AG COUNCIL NEWS & INFORMATION BRIEF
April 23, 2024
WASHINGTON AG UPDATE
Chairman Thompson Readies to Mark Up Farm Bill in May: U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glen "GT" Thompson (R-PA) continues to set his sights on May for the committee to consider a farm bill draft. In recent days Chairman Thompson has shared some detail regarding structure of the farm bill, including areas where he hopes to increase funding and proposed methods for funding these investments. The Chairman has indicated a desire to strengthen commodity programs and crop insurance, while maintaining critical conservation funding. More...DTNPF | Agri-Pulse | Thompson Op-ed on Farm Bill | Politico | SuccessfulFarming
Ranking Member Scott Speaks Against Chairman's Farm Bill Tactics: U.S. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) recently indicated his disappointment with the farm bill proposal being developed by Chairman Glen "GT" Thompson (R-PA). Scott complained that the legislation was not being developed in a bipartisan manner and carries proposals to limit nutrition program funding and adjust conservation priorities. More...Agri-Pulse | Scott Op-ed on Farm Bill | Vilsack Statement
Vilsack Talks 2025 Budget with Senate Appropriations Committee: On Tuesday, April 16th, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the U.S. Senate appropriations committee to discuss fiscal year 2025 budget requests. Secretary Vilsack spoke to his priorities and requests for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins October 1. Throughout the hearing Vilsack answered a wide range of questions about the agriculture economy, trade policies, and the farm bill. More...Video | Written Testimony | Agri-Pulse
Trade Representative Tai Addresses Congress: Last week, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai spent considerable time on Capitol Hill talking trade policy with members of the House and Senate. The discussions took place in relevant committees related to the administrations trade policy priorities and covered a range of issues related to challenges and opportunities in trade. More...Agri-Pulse I | Agri-Pulse || | Reuters | USA Rice | DTNPF | House Ways & Means | Senate Finance
EPA Further Adjusts Herbicide Strategy to Address Farmer Concerns: On April 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA announced that it continues to make adjustments to its ongoing herbicide strategy in an effort to address issues and concerns raised in public comments. The most recent adjustments are aimed at simplifying the compliance opportunities for farmers in the new strategy's runoff and spray drift mitigation requirements. The Agency expects to publish the final herbicide strategy in August 2024 and a new draft strategy for insecticides this summer. More...Agri-Pulse | DTNPF | EPA Announcement | ASA April 2024 Update & Analysis
USAID & USDA Announce $1 Billion Commodity Purchase for Food Aid: On April 18, USDA and the U.S. Agency for International Development announced plans to deploy $1 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding to purchase U.S.-grown commodities to provide emergency food assistance to people in need throughout the world. U.S. grown rice is expected to be a significant commodity under this program. More...Agri-Pulse I | USDA Announcement | USA Rice
USDA Announce $1.5 Billion for Regional Conservation Partnership Program: On April 16, USDA announced plans to make available $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024 funding to support new grants for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), to support farmers and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources. USDA is accepting project proposals now through July 2, 2024. More...USDA Announcement | RCPP Webinars
ARKANSAS AG UPDATE
Fiscal Session Continues Work to Establish Funding Levels for 2025: This week, the Arkansas General Assembly continues its work towards establishing funding levels for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year, which begins July 1. The House and Senate seem to be working well in crafting a budget that closely mirrors the budget proposal provided by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. In addition to setting spending priorities, the legislature is also expected to approve new laws related to crypto mining. More...ArkansasOnline | SWTimesRecord
State Water Plan Meetings Set for Early May: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division recently announced upcoming meeting dates for the development of an updated State Water and Flood Plan. The meetings are scheduled for early May and cover a range of subject matters related to water. A meeting in Jonesboro May 6 will cover water infrastructure, and a meeting in Stuttgart May 9 will cover agriculture. More...News Release
USDA NRCS Announces $4 Million for Migratory Bird Initiative in Arkansas: USDA recently announced that it is accepting applications from agricultural producers for enrollment in a special Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) sign-up through May 17 to support resources for migratory birds. The total nationwide package, known as the Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative (MBRI), provides $11 million with $4 million reserved for Arkansas. More...Stuttgart Daily Leader
Riceland Foods Sustainability Initiative Yields $4 Million for Rice Farmers: According to Riceland Foods, a new initiative aimed at addressing market demands for sustainably grown rice yielded $4 million in funds for participating rice farmers from the 2023 crop year. The company's "carbon ready" program establishes and monitors key metrics on sustainability for participating farmers to produce and deliver rice to consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies that are seeking to source sustainably grown rice for their customers. More...TalkBusiness | Riceland Announcement
NCC Accepting Applications for Emerging Leaders Program: as: The National Cotton Council's Cotton Foundation is seeking applicants for its 2024 Emerging Leaders Program sponsored by Bayer Crop Science. The program, which offers intensive leadership training through three sessions in 2024 and 2025, is an excellent opportunity for cotton producers and others from within the cotton industry to gain a greater understanding for leadership and policy development within the cotton industry. Individuals interested should contact andrew.grobmyer@agcouncil.net. More...Emerging Leaders Program Information
Cotton Incorporated Accepting Nominations for Research & Promotion Hall of Fame: Cotton Incorporated is accepting nominations for the Cotton Research & Promotion Hall of Fame through May 17. The hall of fame was established to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the Cotton Research and Promotion Program and the cotton industry in general. Individuals interested in making nominations should contact andrew.grobmyer@agcouncil.net. More...Nomination Information | Nomination Form
Former Governor and U.S. Senator David Pryor Passed Away at Age 89: David Pryor, a legendary political figure and public servant in Arkansas, passed away on Saturday at age 89. Pryor held many elected positions in his lengthy career, including state legislator, governor, U.S. Representative, and U.S. Senator. He will lay in state Friday at the Arkansas state capitol from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a visitation following from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock. A celebration of his life will occur at 2 p.m. April 27 at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. More...ArkansasOnline | TalkBusiness | Obituary | WashingtonPost
Memorial Services Held for UofA Research Station Director Claude Kennedy: Claude Kennedy, retired resident director of the station, passed away April 3 at age 82. His life was memorialized at a ceremony Friday, April 19th, in Marianna. Kennedy, who had a long and distinguished career in agriculture and public service, was best known for his leadership and stewardship of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Lon Mann Cotton Research Station, where he served as director from 2000 until his retirement in 2023. More...UADA News Release
Memorial Services Held for Former UofA Extension Director Ivory Lyles: According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA), Dr. Ivory Lyles, who served as head of the UofA extension service from 200-2009, passed away at age 65. A memorial was held for Dr. Lyles in Forest, Mississippi. More...UADA News Release
Giant Apple Snail Noted as Invasive Species of Concern in Arkansas: According to state officials, Arkansas farmers should be on the lookout for an invasive species that can cause problems in rice production. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) recently announced that the giant apple snail, considered a serious pest in rice in other countries, has been confirmed in Arkansas. The giant apple snail is typically 2-4 inches tall and can reach up to 6 inches. They are prolific, laying bright pink masses of 1,500 to 2,000 eggs each every five to 14 days. More...UADA Announcement | AGFC Annoucement
Save the Date! Ag Council Sets Dates for 2024 Board of Director Meetings: The Ag Council of Arkansas has set dates for its upcoming board of directors meetings this year. The meetings are open to Ag Council board of directors and invited guests. Other Ag Council members and sponsors are welcome to attend general sessions of these meetings provided they notify staff of their plans to attend in advance of the meetings. Spring Meeting: Tuesday, May 14 at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station in Marianna (Tentative Agenda); Summer Meeting: Thursday, August 15 at the Northeast Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center in Greenfield; Annual Meeting: Thursday and Friday, December 12-13 at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock
Arkansas Department of Ag Accepting Century Farm Applications Through May 31: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2024 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary and there is no cost to apply. More...Century Farm Homepage | News Release
Members Encouraged to Apply for Service on State Boards and Commissions: We strongly encourage Ag Council members to apply for public service on various agriculture related state boards and commissions which serve important roles for our industry. We stand ready to help our members navigate the application and appointment process. More...https://agcouncil.net/services/leadership/ | Application Portal | Office of Governor Homepage
Additional Arkansas Ag Resources:
USDA Arkansas April Newsletter NRCS/FSA
Arkansas Farm Bureau AgCast with Rick Crawford
4.22.24 Nutrien's Eric Snodgrass Weather Outlook
Secretary Ward Joins Trade Mission Trip to Vietnam
New Cotton Gin in NE Arkansas
USDA Daily Arkansas Grain Bids
Arkansas Department of Ag Calendar
Ag Council Leadership Opportunities
Apply for Service on State Boards & Commissions
2024 Arkansas Rural Development Conference May 21-23
USDA NRCS Arkansas Offices
USDA County Cash Rent Estimates
Arkansas Crops Update
UADA Crop Budgets
UADA Verification Information
Arkansas Row Crop Risk Management
Pine Tree Discoloration & Mortality Reporting
Feral Hog Task Force
2023 Arkansas Grown Publication
Digital Edition of Delta Farm Press
H-2A Guidebook by Congressman Crawford
Bayer Carbon Program (ForGround)
Indigo Carbon Program
Corteva Carbon Program
Truterra Carbon Program
Nutrien Carbon Program (FarmSmart)
ECONOMIC & INDUSTRY NEWS
U.S. Agriculture Leads Way in GHG Emission Reductions: The latest EPA annual report known as the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Sinks showed American agriculture to have reduced emissions by almost 2 percent from 2021 to 2022, which is the largest decrease of any economic sector. According to the report, EPA estimates agriculture to represent just under 10 percent of total U.S. emissions. More...EPA Report | American Farm Bureau Summary
USDA Issues Crop Progress Report: On Monday, April 22, USDA issued a Crop Progress and Condition Report for the 2024 crop year. According to the report, Arkansas farmers have planted 68 percent of the corn crop, 67 percent of the rice crop, 43 percent of the soybean crop, 6 percent of the cotton crop and 4 percent of the peanut crop. The pace of planting is well ahead of the five-year average. More...U.S. Report | Arkansas Report
Other links of Interest:
Riceland Grainiacs Podcast with Jarrod Hardke
American Farm Bureau Urges USDA NASS to Restore Cancelled Reports
CHS to Buy 8 Cargill Grain Terminals
Arkansas Jobless Rate Ticks Lower
Reuters: U.S. Wheat Farmers Face Bleak Crop Economics
American Drone Option Emerges
Bayer Forms Group to Defend Glyphosate
Ag Law Summit Set for June 6-7 in Memphis
Cotton Inc Monthly Economic Letter
Fertilizer Plant Sale in Iowa Draws Scrutiny
Jarrod Hardke's Arkansas Rice Report
UofA Leads in Development of New Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST)
DTN Market Insights: Commodity Market Info
The RiceStuff Podcast: Podcast Homepage
USDA March/April Processing Reports:
- Cotton System
- Fats & Oils
- Grain Crushings
- Grain Stocks
- Prospective Plantings
- Rice Stocks
- Agricultural Prices
- Peanut Prices
- Peanut Stocks and Processing
Options for Conservation Funding with New Climate Programs: Arkansas farmers have multiple options to seek out funding incentives for conservation programs deemed to be "climate smart" through grants issued from USDA to various agriculture organizations and enterprises. The grants were part of a Climate Smart Commodity Program established by USDA with use of funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Practices such as alternate wetting and drying and furrow irrigation in rice will provide payment opportunities as well as no-till and cover crops for other commodities. Additional practices are also eligible. For cotton farmers, enrolling acres in the industry's U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol program also offers payment opportunities. Some application windows have already opened and closed while others are expected in coming days and weeks, but they are not expected to be open long. More...Climate Smart Cotton | Climate Smart Rice | Winrock/Riceland Foods Program | AgriCapture | Rice-Tec SmartRice | Alliance for CS Ag | More Arkansas Related CSAF Opportunities | USDA CSAF Homepage
Arkansas Economic Profile: 2023 Pocket Facts - News | USDA Arkansas Ag Economic Overview | Arkansas Ag Census Data | Arkansas Historical Data | Arkansas Farms & Land Report | Arkansas Land Values & Cash Rent Report | Arkansas Farm Labor Report
UofA Crop Updates | UofA Land Grant Research & Extension Service Video
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