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Deal Is Close to Extend the Current Farm Bill One Year
The farm bill leaders expressed solidarity following the release of a House Republican proposal to fund USDA operations through Jan. 19 and to extend the lifespan of the 2018 farm law by one year. MORE
Source: Constitution Partners
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It's Time to Dispel Myths Around Processed Foods
Concerns about the term "ultra-processed" are often fueled by misinformation regarding the basic science behind the food safety process while failing to respect "our intelligence as consumers," writes David Chavern, president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association. "Nearly a quarter of the adult population in the U.S. is considered food insecure, and nutrient-dense food options that are affordable, shelf-stable and easily prepared -- regardless of kitchen access -- are made possible by food processing," writes Chavern. MORE
Source: CBA
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U.S. Economy And Inflation to Slow In 2024; Crop Prices to Dip Again
Farm-gate prices for the three major field crops—corn, soybeans, and wheat—would fall for the second year but remain above pre-pandemic levels while market prices for cattle and hogs go up. Interest rates and inflation will slow in 2024, along with the U.S. economy overall, projected the Agriculture Department on Tuesday in an outline of farm sector conditions in the new year. Farm-gate prices for the three major field crops—corn, soybeans, and wheat—would fall for the second year but remain above pre-pandemic levels while market prices for cattle and hogs go up. Americans would consume an average of 224 pounds of meat in 2024, down by 1.8 pounds this year, chiefly due to the smaller and higher-priced beef supply. Beef cow numbers have fallen for five years in a row, so there are fewer steers and heifers available for slaughter. A recovery in cattle numbers and the beef supply is expected in 2025. MORE
Source: MBS
U.S. Economy added 150,000 jobs in October as hiring slows
Job growth slowed more than expected in October and the unemployment rate climbed to 3.9%, marking the end of large monthly gains, the government reported on Friday. MORE
Source: MN Chamber
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Bearish Outlook for U.S. Ag Exports to China
A geopolitical expert predicts Chinese demand for U.S. ag exports will fade in the next decade. Jacob Shapiro is the director of geopolitical analysis for investment firm Cognitive Investments and the kick-off speaker for the Minnesota AgriGrowth Ag and Food Summit Thursday in Minneapolis. Among the issues covered, he said China has taken steps to improve relations with the U.S. “I think it’s because their biggest problem, it’s not Taiwan, it’s their economy. And their economy is facing some major struggles right now.” MORE
Source: Fluence Media
Scoop: Inside Biden's Delay on Indo-Pacific Trade Deal
The White House sent an urgent message last week to trade negotiators in San Francisco who were racing to reach an agreement on part of President Biden's trade plan with 13 Pacific Rim nations. The new order has thrown into question the president's commitment to a key section of his signature trade effort, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), according to three people familiar with the issue. Biden unveiled the IPEF as a new approach to trade — not a traditional deal to lower tariffs and boost market access for all countries, but a deal to use common standards on everything from clean energy to digital transactions. The goal is to counter China's influence in the region. MORE
Source: Constitution Partners
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The Battle Over Land Use
Between 2001 and 2016, Minnesota lost about 180,000 acres of ag land, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Between now and 2040, the state is on track to lose about another 300,000. While losing farmland is a concern for the state, solar energy projects only make up a “very small percentage” of the actual loss of prime farmland, said Michael Zastoupil, agricultural and food systems planner, and that residential development is the main driving cause. MORE
Source: Fluence Media
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New Report from NERC Stresses the Need to Improve the Reliability of North America’s Power Grid.
The report assessed the amount of generation that will be available this winter compared to the projected demand for electricity and highlighted concerns about the risk of outages due to insufficient generation. “This report is a serious reminder that decisions we make today will impact our power reliability tomorrow,” Darrick Moe, CEO of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association said. “According to the report, a large portion of the continent, including Minnesota, is at risk in the winter months if the weather is severe. In a state like Minnesota, having reliable power during dangerously cold winter weather can mean life or death.” MORE
Source: Fluence Media
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IRS Announces 2024 Income-Tax Brackets: Here's What They Mean for Your Tax Bill
The IRS increased the ranges on income-tax brackets by approximately 5.4% for 2024 returns. After scorching-hot inflation pushed income-tax brackets and a widely used tax deduction to their largest single-year increase in decades for the 2023 tax year, another round of sizable adjustments is coming next year. The 2024 increases, however, won't be as large as last year's for tax brackets and the standard deduction. MORE
Source: MBS
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FDA Puts Pressure on Importers of Cantaloupe, Canned Food, And Dates
The Food and Drug Administration is continuing its use of import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed. Recent modifications to FDA’s import alerts, as posted by the agency, are listed below. MORE
Source: Constitution Partners
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In Minnesota, Biden Touts Rural Renewal, American Resilience
President Joe Biden used a Northfield-area farm on Wednesday as a backdrop to spotlight his administration’s efforts to bolster the nation’s rural economy and highlight recent data showing the overall economy’s significant growth. MORE
Source: Fluence Media
Plant-based Packaging Options for Cold and Frozen Foods
Research shows over 70% of consumers say they consciously think about packaging made from plant-based materials when they are shopping. MORE
Source: CLFP
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3 Ways Del Monte Tackles Food Waste
Del Monte Foods is acting on its Growers of Good mission via certification for some of its brands from the Upcycled Food Association, donating potentially discarded food to Feeding America and deploying a task force to find ways to shrink the company's food waste stream, said CEO Greg Longstreet. MORE
Source: CBA
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How General Mills Boosts Sales on Instacart
General Mills' retail media partnership with Instacart gives its brands more opportunities to tell their story, present product solutions and drive sales via new formats such as shoppable display ads, said Baza Futrell, senior customer manager at General Mills. MORE
Source: CBA
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Using AI to Support Frontline Manufacturing Workers
The U.S. is resurgence of domestic manufacturing amid supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and the global pandemic. Reshoring initiatives aim to reduce dependence on foreign production, but their success depends on a skilled manufacturing workforce. MORE
Source: CLFP
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Upcoming Meetings & Events | |
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View 2023 MWFPA Sponsorship Opportunities - HERE
November 28 - 30 - 2023 MWFPA Convention & Expo
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
- Booth/Exhibitor Registration is ongoing - see the show site below to view confirmed exhibitors!
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General Attendee Registration is live!
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Visit the MWFPA Convention Website
Sign up for an OSHA 10-Hour Class Held at the Kalahari Later in Nov
November 28 - 2023 Processing Crops Conference - Reserve Your Seat (Free)!
November 28 - Allergens Seminar at the Kalahari - Register!
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