We told you last week that it has been just over one year since China reopened to U.S. beef after an absence of nearly 14 years. And while the our beef industry has made progress in establishing a customer base in China, it’s about to face an additional 25 percent retaliatory tariff, raising China’s total import duty rate on U.S. …
EPA and Army Seek Additional Public Comment on ‘Waters of the U.S.’ Repeal
Contact Information: press@epa.gov WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army (Army) are issuing a supplemental proposal to the July 2017 proposed action to repeal the 2015 definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). Today’s proposal specifically requests comment on the legal basis of the 2015 WOTUS rule, which the agencies believe has led …
Why Aeration is Important for the Garden
In soil, aeration refers to the extent of air gaps. Aerated soil will equate to happier plants with plenty of oxygen. That can be as important as water, sun, and nutrients. You can typically notice a lack of oxygen in the soil when you look at the plants’ roots. If the roots have an abnormal shape, this means that the …
NMPF Statement on Failure of House Immigration Bill
From Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF ARLINGTON, VA – “We are extremely disappointed that Congress did not include an agricultural guestworker element as part of its compromise immigration reform bill that ultimately failed today. The U.S. dairy industry continues to face serious challenges obtaining and maintaining a reliable workforce, and we were hopeful that we can achieve a …
NRCS Helping to Preserve Florida’s Heritage
The dynamic between grazing and wetlands interests Peter Frederick, a wetland science and restoration professor at the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Fifteen years ago, Frederick and his wife bought 282 acres of prairie, freshwater marshes, hammocks and stands of longleaf pine. The property’s beauty and location makes it prime real estate, vulnerable to development as …
Bill Sets Up Group To Study Trucking Regulations
The National Pork Producers Council hailed introduction by Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., of legislation to revise existing trucking regulations to make them more flexible for drivers hauling livestock. The “Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act” would establish a working group at the Department of Transportation (DOT) to examine the federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules and the Electronic …
Plan Approved for Staffing Local USDA Offices
There may be changes over the next year in how your local USDA office is staffed. Gary Crawford has the details. Plan Approved for Staffing Local USDA Offices Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities …
Three More Top USDA Vacancies Filled
Three more key USDA vacancies are now filled. Gary Crawford has the details. Three More Top USDA Vacancies Filled Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United Dairy Farmers of …
Comprehensive New NAFTA Coming Soon
Negotiators from Mexico, the U.S., and Canada are still pushing hard to get a “comprehensive” new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in place. Politico says negotiators from the three NAFTA countries have been meeting regularly in recent weeks, hoping for breakthroughs on some of the toughest issues yet to deal with. Those remaining issues include auto rules of origin, …
Responses Needed for Census of Agriculture
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) wants to remind farmers and ranchers to return your 2017 Census of Agriculture forms. Producers can respond online at www.agcounts.usda.gov or by mailing your questionnaire back in. And for those who have yet to get it done, NASS Southern Region Director Jim Ewing says they would really like for folks to get it sent …