Perdue builds a sub-cabinet (FERN’s Ag Insider): With Senate confirmation of Stephen Vaden as USDA general counsel on Tuesday, the White House has filled eight of 13 key executive posts for Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue; three nominees—Mindy Brashears, nominated for agriculture undersecretary for food safety; Scott Hutchins, nominated for undersecretary for research, and Naomi Earp, nominated for assistant secretary for civil rights – face a confirmation hearing today.
U.S. still pushing Canada on supply management (Reuters): As the U.S. and Canada prepare to sign a trade agreement on the sidelines of the G20 meeting this week, dairy policy remains a sticking point.
The cost of dairy exports (Civil Eats): The domestic dairy industry is growing its exports to account for overproduction, but export-focused mega-dairies bring manure and other pollutants to rural communities.
Owners say it’s time to sell land (Successful Farming): Land manager Farmers National says its listing of farm and ranch land for sale is up 21 percent compared to a year ago because owners believe land values are more likely to decline than rise in the future.
Do new rules obviate dicamba lawsuit? (DTN/Progressive Farmer): EPA’s updated rules on use of dicamba make moot a lawsuit that challenges the agency’s approval of the weedkiller in 2016, says Monsanto, which asked a U.S. appeals court to dismiss the case.
EPA won’t re-allocate RFS obligations (Reuters): Rebuffing corn growers and ethanol makers, the EPA will not require other oil refiners to make up for its waivers that exempt small refineries from having to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard, which guarantees corn ethanol a share of the gasoline market, said an agency official.