America’s two largest farm groups are delivering a loud message to farm bill negotiators: ‘Don’t get hung up on differences, deliver a farm bill before current law expires, September 30th. With the lowest farm income in 12-years and a tariff war depleting U.S. market share overseas, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), National Farmers Union NFU) and more than 150 other …
China Files WTO Complaint over U.S. Solar Tariffs
China’s latest shot in a tit-for-tat trade war is a World Trade Organization Complaint over U.S. solar tariffs. China filed a complaint with the WTO to help determine the legality of the U.S. policies, saying they not only harm China’s rights but also undermine the WTO’s authority, according to Reuters. China says the U.S. tariffs and the U.S. “decision to …
FDA Extends FSMA Compliance
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week it would extend its deadlines and inspection time frames for when certain-sized facilities should come into compliance with some Food Safety Modernization Act. The move, applauded by the American Feed Industry Association, gives the FDA more time to release the final FSMA guidance documents and train its inspectors. AFIA says the …
Answer Upcoming NASS Survey; It Impacts Your Bottom Line
The confidential crop survey from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be arriving in the mailboxes of Southern farmers soon, and it is very important that recipients take the time to complete it. The number of farmers completing the confidential NASS crop survey has been declining in recent years—and that’s bad news for farmers. This is bad news for …
Tariffs Could Cost Fruit and Nuts $3 Billion
Falling ag exports to China, India, Mexico and Turkey expected to lower prices The ongoing international trade turmoil between the U.S. and other countries has prompted import tariffs on many U.S. agricultural commodities in important export markets, which could hurt U.S. farmers. A new report released by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Agricultural Issues Center estimates the …
Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Offers Startup Funds for Entrepreneurs
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, today opened online applications for its 2019 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000 in startup funds. The competition provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase ideas and business innovations in agriculture. This is the fifth year of the Challenge, which is the first national business competition focused exclusively …
Congressman Yoho on Funding for FMD
For over two years now, livestock groups have been calling for a stockpile of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines in case of an outbreak. Both the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) have made it a top priority for the next Farm Bill. During a recent interview, U.S. Congressman and member of the House …
Poultry Facilities Recognized for Safety Performance
Source: National Chicken Council Continuous Improvement Evident During the 2018 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, Fla., 191 chicken and turkey facilities received safety awards by the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs. “Our industry …
U.S., Mexico, Close to Reaching NAFTA Deal
The U.S. and Mexico are “very, very close” to reaching a deal to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). A White House economic adviser said this week the negotiation teams were going through the perceived final details. The U.S. is hopeful a deal with Mexico can be a model for what Canada could accept. Canada remains on the …
Farm Export Prices Post Large Declines
U.S. agriculture export prices fell 5.3 percent last month. Data released by the U.S. Department of Labor shows the decline is the largest drop in farm exports since 2011. The decline in July followed a one percent decrease in June, which followed a 1.6 percent increase in May. The department says a 14.1 percent drop in soybean prices was the …