Amid global trade uncertainty and U.S. pork facing tariffs, Canada is investing to expand its swine sector. While the two moves are not directly related, Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay just announced a federal investment of up to (Canadian) $12.7 million to Swine Innovation Porc, a non-profit corporation that facilitates research in the Canadian swine sector. The non-profit …
Perdue Signals Aid Plan Announcement Possible Around Labor Day
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in Chicago this week says he is hopeful his aid program for farmers will be released by Labor Day and the harvest season. Perdue spoke at the United Fresh event Tuesday and told the Chicago Tribune that while farmers want “trade, not aid,” the Department of Agriculture is following the trade war on a “weekly basis,” …
Senate Farm Bill to Include Grassley Payment Limits
The Senate farm bill now contains 18 additional amendments, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley’s payment limits amendment. Grassley was the lone vote against the bill when it passed through committee because it did not contain his amendment. The change would “amend actively engaged in farming requirements by allowing only one person or legal entity per farming operation to be considered …
Lucas Discusses Farm Bill at USA Peanut Congress
While attending the 2018 USA Peanut Congress at Amelia Island, FL. this week, Tyron Spearman had a chance to talk with one of the featured speakers, Congressman Frank Lucas from Oklahoma. Lucas, a former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, talked about work being done on the 2018 Farm Bill. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New …
U.S. Beef Faces New Challenge in China
It has been just over one year since China reopened to U.S. beef after an absence of nearly 14 years. The U.S. beef industry has made progress in establishing a customer base in China, but is about to face a steep challenge – an additional 25 percent retaliatory tariff, which will raise China’s total import duty rate on U.S. beef …
USDA Taking Comments on Product of USA Label
The Department of Agriculture is accepting public comment on a policy that allows foreign beef to be labeled as “Product of USA” if inspected in the United States. The comment period opened last week following a petition by the American Grassfed Association and the Organization for Competitive Markets. The petition demands the Food Safety Inspection Service policy be changed to …
China Dropping Tariffs on Feed Grains from Asian Countries
China is dropping tariffs on feed ingredients from five Asian countries as it seeks supplies that do not originate in the United States. The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China is bringing further tariffs on U.S. soybeans and coproducts imported to China, as retaliation on U.S. tariffs implemented on China. Thus, China is seeking cheaper soybeans, soymeal, soybean …
Trade Promotion Authority to Auto-Renew
Trade Promotion Authority will auto-renew at the end of this month due to no congressional action. Originally authorized by Congress during the Obama administration for the advancement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPA will auto-renew for another three years. The renewal comes due to the inaction by the House and Senate during a three-month window to pass a resolution of disapproval …
Senate Farm Bill Making Progress
The Senate early this week showed large support for the farm bill, or at least debate on the bill. The procedural cloture vote Monday passed easily, 89-3. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the chamber has the opportunity to finalize this bill this week. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts spoke on the Senate floor Tuesday, calling the legislation “the …
USDA Assisting Cotton Growers with Safety Net Changes
The Department of Agriculture is helping cotton farmers prepare for new safety net coverage. The Farm Service Agency is sending acreage history and yield reports to agricultural producers with generic base acres covered by the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. USDA says the data will help producers decide the best options for how to allocate generic base …