New trade promotion funding: In response to congressional concerns about a downturn in food and ag exports, the USDA will use $1.3 billion from a reserve fund for export promotion programs, said Arkansas Sen. John Boozman. (FERN’s Ag Insider)
USDA releases disaster aid: Producers will receive $1.17 billion in payments under the Emergency Relief Program for crop losses in 2020 and 2021 and $581 million through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for losses from drought and wildfires in 2021 and 2022. (USDA)
Turkey production up: U.S. growers are forecast to raise 219 million turkeys this year, a 4 percent increase from 2022, when the poultry industry was hit hard by outbreaks of bird flu. (USDA)
Lucas returns to House: Oklahoma Rep. Frank Lucas, the second-ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, resumed work in Washington after recovering from an attack by a bull on his ranch. (Tulsa World)