afbf

House Farm Bill Dormant Amid Immigration Dispute

Dan Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

House Republican leadership is currently struggling with immigration issues and it’s put the House farm bill that didn’t pass on Friday right on the back burner. The Hagstrom Report describes the bill as “dormant.” Speaker Paul Ryan called for reconsideration of the bill immediately after the vote on Friday. He declared that the “ayes” had won the voice vote but …

export markets

USDA Official Hopeful by Recent Trade Advancements with China

Dan Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Trade

While a trade war may be on hold between the U.S. and China, a Department of Agriculture official says the Trump administration remains ready to support farmers and ranchers, if needed. China and the U.S. put the trade war tariffs on hold, for now, as the two sides are negotiating. Speaking at the ONE18: The Alltech Ideas Conference, USDA Undersecretary …

grain

China Promises to Buy More American Agricultural Goods

Dan Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Trade

After two rounds of trade talks between the world’s largest economies, China has promised to buy significantly more U.S. agriculture and energy products to help reduce its trade surplus with America. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlined his targets for boosting sales over the weekend but it remains unclear if China has agreed to reduce the deficit by the $200 billion …

nafta

Administration Focusing on Good, Not Quick, NAFTA 2.0

Dan Industry News Release, Trade

Bloomberg says the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are all on separate pages when it comes to a new North American Free Trade Agreement. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says the administration is more focused on reaching a good deal rather than an immediate one. Mnuchin says it doesn’t matter if it’s passed in this session of Congress or the next one. …

prices

John Deere Raising Prices to Cover Steel Costs

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

Deere & Company is raising equipment prices in order to protect profits as costs rise. The farm and construction machinery manufacturer says profits were up 50 percent and equipment sales were up 34 percent annually in its latest quarter. However, a Dow Jones report says those numbers disappointed analysts. Deere’s share rose nearly six percent as investors are focusing on …

fda

Consumers Buy More Organic in 2017

Dan Industry News Release, Organic

More of America’s grocery carts were filled with organic products in 2017. The Organic Trade Association’s 2018 Industry Survey shows consumers were buying everything from organic produce and organic ice cream to organic fresh juices and organic dried beans. U.S. organic sales totaled a new record of $49.4 billion in 2017, up 6.4 percent from the previous year. That total …

dairy

New ‘Got Jobs?’ Campaign Demonstrates Dairy’s Substantial Impact on US Economy, States and Local Communities

Dan Dairy, Industry News Release, Labor and Immigration

Most Americans know milk and other dairy products are an essential part of a healthy diet. But less well-known is dairy’s contribution to the health of the U.S. economy and the economies of every state across the country. A new storytelling campaign launched by the U.S. dairy industry aims to shine a brighter, data-driven spotlight on the positive effects of …

hurricane season

UF Experts: Prepare Your Farm Early for Hurricane Season

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Weather

It’s the beginning of hurricane season, time for farmers in Florida to worry about potential damage from a storm. Every farm and ranch in Florida must have an emergency plan in case of a hurricane, said a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension director. “The main thing is that farmers need to be prepared to be self-sufficient …

pork

House Members Call for End to Thailand’s Ban on U.S. Pork

Dan Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Pork, Trade

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Virachai Plasai, ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States, calling for the removal of restrictions on imports of U.S. farm products, including U.S. pork. The bipartisan letter – signed by 44 members and sponsored by Representatives David Young, R-IA, and Ron Kind, D-WI – calls for the …

Farm Income, Credit, Weakening

Dan Economy, Industry News Release

Farm income and credit conditions continued to weaken in the first quarter of 2018, but at a slower pace than in previous quarters. According to the Tenth District Survey of Agricultural Credit Conditions, compiled by the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, reduced farm income contributed to intensifying cash-flow concerns and tightening lending standards. Cash-flow shortages continued to limit the availability …