A Rabobank report says the African Swine Fever virus has shifted the outlook for the global pork industry. The virus was first found in China and has now been confirmed in Belgium. Rabobank says the potential for the spread of the disease around the world has increased exponentially. Twenty cases have been confirmed in China. The Rabobank report says, “It’s …
Iowa Allowed To Join WOTUS Lawsuit
A North Dakota federal judge says Iowa can temporarily stop enforcing the 2015 Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS). The Associated Press says several ag and business groups challenged the law in court, seeking to halt its implementation. A news release from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ office says the rule went back into effect in Iowa in August. A federal …
Groups Seek to Lift Stay in Conservation Money Case
Arguing that time “is of the essence,” environmental groups Wednesday requested that a judge lift a stay of a ruling that found state lawmakers did not properly carry out a 2014 constitutional amendment that requires spending on land and water conservation. Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson in July ruled in favor of groups such as the Florida Wildlife Federation …
Putnam Names Dr. Ann Blount the 2018 Woman of the Year in Agriculture
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that Dr. Ann Blount has been named the 2018 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Dr. Blount has dedicated her career to researching and implementing innovative techniques to improve fall forage production in Florida’s southern coastal areas. The award, now in its 34th year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida …
North Carolina Hog Farmers Monitoring Rising Flood Waters
Hog farmers in North Carolina are watching with great concern the still-rising flood waters brought by the historic impact of Hurricane Florence. Efforts continue in affected areas to provide feed and care for animals, and fuel to power farms, while ensuring safety for our farm families and farm employees. On-farm assessments and industry aerial surveys conducted today determined that flood …
Farm Bill Delay Possible as Deadline Looms
The farm bill deadline at the end of the month could pass without a new farm bill or an extension. As the pace of the farm bill committee stalls, leadership says the actual deadline that would have any impact on farm country is in December, if the bill is stalled further. The committee has a deadline of September 30th to …
Tariffs Harming Ag Equipment Makers
More tariffs in the tit-for-tat trade war between the U.S. and China means more suffering for agriculture and agricultural equipment makers. Feeling the brunt of the trade war since it started with tariffs on steel and aluminum, manufacturers of agriculture equipment are eager to see a swift resolve. Just last week, a coalition of manufacturing groups and associations sent a …
Trump China Trade War Troubling Talks with Japan
The ongoing trade war with China is threatening trade relations with Japan. Reuters reports that the start of a second round of trade talks between Japan and the United States will be delayed until after fresh tariffs imposed on China by the United States come into force on September 24th. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Trump were expected …
Canada Returns to DC for NAFTA Talks
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations between the U.S. and Canada resume this week as both sides attempt to reach a deal by the end of the month. Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland arrived in Washington, DC Tuesday ahead of scheduled talks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. The two sides must agree to a “handshake” agreement by the …
Hurricane Florence Flooding Impacting Poultry Operations
Sanderson Farms says flooding from hurricane Florence has resulted in the loss of about 1.7 million broiler chickens. In a statement, the company says about 30 farms housing more than 200,000 chickens each are isolated by floodwaters and cannot be reached by feed trucks. The company says 60 of the 880 broiler houses in the region have been flooded. Tyson …