The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) program for 2018, and biomass-based diesel for 2019. “Maintaining the renewable fuel standard at current levels ensures stability in the marketplace and follows through with my commitment to meet the statutory deadlines and lead the Agency by upholding …
NCGA Statement on EPA’s Final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation
The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in response to the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “NCGA is pleased to see the EPA meet the Administration’s commitment to keep the RFS on track when it comes …
EPA Releases ‘18 Ethanol Volumes at Maximum levels; Chicken Producers Cry Foul
Agency keeps pumping corn ethanol into a saturated fuel market The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is mandating the statutory maximum 15 billion gallons of ethanol be added to the domestic fuel supply in 2018, the second consecutive year EPA has mandated the maximum amount of ethanol allowed under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The currently mandated …
Ag Economist: Farming Preparing for Financial Winter
If you’re not happy with the weather, wait a little while and things will change. That phrase works not only for the weather, but the overall ag economy. Ag economist and financial analyst Dr. Dave Kohl recently spoke at the 2017 Ag Bankers Conference in Wisconsin. He said the ag economy runs through four seasons. He also said the current …
Relating to a Public That Doesn’t Relate with Agriculture
Society is changing, and the connection back to the farm is declining. Agriculture is facing the challenge of relating to a public that doesn’t relate with agriculture. Wes Jamison, Professor of Public Relations at Palm Beach Atlantic University, says it anti-ag groups, specifically anti-animal agriculture groups, are very successful in their mission. Opposition But, agriculture is fighting back. Jamison explains …
AFBF, NFU, Joint Survey Shows Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Rural America
A survey by Morning Consult shows 74 percent of farmers and farm workers say they have been directly impacted by opioid abuse. A collaboration between the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union, AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the survey is a united approach to the opioid crisis. Survey National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says the survey shows …
NIFA Supports Increasing Rural Prosperity through Education, Mentoring, and Technical Assistance Programs for the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced awards made to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). The BFRDP program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, aims to help address issues associated with the rising age and decrease in the number of U.S. …
Perdue on President’s “Bring Back Main Street” Message
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue echoed President Donald J. Trump’s message that tax cuts and reforms are needed to increase American prosperity. The president delivered remarks with a “Bring Back Main Street” theme in St. Charles, Missouri, highlighting the need for tax relief to boost the economy, particularly in the heartland. Perdue issued the following statement: “The people of …
NCBA Membership Drive Encourages Commitment
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has helped the industry secure several wins in Washington, D.C., including against the “Waters of the United States” rule and the Bureau of Land Management’s Planning 2.0 rule. The NCBA also played a role in helping American beef exports to return to China. The organization is asking its members to help with recruiting new …
Canada Looking to Boost Pork Exports to China
A recent ten-day trade mission to China gave Canada an opportunity to showcase its pork products in a market of 1.3 billion people hungry for more pork. Farm Scape Dot Com says Federal Ag Trade Minister Lawrence McCauley led the mission, accompanied by multiple representatives of the Canadian pork industry, which stopped in three cities over the ten-day trip. Neil …