The New York Post reports that Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson nearly quit a few days ago after her rules for strict new air-pollution regulations were rejected by President Obama. Administration sources told the Post – in the face of a weak economy, bad poll numbers and bleak employment figures, Obama made it clear that we just don’t need this fight right now.

EPA expects to miss a September 30^th deadline to issue new regulations for greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA explains on its website that it is a regulatory agency because Congress authorizes it to – write regulations that explain the technical, operational, and legal details necessary to implement laws. Regulations are mandatory requirements that can apply to individuals, businesses, state or local governments, non-profit institutions, or others.

Thursday morning, Jackson testified on Capitol Hill about regulations her agency is considering, has put in place, or enforced over the last few years. It’s the latest in a series of hearings the House Energy and Commerce Committee held on what the committee’s Republican majority call “harmful and onerous” government rules.

 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the Senate’s vote to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed with the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences legislation takes us one step closer to finalizing Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. NCBA’s Manager of Legislative Affairs, Kent Bacus, says – this legislation is one of the many requirements President Obama has demanded before he will send the agreements to Congress.

Bacus said the Senate is likely to consider many amendments to the legislation but he expects the legislation to eventually pass and then go before the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote. As far as predicting a timeline for the FTAs, Bacus said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – holds the cards – regarding how much time will be spent on the GSP bill.

Bacus adds, the Senate still has to approve the continuing resolution before it expires on September 30, in order to avoid a government shutdown. If the Senate doesn’t finish work on GSP this week, the likely timeline to consider the FTAs gets pushed to October when the Senate returns from recess. October 13^th could be a target date. That’s when South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is scheduled to visit the White House for an official state visit.

 

The latest weekly crop report for Missouri shows the corn harvested at 34 percent, one day ahead of last year’s harvest.

According to the USDA, 86 percent of the corn crop has matured, that’s near two weeks ahead of normal, according to the five year average. The statewide average for moisture was 18.3 percent and 20.8 percent in Northwest Missouri.

Soybeans are turning color with four percent of the crop matured.

Find the report here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Barack Obama has proclaimed the week of September 18 through September 24 as National Farm Safety and Health Week. In doing so, the President challenged the agencies, organizations, businesses, and extension services that serve America’s agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to promoting farm safety and health programs. Mr. Obama also urged Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and farm-workers for their remarkable contributions to our Nation.

The President also encouraged farm and ranch families to embrace safe farming practices and to participate in farm safety and health programs. According to Mr. Obama, communities and neighbors can support local farmers by understanding the risks involved with farm work and the role everyone can play in preventing and responding to accidents.

In his proclamation, the President noted, farmers represent the best of the American dream — passing on proud traditions of hard work and commitment to their children. This week, we celebrate farmers’ contributions to the fabric of our Nation as they cultivate the products that sustain us, serve as stewards of our environment, and stand as the backbone of communities across our country.

Corn harvest in Missouri is getting underway and already 21 percent of the crop in Missouri has been harvested.

Producers are heading to the fields across the state to a 58 percent fair to excellent crop.  The moisture level of the crop in the last week was rated at 19.7 percent, according to the USDA.

Corn dented at the end of last week was 97 percent, one week ahead of last year and near two weeks ahead of normal compared with the five year average.

Corn condition was 20 percent very poor, 22 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 26 percent good, and six percent excellent in the latest weekly crop conditions report.

 

 

Monday’s crop reports released by the USDA showed a decline from the prior months predictions, but still the third largest corn crop in history.

 

The report issued forecast of 12.5 billion bushels is down three percent from last month’s forecast released by the USDA>

 

The national average of corn yields is expected to be around 148 bushels per acre, down 4.9 bushels from last month.

 

In Missouri, the bushels per acre estimate is pegged at 120, Kansas 105, Iowa 167 and Nebraska 160. Those estimates are down three to 10 bushels per acre compared with last month’s report. Kansas is the only state out of the four that has an estimated lower total in bushels harvested compared with last years numbers.

 

Soybean production is forecast at 3.09 billion bushels, up 1 percent from August but down 7 percent from last year.

 

Estimated bushels per acre for Missouri is pegged at 39, Kansas, 27, Iowa 51 and Nebraska 55. The total estimate of harvested bushels is lower in all four states compared with last year.