Today’s quick hits, Jan 3, 2024

Missouri makes it 31: State officials say Missouri tentatively decided to join the Summer EBT program; it would be the 31st state to offer Summer EBT while five states — Alaska, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota — have declined. (Missouri Independent)

Nitrate in Kansas wells: Half of the private wells tested in south-central Kansas have nitrate levels higher than allowed in public water systems, and a lot of the others “were pretty darn close,” says a Kansas State University geology professor. (Kansas News Service)

Biden trade agenda stalls: Election-year jitters among Democratic lawmakers have helped to stall President Biden’s “worker-centered” trade policy with the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum— launched without a commitment to new trade deals — as an example. (Politico)

GOP appeals to farmers: Ahead of Iowa’s precinct caucuses, Republican presidential hopefuls are mostly on board with ethanol, a Farm Belt favorite, and ready to get tough with China, although China is the top customer for U.S. ag exports. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)

Cal-Maine buys Tyson facility: Egg producer Cal-Maine said it would buy a broiler processing plant, hatchery, and feed mill that Tyson Foods is closing in Dexter, Missouri, and convert it to egg production. (Meat and Poultry)