The steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by President Trump threw another wrench into the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. Politico says that will further delay a final agreement between the three long-time trading partners. The action also revives the possibility that Trump will once again possibly follow through on his threat to withdraw from the pact. That’s a move …
EPA Awards Biofuel Waivers Worth Tens of Millions of Dollars
A Reuters report says the Environmental Protection Agency has awarded tens of millions of dollars’ worth of biofuel blending credits for this year to refiners HollyFrontier and Sinclair Oil. Two sources tell Reuters the refiners argued that the agency had wrongly denied them waivers from the country’s biofuels law as far back as 2014. It’s likely to add fuel to …
Rural Mainstreet Index at Highest Point in Five Years
The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral in May for the fourth-straight month. The index surveys bank CEOs in rural areas across a ten-state region that depends on agriculture or energy to power its economy. It’s the first time since 2015 that the index readings have been above growth-neutral in four consecutive months. The growth index rose …
USDA Resumes Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment
One-Year Extension Available to Holders of Many Expiring Contracts through Continuous Signup As part of a 33-year effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on private lands, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local Farm Service …
Introducing the Agriculture Communicators of Florida
The Agriculture Institute of Florida, founded more than 40 years ago to raise the profile of Florida agriculture among elected officials and consumers, has changed its name to Agriculture Communicators of Florida. The organization’s mission remains “to educate, encourage and empower individuals and organizations to communicate more effectively on behalf of Florida agriculture.” Members are a diverse mix of communications …
Target Date Set for Senate Farm Bill Introduction
Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts has set a date for introducing the Senate Farm Bill, with full debate to take place the following week. A Feedstuffs Dot Com article says Roberts made the announcement at a farm bill forum in his home state, alongside Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue and fellow Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. Roberts says he has a …
RVP Period Begins Friday as Fuel Prices Climb Higher
Friday is the beginning of the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) restriction on E15 sales across most of the country during the summer driving season. The restriction runs from June 1 to September 15. It comes at a time when American drivers would benefit greatly from some relief at the pump. Instead, consumers are barred from purchasing lower cost fuel at …
Canada Approves Bayer Acquisition of Monsanto, with Conditions
The Canadian Competition Bureau has officially approved Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto, with some conditions. The agreement addresses the Bureau’s concerns that the acquisition would have significantly harmed competition and innovation in Canada’s agricultural sector. Following a review of the sale, the Bureau concluded that the merger would substantially lessen and prevent competition in Canada with respect to the supply of …
Agriculture Groups Oppose Tariffs
The White House announced that it plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico. And many fear that will trigger potential retaliatory actions against American agriculture. Thus, various groups have sent out releases voicing their opposition to these tariffs. National Pork Producers Council NPPC Statement on Latest Steel and Aluminum Tariffs The …
USDA Reopens Application Period for Producers Recovering from Cattle Loss, Other Disasters
Signup Begins June 4 for Livestock Indemnity Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting disaster assistance program applications on June 4 from agricultural producers who suffered livestock, honeybees, farm-raised fish and other losses due to natural disasters. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reopening the application period for two …