IARN — As South American supplies begin to come on-line, a Price Futures Group market analyst says U.S. grain markets have morphed into a “supply bull” from a “demand bull.” Read more
Vilsack: Hungry Americans need the American Rescue Plan now
IARN — An editorial by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack supports passage of the American Rescue Plan. The legislation, passed by the House and up for consideration in the Senate, is President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion economic relief package to help the nation recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
CFAP round 3 rollout date unknown at this time
IARN — It remains up in the air when the Biden Administration will distribute funds as part of the third round of aid through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Read more
South American weather and crop update (3-2-2021)
IARN — The Brazilian soybean harvest continues to trail its average pace due to complicated weather conditions.
In this week’s South American weather and crop update on the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, Allendale commodities broker Greg McBride says Brazil’s soybean harvest is estimated to be 23 percent complete, trailing the 35 percent average pace and last year’s 40 percent. Read more
Stabenow introduces new bill to boost clean energy
IARN — Senator Debbie Stabenow this week introduced a new bill to boost manufacturing by providing a tax credit to manufacturers who retool or build facilities to produced clean energy parts. The Michigan Democrat, who also chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the American Jobs in Energy Manufacturing Act. The legislation would provide a 30 percent tax credit to manufactures to create jobs that draw on existing skilled workforces and reinvest in communities experiencing high unemployment. Stabenow says, “Transitioning to a clean energy economy creates significant opportunities.” The bill is part of Stabenow’s American Jobs Agenda. Read more
Vilsack: Farm income issues a priority for USDA
IARN — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says one of his main priorities as head of USDA will be to address issues with farm income. Read more