Farmers and ranchers have been waiting to see when emergency funds approved by Congress in December will be released.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins (pictured above) announced at the Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado, on March 2, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute $30 billion in economic and disaster aid.
“The state of the ag economy—especially for row crop producers—is perhaps the worst it’s been in 100 years,” Rollins said in her remarks. “Fortunately, the era of economic malaise and decision paralysis ended the day President (Donald) Trump took the oath of office. Working alongside each of you, we are going to chart a new course for American agriculture.”
During her remarks, she announced the next steps for distributing the economic and disaster relief.
On the $10 billion in economic assistance passed by Congress, the ag secretary said, the program will be called the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program.
“Congress gave us 90 days to start distributing the first $10 billion in economic assistance—and we are on track to begin applications on or before March 20,” she said. “I have asked my team to think creatively about how to develop a streamlined application process. We don’t want to be your bottleneck. In cases where we have information already on file, a pre-filled application will be sent to you.”
The Farm Service Agency will use the 2024 acreage reporting data farmers previously filed to initiate the application process, Rollins told attendees. There will also be an opportunity for them to provide this information if they missed the window. They will be asked to review the information, sign and return the completed application back to their local FSA service center.
USDA is developing tools to provide fair and transparent standards for calculating payments, she said.
On the disaster relief, Rollins said, “We are simultaneously working on rapid implementation of the $20 billion in disaster assistance due to weather conditions outside your control.”
Rollins also provided an update on the ongoing review of monies tied to the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“Today, I am happy to share we have completed our review and have released funds for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program,” she said. “We are still reviewing other programs to make sure they are focused on making American ag the most competitive in the world.”
Rollins also walked the trade floor and met with leaders of the four primary commodities represented at the event: Corn, soybean, wheat, and sorghum.
Davidson Awards announced
The Davidson Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in agricultural engineering, was presented during the Commodity Classic. This award is a collaboration between the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to recognize outstanding achievements in agricultural engineering.
Winners were:
• Bondioli & Pavesi, Inc. – E.D.I. (Electronic Data Interchange) Driveshaft—This technology improves power transmission efficiency while providing real-time monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring optimal performance in the field.
•PTx Trimble – OutRun – This solution enhances precision agriculture by providing advanced guidance and automation, improving efficiency, reducing operator fatigue, and maximizing yields.
•CNH America – IntelliSense Bale Automation & Large Square Baler Automation – This technology revolutionizes hay and forage harvesting by automating key baling functions, ensuring consistent bale quality, reducing operator workload and optimizing productivity.
NAWG celebrates 75 years
The National Association of Wheat Growers held a press conference at Commodity Classic to celebrate the organization’s 75th anniversary. The event brought together current and past leaders of the organization to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments and discuss the future of the wheat industry.
The group discussed the future of wheat advocacy, including continued efforts to get a long-term farm bill signed into law that meets the needs of today and makes a meaningful investment in the farm safety net.
“As we look back at these past 75 years, it is amazing to see all that NAWG has accomplished,” said Keeff Felty, a NAWG president and an Oklahoma wheat producer. “Our work is more important than ever, and the next 75 years will be vital as we continue to move the industry forward. It’s been an honor to serve as NAWG’s president.”
Clements new NAWG president
NAWG welcomed its new officer team as officers will begin their one-year terms, continuing the mission to promote the needs of the nation’s wheat growers.
Pat Clements of Kentucky will serve as president, Jamie Kress of Idaho will serve as vice president, Nathan Keane of Montana as treasurer and Chris Tanner of Kansas as secretary. Felty will take on the role of past president. The officers were elected on Jan. 16, during NAWG’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Fritz elected chair of USSEC
Janna Fritz, an American Soybean Association director and farmer from Bad Axe, Michigan, was elected as chair for a 12-month term for the U.S. Soybean Export Council in activities March 1.
Other members of the executive board are Mike McCranie of South Dakota will serve as vice chair, Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare of Illinois as second vice chair, Scott Gaffner of Illinois as secretary, and Craig Pietig of Nebraska as treasurer.
Steenhoek recognized
Receiving this year’s Tom Oswald Legacy Award is Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. He accepted the honor from Philip Good, chairman of the United Soybean Board on March 3.
Steenhoek spent nearly 20 years improving the integrity of America’s infrastructure, ensuring U.S. soybean farmers can drive demand in the international marketplace.
A busy Classic
Besides headliners and awards, attendees could learn more about sustainability and regenerative practices, maximizing efficiency in attacking weeds, nutrient access beyond the roots, mastering the process from planting to harvesting, preparing for big price swings in grain markets, innovations to meet demand, finding the right carbon program and expense management.
A trade show was available in the Colorado Convention Center to learn more about products and services offered by companies and organizations.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
