MFP skewed grain marketing: The $23 billion in trade-war payments, issued through the Market Facilitation Program, gave farmers a cash cushion that allowed some to look for better corn, wheat, sorghum, and soybean prices rather than sell immediately after harvest. (farmdoc daily)
Michigan funds free school meals for all: The Michigan state budget includes $160 million so public schools can serve breakfast and lunch for free to all students for the coming year. (Holland Sentinel)
USDA gets a ‘C’: Farm Action and the Open Markets Institute said the USDA “must act urgently” to implement President Biden’s executive order for federal agencies to encourage more competition in the U.S. economy, giving the department a “C” for its work so far. (Open Markets)
Lawsuit attacks CAFO permits: A lawsuit filed on behalf of the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance says the state exceeds the authority of the U.S. Clean Water Act by requiring large dairy farms to obtain permits aimed at keeping manure out of waterways. (Wisconsin Public Radio)
Corn, soy ratings improve: Some 57 percent of the soybean crop is rated as good-to-excellent, up 4 points in the past week, and 57 percent of corn is rated good/excellent, a 2-point improvement. (USDA)