Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

A Sweet Deal? U.S. Considers $80 Million Sugar Bailout

Senate Bill Amendment Targets USDA Sugar Purchases

By , Farms.com

An amendment to the Senate bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase sugar to keep prices high enough so that agricultural sugar producers don’t default on government loans.

Prices have fallen 18 per cent over the last couple of months after a bumper crop of sugar beets and cane. The government loans are worth $862 million.

Prior to the amendment, the USDA was considering buying 400,000 tons of sugar that would then be sold to U.S. ethanol plants, at an estimated cost of $80 million.

The amendment calls for cutting funding of surplus sugar purchases by the federal government.

The amendment was submitted by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D., N.H.), and was co-sponsored by Sens. John McCain (R., Ariz.), Pat Toomey (R., Pa.), Mark Kirk (R. Ill.) and Kelly Ayotte (R., N.H.).

The amendment may be put to a vote and attached to the Democratic budget.


Trending Video

Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

Video: Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. David Rosero from Iowa State University explores the critical aspects of fat quality and oxidation in swine diets. He discusses how different types of lipids affect pig performance and provides actionable insights on managing lipid oxidation in feed mills. Don’t miss this episode—available on all major platforms.

Highlight quote: "Increasing levels of oxidized fats in swine diets reduced the efficiency of feed utilization, increased mortality, and led to more pigs being classified as culls, reducing the number of full-value pigs entering the finishing barns."

Meet the guest: Dr. David Rosero / davidrosero is an assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University. His research program focuses on conducting applied research on swine nutrition and the practical application of smart farming. He previously served as the technical officer for The Hanor Company, overseeing nutrition, research, and innovation efforts.