Category: Legislative Updates

USDA Seeks Public Comment on Revised Conservation Practice Standards

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by LICA-National
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 23 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. The proposed revisions will publish March 9 with comments due April 8.

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Survey Finds Soil Health Management Boosts Income

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by LICA-National
Farmers who used soil health management systems cut their costs and increased their net income, according to a new analysis by the Soil Health Institute.

SHI interviewed 100 farmers in nine states that account for 71% of U.S. corn production and 67% of soybean production. It found 85% of corn growers and 88% of soybean growers increased their net income.

The survey questioned those who actively managed their soil health by using any or a combination of practices, such as no or reduced tillage, cover crops, or grazing.

Bottom line: Corn growers’ costs fell $24 per acre, while soybean growers’ costs decreased by $17 an acre. At the same time, corn growers saw their net income go up by $52 an acre. For soybean farmers, the increase was $45 an acre.

Infrastructure Struggles Call for Parental Attention

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by LICA-National
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) unveiled their 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure last week, giving our nation a ‘C-’, up from 2017’s cumulative GPA of ‘D+’. This is the first time since ASCE began issuing the report card that the nation’s infrastructure has received a GPA outside of the D range. See each state report card at https://infrastructurereportcard.org/state-by-state-infrastructure.

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Don’t Be Fooled by the Infrastructure Chatter

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by LICA-National
As someone who has been around the federal policy debate on infrastructure for more than 30 years, I have to chuckle at the reemergence of the call for a massive infrastructure bill to bring this country out of our current economic woes.  No question there is bipartisan support for all the roads and bridge needs that exist and the good jobs that would be created.  And no question industry would support legislation that targets federal investment directed by state and local government leaders. However, putting the pieces together for a massive bill is a monumental task. 

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FCC Creates New Broadband Task Force

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by LICA-National
A new government task force is charged with improving broadband data and mapping tools. In her first meeting as Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday, Jessica Rosenworcel said the new broadband data task force will be an agencywide effort to collect detailed data and develop more precise maps about high-speed internet availability. “It’s no secret that the FCC’s existing broadband maps leave a lot to be desired. We can do better, and we will,” Rosenworcel said during the FCC's open meeting. Expanded broadband capabilities is a major concern for rural leaders in Congress utilizing agriculture and infrastructure bills to expand the network.

Trade Key to Strong Ag Economy

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by LICA-National
As the Biden Administration assesses the world markets and gets their international team, agriculture continues to look at China to support exports. The Department of Agriculture expects U.S. farm exports to hit a record $157 billion for fiscal 2021, an increase of $21 billion over the year before, as the global economy recovers and China increases its already strong demand for U.S. corn, soybeans and meat.