Today’s quick hits, Oct. 13, 2021

USDA state directors: President Biden announced the appointment of a dozen state directors of the USDA’s rural development and farm service agencies. The first batch of appointees included former Rep. Bobby Etheridge of North Carolina. (White House)

Most feel climate change: At least 85 percent of the world’s population is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, such as floods, crop failures, and heat waves, said research published in the journal Nature Climate Change. (Washington Post)

Machinery costs rise: The cost of operating or buying farm equipment is substantially higher than it was two years ago, due mostly to increases in the list price of tractors, combines, and other equipment. (Farmdoc Daily)

‘Do fewer things’: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told fellow Democrats that the emerging consensus in scaling back the $3.5 trillion “build back better” bill is “to do fewer things well” to help families and address climate change. (Pelosi)