Justice Department Not Satisfied With Bayer/Monsanto Proposals

Bayer’s plan to get antitrust approval from the U.S. Justice Department hasn’t satisfied the expectations of U.S. officials. Two sources told Bloomberg that those officials are worried that the merger could hurt competition. The department feels the Bayer proposal to sell off assets doesn’t go far enough. The U.S. government wants Bayer to sell off more of its assets in …

Senate Finance Committee Wants to Talk Trade, Tariffs

The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing next Thursday, March 22, regarding the Trump Administration’s trade policy. The Hagstrom Report says that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will be the lone witness at the proceedings. The committee chair, Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah, has been critical of President Donald Trump’s announced trade tariffs. Hatch says in a news release, …

Countries Asking U.S. for Tariff Exemptions

European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom is continuing to petition the United States for exemptions to the upcoming steel and aluminum tariffs. Politico quotes her as saying the tariffs will shake the transatlantic relationship between the countries if they go into effect. She told Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross during a phone call that the EU “as a close security ally …

Agri View: Agriculture Problems

Everett Griner talks about birds can be added to the list of problems facing farmers along with insects and diseases in today’s Agri View. Agriculture Problems Well, no matter where you live you if you plant a crop you will have to fight bugs and diseases to raise it. Many crops attract other destructive creatures. Texas has the Planthopper. A …

Rural Mainstreet Index Remains Positive

Dodd-Frank Limits Lending for Most Rural Banks March Survey Results at a Glance: *  For a second straight month the overall index rose above growth neutral. *  Approximately 16.8 percent of grain farmers are expected to suffer negative cash flow for 2018. This is down slightly from 12 months earlier. * The percent of farmland purchases for cash (not financed) declined …

USDA Announces Regionalization Agreement with South Korea

Help Protect U.S. Trade During HPAI Detections The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an agreement with the government of South Korea that significantly reduces negative impacts on trade should another detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) occur in the United States. The agreement will allow for trade restrictions at the state level instead of the country level …

Deadline Approaching in Southeast for SBA Working Loans

Alabama SBA Working Capital Loans The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations that April 16 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans in Alabama as a result of the rainfall, wind, flooding, flash flooding and Tropical Storm Cindy from May 1 through …

Peanut Grading Improvements

Various efforts are underway to improve the peanut grading system. Tyron Spearman has the story. Peanut Grading Improvements Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026