Water shortages

The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council applauded the Biden administration last week for its initiation of a second U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute panel.

Growers in California are beginning plantings of sunflowers this month amid major uncertainty over the impacts the Russian invasion of Ukraine will have on markets for seeds and sunflower oil.

California’s anticipated tomato production shrank last year due to water shortages and higher production costs, according to farmers. Consumption of fluid cow’s milk has been trending downward.

The House Ag Committee approved the reauthorization of Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus, WHIP+, but with added coverage for weather events, crop and ag product losses.

President Biden will meet President Vladimir Putin as planned on June 16, after holding Russia culpable for the ransomware attack that crippled meatpacker JBS.

The USDA Farm Service Agency's first notice of funding availability announced loan payments for eligible borrowers with qualifying direct farm loans under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Tyson Foods and other meat processors that were early hotspots for the Covid-19 pandemic are accelerating plans to have robots replace human meat cutters.

The Center for Food Safety is suing the USDA to stop the National Organic Program from allowing hydroponically grown produce from being certified organic.