BLM nominee: President Biden nominated Tracy Stone-Manning, a conservation adviser at the National Wildlife Federation and onetime chief of staff to former Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, to head the Bureau of Land Management, the landlord for one of every 10 acres in the country. (White House)
Senators praise Bronaugh: The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee praised the qualifications of Jewel Bronaugh for deputy agriculture secretary during a confirmation hearing, indicating she will win committee backing for the post. (Roll Call)
Taking a worldwide toll: Climate change could reduce global economic output 11 to 14 percent by 2050 by spreading disease, reducing agricultural production, and flooding coastal cities, said insurance giant Swiss Re. (New York Times)
U.S. drought spreads: Some 47.3 percent of the continental United States is in drought, an increase of 1.8 percentage points in a week, with arid areas expanding in northeastern Illinois, northern Ohio, and much of Michigan. (Drought Monitor)
Farm to School bill: Four senators introduced legislation to increase funding and expand the scope of the Farm to School program, which helps schools procure local foods for school meals and supports projects such as school gardens. (Farm to School Network)