USDA to Ensure All Have Equal Access to Crop & Livestock Reports

USDA to Ensure All Have Equal Access to Crop & Livestock Reports (Washington, DC – July 10, 2018) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new procedures for the release of market-affecting crop and livestock reports from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) to ensure that all members of the public have access to the information at the same time. Under current “Lockup” procedures, information is released to the public at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern), though the news media are allowed access approximately 90 minutes early, with their reports embargoed until the noon release time. Prompted by inquiries from the public, USDA examined the procedures and determined that technological advancements have afforded recipients of customized media reports a market advantage not enjoyed by members of the general public. The USDA also sought analytical assistance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to help inform a policy update to the lockup procedures. As a result, beginning August 1, 2018, USDA will provide media the same access to the NASS and WAOB reports as the public, with the information becoming available to all at 12:00 p.m. on days the reports are released. “These reports are greatly anticipated each time they are released, and they can have significant market impacts,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “Everyone who has interest in the USDA reports should have the same access as anyone else. Modern technology and current trading tactics have made microseconds a factor. This change addresses the ‘head start’ of a few microseconds that can amount to a market advantage. The new procedures will level the playing field and make the issuance of the reports fair to everyone involved.” Background: Current Process USDA produces a number of reports with significant market impacts, such as commodity futures sold on the Chicago Board of Trade. Those reports are prepared by NASS and WAOB staff under special “lockup” conditions at USDA: no electronic transmission devices are permitted into lockup (such as cellular telephones) and once people enter the lockup they cannot leave until the reports are sent out to the public at 12:00 p.m. The public is allowed to enter lockup at 10:30 a.m. to hear about the lockup facility and to sit in on the data briefing that occurs at approximately 11:45 a.m. Again, no transmission devices are allowed into lockup and the public is not allowed to leave until 12:00 p.m. Lock up is open to any media outlet that meets a set of strict standards. Currently, six news services participate in lockup and are given pre-access to reports: Associated Press, Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal, Thompson Reuters, Market News Int’l/Deutsche Boerse, Bloomberg News, and DTN/Progressive Farmer. • The media are provided an electronic copy of the report at 10:30 a.m. • The media write their articles and other custom reports between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. • The media transmit their information at 12:00 p.m. It takes USDA data roughly 2 seconds to be transmitted and posted for the public to read. Meanwhile, press organizations have access to high-speed fiber optic lines out of the USDA lockup and advertise paid services to clients that offer ‘ultra-low latency’ data transmission speed. They have approximately 90 minutes to distill the reports down to their clients’ needs. There is evidence to suggest that there is significant trading activity worth millions of dollars that occurs in the one to two second period immediately following 12:00 p.m., which could not be based on the public reading of USDA data. The inference is that private agents are paying the news agencies for faster data transmission to get a jump on the market. What is USDA doing to fix this? USDA is requiring the media to participate in lockup in the same way as the public. Media will no longer receive the reports in advance nor can they utilize high-speed transmission cables from within USDA’s lockup facility.

Environmental Education Center hosts environmental webinar, brown bag lunch Tuesday

Environmental Education Center hosts environmental webinar, brown bag lunch Tuesday Join the Office of Sustainability in the Environmental Education Center for a webinar from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, on the successes of the Climate Leadership Network (our greenhouse gas reporting organization). Titled “Higher Education's Leading Role in Cross-sector Climate Action” you will learn how for more than a decade, institutions in the Climate Leadership Network have been pursuing carbon neutrality in campus operations, creating new climate solutions through innovative research and preparing students to solve the urgent climate challenges of the 21st century. This webinar will focus on how the higher education sector has been engaging with government, businesses and the community to lead on climate. Topics discussed include the “America’s Pledge” and “We Are Still In” movement one year later, the University Climate Change Coalition’s mission and method of using its place-based institutional strengths to drive climate solutions. This webinar will feature guest speakers from the University of Colorado at Boulder and Washington University in St. Louis. The Environmental Education Center is in Guthrie Hall, Room 109H - enter the west wing under the breezeway. Brown bag lunch if you desire. For more information contact joni newcomer at newcomer@nmsu.edu or 575-646-7563.

American, Georgia Farm Bureaus Seek to Join District Court Case on Flawed 2015 WOTUS Rule

American, Georgia Farm Bureaus Seek to Join District Court Case on Flawed 2015 WOTUS Rule AFBF Press Release The American Farm Bureau Federation and the Georgia Farm Bureau have joined a group of affected business sector representatives in filing a motion to intervene as a plaintiff, as well as a complaint as intervenors, in a federal district court case challenging the legality of the Environmental Protection Agency’s and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2015 Waters of the United States Rule…In the complaint AFBF and the other groups strongly contend that federal regulators, through the flawed 2015 WOTUS Rule’s gross regulatory overreach, are determined to exert unlawful federal jurisdiction over “a staggering range of dry land and water features … That, they may not do.” “The Rule bears no connection to the statutory text, far exceeds the authority granted by the Commerce Clause, and violates the individual rights protected by the Due Process Clause,” the complaint states. “It also imposes impossible burdens on land users, requiring them to assess vast expanses of land (well beyond their own holdings) in an effort to determine if features on their land are subject to regulation under the CWA (Clean Water Act) – to say nothing of the burdens it imposes when the features are, in fact, deemed jurisdictional.” The complaint also contends that the agencies “misread and distorted Supreme Court precedent interpreting the meaning of key terms used in the statute.” The groups also assert that the agencies subverted the notice-and-comment process by failing to seek comment on scientific reports they used as the rule’s basis, by conducting an inadequate economic analysis and by engaging in “an unprecedented advocacy campaign that led to a distorted and biased comment process.” “The result is an opaque and unwieldly regulation that leaves the identification of jurisdictional waters so vague and uncertain that Plaintiffs-Intervenors and their members cannot determine whether and when the most basic activities undertaken on their land will subject them to drastic criminal and civil penalties under the CWA.” The complaint can be found here and the motion can be found here. Contact: Shiloh Perry Media Relations Specialist (202) 406-3643 shilohp@fb.org Cyndie Shearing Director, Internal Communications (202) 406-3649 cyndies@fb.org

Chinese tariffs threaten U.S. pecan industry

pecan groves Crops Chinese tariffs threaten U.S. pecan industry From Georgia to New Mexico, record pecan crop faces trade war trouble, and it’s not over Logan Hawkes 3 | Jun 29, 2018 It was a great year for pecan production in Georgia, New Mexico and Texas, with Georgia, the usual leader in pecan production in the United States, raking in 107 million pounds of nuts to remain at the top of the list as the state with the highest pecan production. In the 2017-2018 season, New Mexico experienced a bumper crop, increasing production by 28 percent compared to the previous year, bringing in 92 million pounds of high grade commercial pecans. Texas also experienced a good year for America's favorite nut, reporting 38 million pounds of total production. Collectively, those three states produce the greatest volume of pecans and the majority of the pecans grown and marketed in the U.S. How is Your Farm Doing Financially? CLICK HERE "Last December a seven percent tariff was imposed on U.S. pecans by China. In April this year and as a result of the U.S.-China trade dispute, an additional 15 percent was imposed by China, bringing the current tariff to 22 percent. But as a result of the trade dispute, what we can now call a trade war, China recently announced they will impose another 25 percent tariff effective July 6 this year, bringing the total China tariff on U.S. pecans to 47 percent," says Jonathan Arn, owner of Carter Pecans in Albany, Georgia. Arn, along with many other pecan growers in multiple states, have expressed concerns that such high tariffs could be devastating to the U.S. pecan industry and to U.S. agriculture in general. "We're rolling off a bumper crop year, and so is most of the U.S., and now we are facing a major road block in marketing our pecans. About 65 percent of Georgia pecans, for instance, are sold to China," he added. He says falling prices for pecans are the direct result of China's counter tariffs in response to the president's steel and aluminum tariffs imposed in April, and he warns pecan prices could go even lower if an extended trade war develops. "You can't fix trade deficits with trade wars," he advises. It's not just Georgia pecan producers who are sweating over trade developments in recent months. In New Mexico, enthusiasm going into the year was high, and for good reason. The value of the New Mexico pecan crop in the season that ended in February through March this year, rose by $220 million over the 2016-2017 season — a record high. But now growers are wondering how deep the trade war with China and other nations will cut into their profits this year. While a much smaller percentage of New Mexico pecans are exported to China, pecan officials in the state say there could be an overstock of pecans later this year if producers elect not to sell to China because of the tariffs. If that happens, it could result in growers selling pecans for less than they cost to grow them. Such a glut of pecans could see lower prices for consumers at the grocery store but it would represent tough times at pecan operations across the nation. Sens.Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico drafted a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer earlier this year when China introduced a 15 percent tariff on many U.S. farm products, including pecans grown in New Mexico. In that letter, they told Lighthizer that retaliatory tariffs will hurt American farmers. “Increased tariffs are already causing significant uncertainty and will make farming difficult for our state’s growers and producers,” the senators warned. Texas, who enjoys success with its smaller native pecans, will also feel the pinch over tariffs and the growing trade war. According to one Texas grower, his operation deals with low margins, meaning the cost of growing pecans and doing business, leaves a small window of profit opportunity. Any action that upsets the apple cart — in this case the pecan cart — at any time, is bad for business. "At the end of the day the growers, nut processors, packers, handlers and the exporters, work more or less on fixed margins and those tariffs ultimately come out of all our pockets," adds Arn, who ships between 400 to 500 containers full of pecans to China each year. "Yes, I would say we have a real problem across the industry. Right now there is a lot of pecan inventory in China; we have a massive crop in the U.S. this year, South Africa is reporting a large crop, Mexico is set to produce 350 million pounds of pecans this year [that are not subject to Chinese tariffs], and on top of that we have seen not one or two, but three different tariff increases imposed by China on U.S. pecans this year, and no one knows when it will stop." In addition to worries over Chinese tariffs, agricultural producers fear expanded trade tariffs imposed by the White House on the European Union and other nations could quickly escalate to include more food and farm items and non-farm products as well. And now the White House has been hinting at raising the trade ante with China by adding an additional 10 percent tariff on top of those already in place on China. Analysts say such an action would only escalate the trade war and would invite another retaliatory response from Chinese trade officials. "I think the conversation should be, how do we open up market access in China for more American products. U.S. farmers and other U.S. industries need that access. You can't reduce trade barriers by throwing up tariffs. It just doesn't work," Arn said.

USDA to Help Producers in New Mexico Prepare for Addition of Seed Cotton to Two Key Safety Net Programs

USDA to Help Producers in New Mexico Prepare for Addition of Seed Cotton to Two Key Safety Net Programs Information to Help Farmers and Ranchers Select the Coverage Options that Fit Their Needs Albuquerque, NM, June 29, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is sending acreage history and yield reports to agricultural producers in New Mexico with generic base acres covered by the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Michael White said the information will help producers decide the best options for how to allocate generic base acres, given the addition of seed cotton as a covered commodity in the programs.  The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 amended the 2014 Farm Bill, adding seed cotton as a covered commodity under the ARC and PLC programs. This week, FSA will start sending information on current generic base acres, yields and 2008-2012 planting history. Per the Act, FSA is using the period 2009 through 2012 to compute the conversion of generic base acres to seed cotton base acres. Also, FSA is using 2008 through 2012 to calculate yield updates to seed cotton. The updates are an important part of preparing agricultural producers in New Mexico and other states to make decisions on allocating generic basic acres and updating yields for seed cotton. This summer, producers will have an opportunity to allocate their generic base acres and update their seed cotton yield. All producers electing to participate in either the ARC or PLC program will be required to make a one-time, unanimous and irrevocable election, choosing between price protection and county revenue protection for the 2018 crop year for seed cotton only. Producers who elected ARC with the individual farm option will continue with that option since that election is applicable to all base acre on the farm. The final step to participate requires producers with farms with seed cotton base acres to sign contracts for ARC or PLC for 2018 this summer. The anticipated timeline is: June 29: Producers are mailed letters notifying them of current generic base acres and yields and 2008 to 2012 planting history.  July: An online decision tool for ARC and PLC becomes available. Producers have opportunity to update yields and allocate generic base acres for ARC and PLC. Late July: ARC and PLC one-time elections occur for seed cotton. Late July: ARC and PLC sign-up for 2018 starts for farms with seed cotton base acres.

Mexico Food Service and Food Processing Regulations (food regulations)

June 27, 2018 Dear Permit Holder, On August 24, 2018 the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will have a hearing before the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) to update the New Mexico Food Service and Food Processing Regulations (food regulations). The purpose of the change is to stay up-to¬ date with the most recent national model code, food science, and to address stakeholder feedback received following the update of the food regulations in March 2016. In preparation for the upcoming food regulation change, NMED will be holding five public meeting around the state and will have information and resources relating to the proposed changes available on the Food Program website. The purpose of both is to allow you, as the Permit Holder, to understand the proposed changes and to provide a method to offer feedback to NMED before the proposal is presented before the EIB in August. Below is the schedule of events and dates for your information: Date(s) Acti vity Venue Location Time Language service July 6, 2018 Posting information/resources on Food Program website www.env.nm.gov/foodprogram 12:00pm English July 16, 2018 Public Information Meeting #1 . Las Cruces NM State University 940 College Drive Gerald Thomas Hall, Rm. 104 Las Cruces, NM 88003 Free Parking: Lots 3, 4, & 103 Metered Parking: Lot 64 2:00- 3:30p.m. English; Spanish translation July 17, 2018 Public Information meeting#2 Roswell Pioneer Bank 3000 N Main St. Roswell, NM 88201 2:00- 3:30pm English; Spanish translation July 18, 2018 Public information meeting #3 Santa Fe Harold Runnels Auditorium 1190 S. St. Francis Santa Fe, NM 87505 2:00- 3:30pm English; Spanish translation July 19, 2018 Public Information meeting#4 Albuquerque NMED District 1 Office 121 Tijeras Ave, Suite 1000 2:00- 3:30pm English; Spanish translation Albuquerque, NM 87102 July 23, 2018 Public Information Meeting#5 Farmington Council Chambers 800 Municipal Dr. 2:00- 3:30pm English; Spanish translation Farmington, NM 87401 July 27, 2018 Deadline to submit comments to NMED www.env.nm.gov//foodprogram 5:00pm English/Spanish August 24, 2018 Hearing before the EIB to adopt new regulations State Capitol Room and time TBD. Will be posted on Food TBD English Program website when available. Nov-Dec 2018 Regulations effective date Notification of changes and effective date via Food Program website and Permit Holder letter fromNMED. On/before September 15,2018 English NMED looks forward to continuing our partnership to further promote consistency in regulations and protection of public health for residents and guests in New Mexico. If you have further questions, please contact the Food Program at food.program@state.nm .us or (505) 222-9515. Sincerely, Manager, Food Program New Mexico Environment Department Environmental Health Bureau

NMDA offers tradeshow and cooperative advertising funding assistance

NMDA offers tradeshow and cooperative advertising funding assistance Limited funding available for fiscal year 2018-2019 (Las Cruces, New Mexico) – If you have a New Mexico based agricultural business, don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for funding assistance. Limited funding assistance is available through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for the current fiscal year, which began July 1 and ends June 30, 2019. The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 30, 2018. The following two opportunities are available, and funding is provided on a reimbursement basis only:  Tradeshow assistance  Cooperative advertising assistance For the tradeshow assistance opportunity, there are two options. NMDA provides up to 25 percent of the floor space cost at the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show March 1-3, 2019 in Albuquerque. For all other tradeshows, NMDA provides up to 50 percent of the floor space cost. For the cooperative advertising assistance opportunity, NMDA provides support for advertising costs. The cost-share assistance is based on funding availability. All ads must contain either the New Mexico–Taste the Tradition or New Mexico–Grown the Tradition logo, which may be obtained by applying to the free logo program through the NMDA Marketing and Development Division. While all types of advertisements will be considered, online advertising is encouraged. Projects that exhibit collaboration amongst multiple industry members are also encouraged. “The agriculture industry is such an important part of the New Mexico economy, and we hope businesses out there will take advantage of these unique opportunities to promote their products and services,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. For details or to download the application, visit newmexicotradition.com, click on “program” on the drop-down menu and select “funding assistance.” Applications must be submitted by Nov. 30. Questions? Email tastethetradition@nmda.nmsu.edu or call 575-646-4929. For more information about NMDA, visit www.nmda.nmsu.edu. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @NMDeptAg.