that to be a fair or evidence-based statement. “There’s concern the Secretary will act on his view going forward,” Deal added.
***********************************************************************************
Reminder to File Crop Acreage Reports
After spring planting is finished, agricultural producers should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency county office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline. July 15 is a major deadline for most crops, but acreage reporting deadlines vary by county and crop. “To ensure receipt of important safety net, disaster assistance, conservation, and crop insurance program benefits, producers should file an accurate crop acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planting acreage before the deadline,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Once planting is complete, call your local FSA Office to make an appointment to report your acres and take care of other FSA-related business at the same time.” To file a crop acreage report, producers need to provide a number of facts, including crop type or variety and the number of crop acres. For more information, go to fsa.usda.gov(Link is external).
***********************************************************************************
Ag Innovation Challenge Deadline Extended
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, has extended the deadline for entrepreneurs to apply online for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge to June 15. Now in year number 12, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000, and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000. “This competition supports incredible entrepreneurs who are making sure agriculture is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “If you have a vision for how your business can drive agriculture forward, apply today.” After the application period closes on June 15, ten semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on August 4. More information is at fb.org/challenge(Link is external).
***********************************************************************************
SAF Coalition Briefs American Carbon Alliance Members
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition joined the American Carbon Alliance’s monthly membership meeting to provide an important update on federal policy developments. The Coalition shared the latest on the sustainable aviation fuel market, highlighting its growing role in decarbonizing the transportation sector and expanding demand for low-carbon feedstocks like corn ethanol. A major focus of the briefing was the ongoing budget reconciliation process, where Congress is negotiating the critical energy and tax provisions. The SAF Coalition emphasized that the Senate is actively making edits to the reconciliation package – a bill that includes key priorities for the biofuel and agriculture industries. These negotiations will impact the future of the 45Z clean fuel production credits, sustainable aviation fuel tax credits, and broader carbon capture incentives, all of which are vital to the success of ethanol producers and rural America. The SAF Coalition has been a strong ally to ACA and its members.
**********************************************************************************
NFU Names National Youth Advisory Council Members
The National Farmers Union concluded the 2025 All-States Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., and released the names of the newly elected members who will serve on the National Youth Advisory Council. “NFU is proud to welcome the next generation of farmers and policy leaders to Washington, D.C., a program first for the All-States Leadership Summit,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Our NYAC represents the future of family farming, ranching, and rural advocacy.” He also said the voices, energy, and ideas of the young people are vital to shaping a stronger future for agriculture, and the NFU is thrilled to have them serve in this role during the upcoming year. The NYAC is selected each year at the All-States Leadership Summit through a competitive application process to represent thousands of Farmers Union youth across the country. For more information or to find the names of the newly-elected Council, go to nfu.org/allstates(Link is external).
***********************************************************************************