Get updates on the Canadian Pacific Railway strike, Sunlight Protection Act, rising egg prices, and increasing fuel efficiency on the farm.

Rachel Schutte, Content Producer

March 18, 2022

3 Min Read
Collage with corn harvest, capitol building and angus beef cattle

Another busy week is in the books. Did you miss some agricultural news? We’ve got you covered. Here are seven stories to catch you up.

Canadian Pacific Railway gives notice for lockout, strike

Canadian Pacific Railway said it would lock out employees on March 20 if the union fails to negotiate a new contract or agree to binding arbitration. This comes after ongoing discussions surrounding wage, benefits and pension. A lockout or possible strike action at Canadian Pacific would strand large volumes of commodity shipments, including fertilizer imports and feed exports. – The Wall Street Journal

Sunlight Protection Act

The Senate passed the Sunlight Protection Act earlier this week, which means Daylight Savings Time might be here to stay – no more changing clocks twice a year! Experts say this could have an important effect on the new wave of farmers. Many farmers hold off-farm employment, and this change will give them more time to complete chores when they get home from work for the day. – KTXS 12

EPA further restricts dicamba

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved label amendments that further restrict the use of over-the-top dicamba in Minnesota and Iowa. The revised labeling prohibits over-the-top dicamba application above 85 degrees and later than certain dates based on location. This comes after 711 dicamba-related incidents were reported in Minnesota and 528 incidents were reported in Iowa for the 2021 growing season. – EPA

Improve your fuel efficiency

Fuel prices are skyrocketing, so fuel efficiency in everything you drive on the farm — including tractors — is of great concern when it comes to your bottom line. In addition to having equipment in good repair, Roger Hoy recommends matching the tractor to the job, shifting up and reducing throttle, and choosing a new tractor with operations in mind. – Nebraska Farmer

Prepping for 2023 Farm Bill

 During the Farm and Gin Show, leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities of the next U.S. farm bill. A potential 200 members of the House and 24 senators next year will not have voted on a farm bill before. Also, groups testified this week on the need to increase EQIP and NRCS technical assistance to allow for more ag involvement in climate efforts. – Farm Progress

Should Russian fertilizers be sanctioned?

The world’s agricultural superpowers are divided over whether Russian fertilizers should be sanctioned as surging prices threaten to further stoke food inflation. Brazil argues for keeping crop nutrients sanction free in the name of food security, but the U.S. leans toward upping the ante against Russia. – Bloomberg

U.S. egg prices rise

Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to spread across the country, forcing farmers to cull flocks. Egg-laying chicken numbers were already on the decline, and bird flu is further tightening the supply. Now, we see the impact at the store with increasing egg prices at a time of rampant food inflation. Wholesale eggs jumped 10 cents to $1.60 a dozen Wednesday, which is the biggest single-day gain since the onset of Covid-19. – Bloomberg

And your bonus…

Celebrate National Ag Day March 22

Why do you love being involved in agriculture? National Ag Day recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by agriculture. We at Farm Progress appreciate your involvement in agriculture each and every day. We look forward to celebrating National Ag Day on Tuesday! Stay tuned for what we have planned.

About the Author(s)

Rachel Schutte

Content Producer, Farm Futures

Rachel grew up in central Wisconsin and earned a B.S. in soil and crop science from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. Before joining the Farm Futures team, Rachel spent time in the field as an agronomist before transitioning to the world of marketing and communications. She now resides in northeast Iowa where she enjoys raising bottle calves and farming corn and soybeans alongside her husband and his family.

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