Farmworkers in reconciliation bill: California Sen. Alex Padilla said that he expected a budget reconciliation bill this summer, to implement the more controversial portions of President Biden’s infrastructure plan, will include legal status and a path to citizenship for undocumented farmworkers. “I believe the White House is supportive,” he told reporters. (FERN’s Ag Insider)
Ban factory farms: Companion bills that would ban new factory farms, phase out the largest of the industrial farms by 2040, and mandate country-of-origin labels on beef, pork, and dairy products were filed by Agriculture Committee members Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Rep. Ro Khanna of California. (Patch)
Crop insurance indemnities: In response to persistent drought in parts of the nation, the USDA authorized emergency procedures to expedite crop insurance claim processing and payments. (Risk Management Agency)
Culver to Farmer Mac: President Biden nominated former Iowa Gov. Chet Culver to serve on the board of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. He served on the same board during the Obama era. (White House)
Vargas to challenge Bacon: Second-term Nebraska state Sen. Tony Vargas announced he will run for the Democratic nomination to oppose House Agriculture Committee member Don Bacon, a three-term Republican, in an Omaha district. (Associated Press)
Wheat crop in peril: Drought in the West, northern Plains, and upper Midwest will reduce yields per acre and protein content for this year’s organic wheat crop, putting pressure on the already rising price of food-grade organic wheat, said Mercaris. (FERN’s Ag Insider)