LFN Field Talk

Farm News Jan. 27, 2022

January 27 issue

PROP 12 ENFORCEMENT ON HOLD
A California Superior Court judge has put a stay on enforcement of the state’s animal housing law known as Proposition 12 until 6 months after final rules have been released, which has not yet happened. Prop 12 establishes minimum requirements for confining certain farm animals and prohibits sales of meat and egg products from animals confined in noncomplying manner.

Minnesota Pork CEO Dave Preisler says the court ruling puts a 6 month stay of enforcement on retailers and food service because final rules for Proposition 12 have not yet ben finalized, so it’s impossible to enforce or to comply. Preisler says some pork producers have already made changes to comply with Prop 12 so their products can be sold into the California market, while others have not.

Preisler joined the Linder Farm Network to talk about the court action. Listen here.

The National Pork Producers Council and American Farm Bureau Federation have filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the proposition, arguing that the laws of one state should not set the rules for an entire nation.

RENTAL RATES ON THE RISE
Farmland rental rates for the 2022 crop year are higher than a year ago, according to David Bau, University of Minnesota Farm Business Management. Bau says rates vary, driven largely by increased corn and soybean prices, even though input costs have increased.

WHERE THE CHIPS FALL
The U.S. Commerce Department is expected to release details soon from a study of semiconductor chips it conducted last year. In September, the department asked semiconductor chip manufacturers and other companies in the supply chain to voluntarily submit data amid a shortage of chips that has curtailed auto production around the world. According to Reuters, the department has said it received cooperation but has not yet released details. Automakers and chips manufacturers have warned the supply shortages could last until least 2023.

MORE BEANS THAN CORN?
Based on survey results, Farm Futures projects 2022 U.S. corn acreage at 90.4 million acres, while soybean acreage is expected to reach 92.4 million acres. If realized, that would be just the second time in U.S. history that soybean acres would outpace corn. High input and fertilizer costs are among the factors cited as reasons for the shift.

CANADA BUYING MORE U.S. CORN
Corn sales to Canada have been strong in recent weeks. Sue Martin of Ag and Investment Services says Canadian cattle producers are buying more U.S. corn because they don’t have many feed options due to the 2021 drought.

ATTENTION TO CONSERVATION
There appears to be a push to add conservation programs and carbon smart agriculture programs into federal farm policy. IHS Markit policy analyst Roger Bernard says there is increasing attention being paid to these programs by lawmakers and the Biden administration.

SEEING BIODIESEL FOR THEMSELVES
Nearly two dozen Minnesotans participated in the annual National Biodiesel Conference through the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council See for Yourself program. The mission takes farmers, transportation industry representatives, fleet managers and educators to the conference to get a more in-depth understanding of the biodiesel industry.

BIODIESEL BOARD REBRANDS
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has changed its name to Clean Fuels Alliance America. The name change reflects advancement in biofuels development to include renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors.

** Upcoming Events

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 31 Minnesota Legislative Session resumes
February 2 SWROC Winter Crops & Soils Day, Lamberton
February 14-16 MN Pork Congress, Mankato
March 8-12 Commodity Classic, New Orleans

** Farm Fun Fact

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According to the Farmers Almanac, lettuce is the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed or cooked. It’s only served fresh.


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