On November 29, the document entitled “U.S. Government Commitments in Support of the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative and in Partnership with the Six Sovereigns” was made public in a letter from Pacific Northwest members of Congress to President Biden. The draft agreement is based on the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, a proposal to the Biden Administration from the six sovereigns ... Read More »
Federal
Lawmakers warn Biden on Snake River dam secret package
From the Capital Press Republican lawmakers continue to warn President Joe Biden about secret plans developed by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and plaintiffs in a long-running lawsuit over the four lower Snake River dams. Republican Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo of Idaho and Steve Daines of Montana sent a letter to Biden to discuss their concerns ... Read More »
Biden Administration quietly developing settlement with groups seeking to tear down key power source
From Fox News The Biden administration is quietly discussing a potentially far-reaching settlement with environmental groups that advocate for tearing down four hydroelectric dams in Washington to protect salmon. Federal attorneys representing the government said it had “developed a package of actions and commitments” and agreed to pause litigation with environmental activist plaintiffs in the case, according to court documents ... Read More »
Farm bill, funding updates
How does expired legislation potential shutdown impact farmer programs? By Trista Crossley Editor, Wheat Life Producers are facing two financial uncertainties going into the end of 2023 that could have huge impacts on the agricultural industry. On Sept. 30, the 2018 Farm Bill expired with no sign of new legislation to replace it. Congress is also facing a funding deadline ... Read More »
EPA’s authority for pesticide proposals questioned
From the Capital Press The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposals to fundamentally change U.S. pesticide regulations are likely to be challenged in court, according to observers. The EPA’s herbicide strategy and vulnerable species pilot project propose broad-based limits on pesticide use without new scientific studies to support the additional restrictions. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »
State agriculture directors ask EPA to defend ‘herbicide strategy’
From the Capital Press The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has called on the Environmental Protection Agency to answer critics before forging ahead with new herbicide regulations. States were not involved in drafting the EPA’s “herbicide strategy, but would be responsible for carrying it out. The strategy is “unreasonably complex” and enforcing it is “inconceivable,” according to the ... Read More »
Wheat groups welcome new funding for food assistance, market development
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are pleased that U.S. wheat growers now have the opportunity to increase global food assistance and expand export market access under new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding programs announced Oct. 24, 2023. USW and NAWG thank Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for releasing the new funds that ... Read More »
National Wheat Yield Contest 2023 Winners
From the National Association of Wheat Growers The National Wheat Yield Contest is thrilled to announce the achievements of its 24 national winners, hailing from 12 different states, who have achieved an average yield of 144 bushels per acre across all categories. Additionally, we proudly recognize the 83 state winners representing 28 states, with their remarkable yields averaging 127 bushels ... Read More »
Farm bill timeline may depend on ‘dairy cliff’
From the Capital Press Since the 2018 Farm Bill expired, many farmers and others are wondering when the new legislation will be written, and that’s impossible to answer at this point. But a new farm bill will be written because of what is called the “dairy cliff,” according to those familiar with the farm bill process. Read the rest of ... Read More »
USDA may use CCC funds to boost ag exports
According to several news outlets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is planning to use $1.4 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funds to boost ag exports through a new program, the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program. The news comes after U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking ... Read More »