The American Soybean Association this week announced it will join Farmers for Free Trade. Representing soybean farmers across the nation, ASA is joining the bipartisan campaign self-described as “amplifying the voices of American farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses that support free trade.” ASA CEO Ryan Findlay says agriculture needs “strong like-minded allies” in advocating for new trade agreements and expanding …
Roundtable to Discuss Nuisance Lawsuits
Agriculture leadership and lawmakers will come together Friday to discuss the threat that nuisance lawsuits pose to the U.S. agriculture industry, rural America, and farm families. North Carolina U.S. Representative David Rouzer, and Senator Thom Tillis, along with House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Conaway, and North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, will convene the National Agriculture Leaders Roundtable, which will …
Senate Approves Roberts’ Efforts to Improve Access to New Drugs for Animals
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts applauded Senate approval of legislation to speed access to new animal drugs for veterinarians. The provision by Roberts was approved earlier this week that would allow access to new animal drugs through conditional approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Roberts’ provision on conditional approval was included in the Animal Drug and Animal Generic …
Farmers Benefiting from Trump Tax Cuts
Farm families are reaping the benefits of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) signed by President Donald J. Trump in December, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report. The Economic Research Service (ERS) studied 2016 Internal Revenue Service and USDA data and released findings last month showing the effective tax rate for farmers is 3 to 6 percent …
Green Leaf Grill Wins Bama’s Best Catfish Contest
Four finalists; three judges; two days; and one winner. That set the table for judging Bama’s Best Catfish July 26-27. The Green Leaf Grill in Mentone took top honors in the competition sponsored by the Alabama Catfish Producers, a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation. The contest carried judges from Mentone, in the northeast corner of the st, south to …
ASTA Promotes Safe Handling and Storage of Treated Seed during Harvest
As harvest begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers about the importance of taking precautions to ensure treated seed does not enter the grain supply. “Seed treatments provide farmers with an economical means of protecting seeds and seedlings against early-season insect pests and diseases—resulting in stronger and more uniform stands, healthier plants and higher crop …
U.S., Mexico, Leaving Canada behind in NAFTA Talks
The United States and Mexico are progressing on the North American Free Trade Agreement re-negotiations, leaving Canada behind, for now. Top trade officials from Mexico are in the U.S. this week after optimism showed through last week with a potential agreement on automotive rules as part of NAFTA, according to Politico, which notes progress on the contentious issue bodes well …
NFU Urges Long-Term Trade Solutions in Farm Bill
In a letter to lawmakers, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson emphasized the need to address agricultural economic hardships in the 2018 farm bill. The NFU Board of Directors unanimously approved the motion to send the letter during a meeting held Monday afternoon. With an already grim farm economy, an escalating global trade war, and uncertainty in export markets, …
U.S. Crop Protection Market Sees Sales Increase
A new report shows industry consolidation, investments in precision agriculture, and new product introductions propelled a five percent growth in sales for the crop protection industry in 2017. The Kline Group this week released its Crop Protection Manufacturers Report, which found the increase in planted crop acreage, particularly in soybeans and cotton, helped contribute to an increase in the sales …
Plant-Based Foods Retail Sector Growing
Retail sales of plant-based foods jumped 20 percent over the past year. The Plant-Based Foods Association says new data shows sales of plant-based foods topped $3.3 billion, with milk alternatives generating $1.5 billion of total plant-based sales. Other dairy alternatives, such as plant-based products imitating yogurt, cheeses and ice cream, accounted for $727 million in sales, up 19.8 percent from …