New “Focus on Cotton” Webcast Approximately 90% of growers in the southeastern United States irrigate crops when they observe visible stress, but by this point, the crops have already lost yield. Yield and quality can be maintained and sometimes increased with irrigation scheduling. Wesley M. Porter, assistant professor and extension precision ag and irrigation specialist in the Crop and Soil …
Deadline Weekend Likely to Pass with Little Farm Bill, NAFTA Progress
The farm bill and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) seem certain not to meet the weekend deadline, leaving more uncertain times for agriculture. Negotiators were trying to reach an agreement on the farm bill this week, but the clock is all but out of time as the current bill expires Sunday. Monday means critical trade programs will not …
Farm Bureau says U.S.-Japan Trade Statement Bodes Well for Future
The following statement can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The joint statement between President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the pursuit of trade opportunities that benefit both nations is great news for America’s farmers and ranchers. This affirmation by both nations to enter negotiations bodes well for the future and indicates the …
Senators Take Aim at Unfair Trade Practices Hurting Florida Fruit and Vegetable Growers
U.S. Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced legislation to help Florida fruit and vegetable growers combat unfair trade practices. The bill comes amid long-standing and increasing complaints from Florida farmers that Mexican growers illegally flood the U.S. market with subsidized produce during the winter season. Florida is one of the few places in the country that can …
Crayfish Personalities May Be Key to Understanding Water Ecosystems
Just like people come in different personalities, animals vary in their behavior. For example, some crayfish can be shier while others are bolder, a University of Florida scientist says. While crayfish are known as those little, lobster-like crustaceans eaten by some as a delicacy in soups, bisques and étouffées and are used by others as fish bait, Lindsey Reisinger and …
U.S. Says Canada Not Making Needed NAFTA Concessions
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer charges Canada is not making needed concessions to strike a deal on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As the U.S. ideal deadline will pass this weekend, the U.S. is gearing up to move forward with a Mexico-only agreement. Lighthizer said there was “some distance” between the two sides on issues such as access …
NPPC: Auto Import Tariffs Will Prompt More Retaliation Against American Agriculture
U.S. tariffs on auto imports likely would prompt retaliation from some of American agriculture’s biggest trading partners, leading to catastrophic financial harm to farmers, warned the National Pork Producers Council in comments submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance. In its ongoing efforts to realign U.S. trade policy, the Trump administration is considering putting duties on autos and auto parts …
China Passing on U.S. Soybeans, Purchasing from Brazil
China soybean processors are purchasing record volumes of Brazilian soybeans and cutting purchases of U.S. soybeans. U.S. soybeans face steep tariffs in China thanks to the ongoing tit-for-tat trade war between the U.S. and China. A Singapore-based trader told Reuters that China is “willing to pay higher prices for Brazilian beans than what domestic crushers are paying.” Brazil’s typical soybean …
Cargill CEO Concerned with Long-Term Health of Ag in Trade Dispute
The CEO of Cargill says he is concerned with the long-term health of U.S. agriculture due to impacts from the U.S.-China trade dispute. Cargill CEO David McLennan told Bloomberg News a long-term dispute with China could squeeze the U.S. out as China turns to other sellers of soybeans, as the nation is doing now. Soybean prices are near the lowest …
Kansas Representative Exploring Ways to Trade with Cuba
A U.S. representative is seeking ways to open markets with Cuba. Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, spoke with Cuba’s President earlier this week. The two discussed trade opportunities between Cuba and the U.S., a priority over the last few years for U.S. agriculture and more-so given the current trade climate. Marshall says the U.S. “can and should be Cuba’s …