NAWG NEWS
NAWG to Hold Policy Committee Meetings and Board of Directors Meeting
NAWG is scheduled to hold a Domestic and Trade Policy Committee meeting on August 21st, an Environment and Research Policy Committee meeting on August 25th, and Board of Directors meeting on August 27th.
Senate Democrats’ Climate Committee Issues Report
This past week the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis’ issued its report which provides framework for Congress and details “how bold climate action from Congress can create millions of new jobs, grow the American economy, and improve people’s lives across the country”. More information can be found here.
NAWG shared our Sustainability background paper with the Special Committee when they were seeking feedback.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Deadline Extension for CRP Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) Pilot
On August 21, 2020, the USDA has announced that it will extend the deadline to enroll cropland in CRP through SHIPP from August 21, 2020, to November 20, 2020. All offers must be submitted no later than COB November 20, 2020.
EPA and USDA Announce Competition to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the United States
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, a joint EPA-USDA partnership and competition to advance agricultural sustainability in the United States. The competition includes two challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment.
ICYMI: USDA Works with Stakeholders to Improve Prevented Planting Coverage
On August 19, 2020, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced it will make several improvements to Federal crop insurance prevented planting coverage. RMA will implement these changes for most spring crops with prevented planting coverage, starting in the 2021 crop year, and for all crops with prevented planting coverage, starting in the 2022 crop year.
Successful Farming: USDA Tightens Eligibility Rules For Farm Subsidies
“Loopholes remain, but the USDA is tightening its crop subsidy rules by limiting who can collect a payment for managing a farm, historically one of its most porous definitions. The new regulation, to be published on Monday, requires people to perform at least 500 hours of management or at least 25% of the management work required annually to merit a subsidy check — ‘a very major advancement,’ according to a small-farm advocate.” Read more here.
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.
NATIONAL WHEAT FOUNDATION NEWS
SHP to Host “Wheat Week” Series of Virtual Field Days
From September 8-10, 2020, the Soil Health Partnership (SHP) will be hosting a “Wheat Week” where attendees will hear perspectives on soil health from SHP’s wheat industry partners. On days two and three of the “Wheat Week”, attendees will hear from SHP farmer partners to see the wheat trials they are implementing. They will share their challenges and goals for soil health on their operation. For more details and to register, visit https://www.