NAWG NEWS
NAWG Signs on to WRDA Letter
On July 28, 2020, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) joined twenty-six national agriculture organizations, as part of an Ag Transportation Working Group, in sending a letter in support of the H.R. 7575, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which was considered and approved in the House last week. Read the letter here.
NAWG Submits Comments to USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda
On July 31, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) submitted comments to the on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ’s Request for Comments on its Agriculture Innovation Agenda (Docket No. USDA–2020–0003 | FR Doc. 2020–06825). NAWG’s comments focused on the “program’s impact on wheat research aimed at improving wheat productivity for our producers and the goals set forth in this initiative could impact future research funding priorities and regulatory frameworks.”
INDUSTRY NEWS
USDA Extends Deadlines, Defers Interest Accrual Due to COVID-19
On August 5, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced it “will authorize Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to extend deadlines for premium and administrative fee payments, defer the resulting interest accrual and allow other flexibilities to help farmers, ranchers, and insurance providers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Secretary Purdue said that “USDA recognizes farmers and ranchers have been severely affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic this year and to help ease the burden on these folks, we are continuing to extend flexibility for producers.”
Agri-Pulse: Some Dems Eye Ban on Pesticides
Legislation speared by New Mexico Senator Tom Udall and Colorado Representative Joe Neguse that “would ban some of the most well-known and popular pesticides on the market today, including neonicotinoids and organophosphates” is set for introduction in the House and Senate. Agri-Pulse says to “Keep in mind: This bill isn’t going anywhere this year, and Udall is retiring from the Senate.”
Note that the Udall Bill is contrary to NAWG’s policy on several accounts. Current policy supports the use of emergency Section 18 exemptions, supports federal preemption for the establishment of crop protection products use restriction, and states that any pesticide removals should be based on sound science.
EPA Proposes Registration of New Herbicide to Aid in Resistance Management
On July 31, 2020, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their proposal to register a new active ingredient, tiafenacil, a contact herbicide for pre-plant and pre-emergence burndown use in corn (all types except sweet corn), cotton, soybeans and wheat. According to the EPA, “The need for additional tools such as tiafenacil to manage these resistant weeds is growing, as herbicide resistance presents a significant financial, production and pest management issue for growers throughout the nation.”
Farm Journal Field Days: August 25th-27th
Farm Journal’s Trust In Food has convened experts from across the food supply chain for four unique conversations at Farm Journal Field Days – the largest virtual trade show for tens of thousands of U.S. farmers and agriculture professionals – on the forces shaping the future of food and agriculture. Join us to discover how these forces can drive more resilient food production and rebuild consumer trust in the food system. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a deep dive on issues critical to a sustainable food future. Register now for this FREE event for dialogue on subjects including:
ASA is Now Accepting Applications for the Conservation Legacy Awards
Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. More information on the award and how to submit your application is available in the “About” section under “Awards” on the ASA website. All applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2020.
COMMUNICATIONS NEWS
NAFB Photo Contest – Deadline Sept. 30th
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) is accepting entries for its 2021 NAFB Membership Directory cover photo contest. The winning entry will receive $100. Entries will be accepted from June 1, 2020, and ending September 30, 2020. To review contest information or to enter your photo(s), please click here.
2021 Commodity Classic Covid-19 Response
We are on track to host the Silver Celebration of Commodity Classic, March 4-6, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. Please rest assured that we will continue to monitor state and federal guidelines related to COVID-19. Our top priority is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants at Commodity Classic. We will continue to share information as it becomes available. If you haven’t already, sign up for email updates by clicking HERE.