Diesel supply is dwindling rapidly
The U.S. has less than one month’s supply of diesel in the stockpile. These are the lowest levels since the 2008 recession.
Retail prices are averaging more than $5.30 per gallon, which is up 50 percent from this time last year.
To read the full story, click HERE.
Farmers urged Congress to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act
As discussions continue surrounding the use of H-2A workers in agriculture, some producers are calling the Farm Workforce Modernization Act the best chance for agriculture to receive the help it needs.
According to one third-generation farmer, the need for farm labor reform is real and says a lack of available labor through the H-2A guest worker programs means higher prices for consumers.
To read the full story, click HERE.
California’s Prop 12 could be the reason behind a lower U.S. hog supply
There is a steeper-than-expected drop in the U.S. supply of hogs and pigs, according to recent data. California’s Prop 12 could be the reason why.
The USDA’s recent Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook shows September saw the 9th consecutive quarterly decline in breeding numbers. Two years ago in September 2020, inventory stood at 6.33 million animals. Since then, the number dropped by 180,000 head.
To read the full story, click HERE.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is hopeful a rail strike could be averted soon
After rail workers rejected an agreement brokered by the White House, Vilsack says six other unions have voted in favor and he is confident an agreement will be reached.
The Association of American Railroads estimates a strike would cost the U.S. economy $2 billion per day.
To read the full story, click HERE.
Power outages affected Ukrainian agriculture
The war in Ukraine is causing a power crisis across Europe, and it has destroyed the Ukrainian power grid.
The Ministry of Energy says 30 percent of Ukraine’s power plants were destroyed as a result of these attacks, and the Russian army attacked at least half of the country’s thermal power sources.
Fertilizer producers rank as big consumers of electricity in the agriculture industry. The destruction of power substations led to an emergency shutdown of key mineral fertilizer production shops, including ammonia, nitric acid, limestone ammonium nitrate, and ammonia nitrate units. Consequently, there may be disruptions in fertilizer supplies.
To read the full story, click HERE.
