NSP Announces 2022 Sorghum Yield Contest Winners
National Sorghum Producers announced yesterday the winners of the 2022 Sorghum Yield Contest, including Bin Buster winner Winsome Farms, Brant & Amy Peterson from Stanton County, Kansas, with the top yield in the contest at 245.8 bushels per acre. Top yields are highlighted in three different categories ranging from the eastern to western U.S. regions, plus an overall food grade winner. The national winners will be recognized further in March 2023 during Commodity Classic in Orlando. To see acomplete list of the NSP Sorghum Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest. Read DTN/The Progressive Farmer's story on this year's Bin Buster winner here.
Policy, Regulatory and Issue Updates
NSP Leadership Visits Capitol Hill This Week
National Sorghum Producers Chairman Craig Meeker, Vice Chair Amy France, Past Chairman Kody Carson and CEO Tim Lust made visits to legislators on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this week. Discussion centered around the need for disaster assistance for the 2022 growing season and questions and concerns related to Phase 2 of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for 2020 and 2021. They also discussed the potential role disaster assistance may play in the next farm bill.
Rep. G.T. Thompson Tapped as New House Agriculture Committee Chairman, Provides Glimpse of Priorities
Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) was officially tapped this week by the Republican Steering Committee to be the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Thompson has served as Ranking Republican Member on the Committee for the past two years but will take the helm on January 3 when the 118th Congress commences.
In a statement, Rep. Thompson said, “The political landscape may be fractured, but as Chairman, I will prioritize the needs of our producers and rural communities – the backbone of this country.” The current Chairman of the Committee, Representative David Scott (D-GA), released a statement Thursday congratulating Rep. Thompson, stating he is “encouraged by the bipartisan work [he and Thompson] have accomplished together” and expressed his hope for a continuation of the “collegial spirit” shared by the two Committee leaders. Rep. Thompson said he plans to “put the foot on the pedal” in the crafting and enactment of the 2023 Farm Bill, stating the Committee will be operating at an accelerated clip, beginning with a listening session on January 7 in his home state of Pennsylvania. Read more here.
E15 Petition Heads to White House Office of Management and Budget for Review
A formal request from Midwest governors to sell E15 year-round in their home states is before the White House Office of Management and Budget. This latest action comes as 24 House members introduced a bill to mirror Senate legislation to make E15 available year-round on a national basis. Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022 on Wednesday. The legislation is a companion to the Senate measure introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shared the governors’ petition with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget for interagency review on Monday. Read more here.
EPA Releases Renewable Fuel Standards Through 2025
On December 1, EPA released its anticipated rule on proposed renewable fuel volumes. EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on January 10, 2023, and the public comment will be open through February 10, 2023. As noted last week, the response to EPA’s action on this front has been favorable.
Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Farm Bill Hearing on Research
On Tuesday, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a Farm Bill hearing on the research title. The hearing featured testimony from REE Undersecretary Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young who called for enhanced investments into innovation that will support American farmers and ranchers. Read more here.
Sorghum Checkoff Releases Weekly <br>Sorghum Basis Snapshot
The Sorghum Checkoff, with Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, released its weekly sorghum basis snapshot, available at SorghumCheckoff.com.
Market News
To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click here.
About Sorghum Notes
Sorghum Notes is a publication of the National Sorghum Producers. NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry from coast to coast through education and legislative and regulatory representation. Learn more at www.SorghumGrowers.com.