The U.S. Department of Justice Tuesday approved Bayer Ag’s acquisition of Monsanto, with conditions. The Justice Department says Bayer must sell approximately $9 billion in businesses and assets to BASF. The Department says the proposed divestiture to BASF, which it calls an experienced chemical company with a substantial crop protection business, will fully resolve all horizontal and vertical competition concerns. …
NAFTA Talks Continue, Time Running Short
Negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) continue this week in Washington, as all sides are trying to wrap up the talks quickly. Canada’s foreign minister Chrystia Freeland is in Washington this week, meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and others, according to Bloomberg News. However, absent from the table is Mexico’s Economy Minister, who is attending …
U.S. to Continue With Trade Action Against China
Despite a potential agreement on trade issues between the U.S. and China, the Trump administration will continue to pursue action against China. By mid-June, The U.S. is expected to release a list of $50 billion worth of Chinese goods that will be subject to a new 25 percent tariff, according to Reuters. The United States will also continue to pursue …
Beef Supply Facing Mounting Market Pressures
A recent report from Rabobank shows dryness in the south is pointing towards tightening of beef supplies. The Rabobank Beef Quarterly report shows beef cow slaughter numbers are up ten percent through mid-April from a year ago, driven by ongoing dry pasture conditions, and the likelihood of forced herd liquidation during the coming grazing season, as reported by meat industry …
USDA Will Not Recognize Third-Party Inspections Regarding Animal Welfare
The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, will not establish new criteria for recognizing third-party inspection and certification programs when determining the Agency’s own inspection frequency under the Animal Welfare Act. In December of last year, APHIS announced a series of public listening sessions as for leadership to gather information about the concept of third-party …
Reminder: MPP Enrollment Deadline Looming
Dairy farmers have until Friday to enroll in the retooled dairy Margin Protection Program. The Department of Agriculture set a June first deadline for enrollment in the program that was revised by Congress earlier this year. USDA says many producers will see payments in early June, depending on the coverage they elect. The program protects dairy producers by paying them …
Agri View: Tree Crop and Row Crop Differences
Everett Griner talks about tree crop issues in today’s Agri View. Everett explains to us some of the differences between growing tree crops and growing row crops. Tree Crop and Row Crop Differences You know a farmer can wait on the weather to plan most of his row crops. If it is to wet, wait for a dry run. If …
Dairy Groups Ask for Original Oversight
U.S. dairy producers and manufacturers offered to collaborate with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue fostering dairy food safety and job growth, as the agency develops procedures for regulating imported foods, including shellfish and dairy. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) asked for further engagement with FDA on ways to …
Wet Conditions but Higher Prices
Subtropical Storm Alberto has left wet conditions across many areas being planted in the Southeast, and that is causing delays. But according to Tyron Spearman, there is some good news when it comes to prices. Wet Conditions But Higher Prices Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded …
Ag Commissioner Candidates Take Aim at NAFTA
Florida’s next agriculture commissioner likely will back White House efforts to change the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as a way to help the state’s farmers. Worried about the impact on Florida farmers, state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has been a frequent critic of the 24-year-old trade deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico. But as Putnam prepares to …