April 11, 2024

NASS to Discontinue July Cattle Report & Others

On Tuesday, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced they would be discontinuing several of their regular surveys. This includes the July Cattle Report, the Cotton Objective Yield Survey, and all County Estimates for Crops & Livestock. CAFB joined a call with NASS staff yesterday, where they cited budget cuts as the primary culprit behind axing these reports. Several of these resources have proven to be extremely useful for producers over the years and it is concerning to see these on the chopping block so quickly. We are discussing options with other state farm bureaus at this time to see what the industry can do to encourage NASS to reverse their decision.

EPA Finalizes PFAS Drinking Water Rule

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a drinking water standard intended to help protect communities from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals” have been linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 99% of Americans have trace PFAS in their bloodstreams. What is less understood though is the levels at which PFAS becomes a threat to human health. In any case, the EPA has moved forward with establishing levels they have deemed safe for public water systems.

In the rule, regulated systems will have three years to complete an initial monitoring and then two years to install treatment technology to help reduce any PFAS levels that are detected above their mandated levels. Regular monitoring is required after that, although the EPA has granted some less-burdensome requirements for small and rural systems (which they define as those servicing 10,000 or fewer people). Below, you can find a fact sheet with more information as it relates to such communities. PFAS has been a noted area of interest for this administration, and a separate rule is expected later this month to protect against companies introducing PFAS into the environment. 

Congress Targets May Introduction for the Farm Bill

With Congress back from its two-week recess—and the funding debates done for now—legislators are gearing up for several legislative fights expected to extend into the summer. Key amongst those is the Farm Bill, which received a one-year extension last fall. Republican Ag Committee Chairman “GT” Thompson noted earlier this week that he expects to introduce the legislation next month, with hopes to get the markup done by Memorial Day. Senate Republicans unveiled a bill yesterday that would grow reference prices for many commodities covered by crop insurance.

The Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act would increase premium support and enhance the Supplement Coverage Option (SCO). Crop insurance improvements have been one of the biggest targets for public and private entities throughout the development of the Farm Bill, and this legislation gives a clearer look at what those changes might look like. CAFB has and will continue to encourage legislators to look at expanding options for many commodities not currently covered though, which would boost Western state agriculture. Expect weekly updates going forward as the Farm Bill begins to take shape.

Matthew Viohl

Federal Policy, Director

Erin Huston

Federal Policy, Consultant

Isabella Quinonez

Public Policy Coordinator