There’s a lot to catch up on this week – from EPA’s proposed biofuel blending requirements to Christmas gifts you can’t miss, and everything in between.
Did you miss some news this week? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
Congress enacts tentative rail agreement
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday averting a nationwide rail strike after President Biden ordered Congress to step in. The Senate followed suit and passed the bill on Thursday, but senators voted down the amendment to offer rail workers seven days of paid sick time. The legislation now heads to the President to get signed into law avoiding the anticipated rail strike set to begin December 9.
EPA proposes biofuels blending requirements
The Environmental Protection Agency released the proposed Renewable Fuels Standard “Set” rule Thursday morning, which increases the amount of ethanol and biofuels oil refiners must blend into fuel for the next three years. The rule received mixed reviews from energy groups. EPA is expected to finalize the rule by June 2023.
Report shares promising fertilizer outlook
A new report from RaboResearch says fertilizer prices could settle in 2023. If historic trends observed in the past continue – especially trends following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis – then prices should slide in the coming months according to senior analyst Bruno Fonseca.
Vilsack steps in on Mexico’s GMO corn ban
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with Mexican President Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador in Mexico City on Nov. 28 to discuss Mexico’s plan to end imports of corn grown using biotechnology and certain herbicides by 2024. While President Lopez Obrador seems to be loosening restrictions on yellow corn imported for feed, he stands firm on banning white corn typically used for human consumption. Vilsack says the U.S. government is prepared to take legal action against Mexico if an agreement is not reached.
FMCSA denies extended trucking hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration denied the application from a collection of farm organizations to grant an exemption from hours of service rules for truckers transporting live animals. The farm groups say HOS regulations place the well-being of livestock at risk during transport and cause a burden for livestock haulers – especially those in rural areas.
Corteva acquires independent biologicals company
Corteva is expanding into biologicals with its announced agreement to acquire Stoller Group. The Houston-based company is considered one of the largest independent biological companies in the ag market with operations and sales in more than 60 countries. Stoller has forecasted revenues in 2022 above $400 million.
Check off your Christmas shopping list
Farmers can be tough folks to buy gifts for. But we’ve got some ideas! We all love an extravagant, not-really-needed-but-wanted gift, but who doesn’t love to open up something they definitely needed, and maybe didn’t know they wanted? Here’s a collection of practical gifts every farmer is sure to love.
