Did you miss some news this week? Read on – we’ve made it easy to catch up! Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.

Brazil election affects U.S. farmers

On Tuesday, outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro agreed to transition power to election runoff winner Luiz Inàcio Lula da Silva. The Brazilian real has weakened 3% since markets opened on Monday following Lula’s runoff election win. A weaker real is bearish for U.S. soybean export prospects. The cheap real (and stronger dollar) makes U.S. soybean prices less competitive against Brazilian soybeans on the international market. – Farm Futures

Vomitoxin detected in Ohio corn

Early signs of vomitoxin are emerging in Ohio, according to a weekly report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grain buyers in eastern Indiana are also starting to more rigorously test corn deliveries for vomitoxin, according to farmers and elevator sources. Feed made from grain contaminated with concentrated levels of the plant toxin can sicken livestock and lead to low weight gain. – Reuters

U.S. leaders headed to COP27

At least 16 high-level Biden administration officials will represent the U.S. at the UN climate conference beginning in Egypt on Sunday in a bid to emphasize the nation’s commitment to combat global warming. Four cabinet-level officials will attend the two-week conference to highlight U.S. emissions-cutting policy and federal investments in clean energy and conservation. – Bloomberg

USDA invests in meat processing

On Wednesday, USDA announced an investment of $73 million in 21 grant projects through the first round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. In addition, the Biden Administration is investing $75 million for eight projects through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program, and more than $75 million for four meat and poultry-related projects through the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan program. – Farm Progress

John Deere launches new tillage tech

For the fall tillage season in 2023 farmers will have a new line of tools to work with – the ST Series. John Deere announced its return to strip-till with five models in its new series. Two are 3-point hitch integral machines – the ST 12 with 12 rows on 30-inches, and the ST 16 with 16 rows on 30 inches. Learn more about the advancements featured in the series. – Farm Futures

Too early for Christmas?

A survey commissioned by the Real Christmas Tree Board found that 81% of consumers agreed that farmed trees “smell like Christmas,” and joy is the emotion most associated with the scent. However, in recent decades, tree farms have faced increasing competition from artificial trees. Here are some thoughts to consider as you debate real vs. artificial this holiday season. – Western Farmer-Stockman

National FFA Convention highlights

More than 69,500 FFA members and supporters celebrated agriculture last week during the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The event concluded with the election of the 2022-23 National FFA Officer team. Students from Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia will serve as 2022-23 National FFA Officers.