The new Ag Chairman

WASHINGTON, DC -- The midterm elections yesterday resulted in the GOP gaining control of the U.S. Senate, increasing the party's majority in the House, while also increasing the number of Republican governors and control of state legislatures.

At press time, Republicans hold 52 Senate seats, a gain of seven seats.  The outcome of the Louisiana race will be determined in a December runoff.  GOP contender Dan Sullivan leads in Alaska, while Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia holds onto a slim lead in his race. 

In the House, the GOP has expanded its majority by 14 seats so far, with 19 contests undecided.

The final size of the Republican majority in both chambers is important because Congressional tradition calls for committee assignment ratios to mirror the overall make-up of the House and Senate.

Significant changes are coming to the Senate Agriculture Committee where there are at least four vacancies (Senators Harkin (D-IA), Chambliss (R-GA), Johanns (R-NE), and Walsh (D-MT)).  Also, Senator Cochran (R-MS) is expected to reclaim Chairmanship of the powerful Appropriations Committee, leaving Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) next in seniority to claim the Senate Ag Committee Chairmanship. 

There are also at least five slots to fill on the House Agriculture Committee, including seats vacated by Representatives McIntyre (D-NC), McLeod (D-CA), Gallego (D-TX), and Enyart (D-IL), and Representative Costa (D-CA) who has apparently lost his reelection bid.   

Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX) is expected to ascend to the chairmanship of the House Agriculture Committee, while Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN) will retain his position as Ranking Member.

On the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, there are three vacancies including the seats of current Chairman Senator Pryor (D-AR) and Senators Harkin (D-IA) and Johnson (D-SD).  Senator Tester (D-MT) will become Ranking Member, and Senator Blunt (R-MO) is in line to take the Chairmanship.

On the House Ag Appropriations Subcommittee, Representative Aderholt (R-AL) may retain his post as Chairman, but has indicated he may opt for another subcommittee.  Representative Nunnelee (R-MS) is next in seniority.  Representative Farr (D-CA) is expected to keep his post as Ranking Member.

Three rice states elected governors yesterday. In Arkansas, former Representative Asa Hutchinson (R) defeated fellow former Congressman Mike Ross (D).  Voters re-elected California Governor Jerry Brown (D), while in Texas, State Attorney General Greg Abbott (R) defeated Wendy Davis (D).

USA Rice will continue to monitor late election results and leadership shifts that will impact the rice industry.  Watch USA Rice Daily for continued analysis.

Contact:  Ben Mosely (703) 236-1471

ARLINGTON, VA -- The USA Rice PAC contributed to 83 races during the 2014 midterm election cycle.  Ninety-four percent of USA Rice-backed candidates won their races, five percent lost, and two races are undecided as of press time.

Specifically, in Senate races, five of seven USA Rice-supported candidates were victorious, one was defeated, and one moves to a December run-off election.  In House races, 73 of 77 USA Rice-supported candidates won, three were defeated, and one is too close to call.

Contact:  Lydia Holmes (703) 236-1440

A batting average to envy

ARLINGTON, VA -- There is often wrangling before Committee leaders are finalized in January, but today, the day after election day 2014, here's what insiders say key Committees will look like next year.

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) has recently allocated fiscal year 2015 funds.  The GSM-102 provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural commodities, including rice.

By reducing financial risk to lenders, credit guarantees encourage exports to importers in countries -- mainly developing countries -- that have sufficient financial strength to have foreign exchange available for scheduled payments. 

In FY14, nearly $170 million in credit guarantees for rice were registered in the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, South America and Turkey.

Contact:  Sarah Moran (703) 236-1457

Around Washington

Republicans Take the Senate, Roberts Headed to Senate Ag Committee Agri-Pulse

Roberts (R-KS), who previously chaired the House Committee on Agriculture from 1995-1997, said he would be the next chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and "we will put farmers and ranchers first."

USDA published an interim final rule containing the statutory changes to CSP in the Federal Register today. USDA is seeking public comment on the rule through Jan. 5, 2015. The public comments will be used to finalize the interim final rule.

Around the Country

Agriculture Workforce Demands Young Job Candidates, STEM Education Farm Futures

From January to August 2014, the food and agriculture industries hired nearly 34,000 people per month. Additionally, a quarter of current food and agriculture professionals are age 55 or older, meaning workforce attrition will create additional opportunities for young professionals to advance in their careers.

Crop Insurance Takes Larger Role in Drought Aid AgAlert

California crop insurance policies cover 6.7 million acres and more than $7.6 billion of liability for 55 different crops. Specific to drought, so far this year more than $88 million has been paid to growers who were prevented from planting a crop due to drought.

Around the World

More Than 40 Percent of China's Arable Land Degraded: Xinhua Reuters

The rich black soil in northern Heilongjiang province, which forms part of China's bread basket, is thinning, while farmland in China's south is suffering from acidification, according to the official news agency report.

Health and Nutrition

MyPlate Tip of the Day USDA

Rice pudding is a favorite dessert. Make it with low-fat milk and top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or sliced fruit.