China is stepping up inspections of pork imports from the United States. Ports are opening and inspecting every cargo that arrives, according to a report by Reuters, compared with inspections carried out only “randomly” in the past. Some trade experts see the move, along with other similar actions by China, as a warning to the United States in response to …
Senators Want Answers on RFS Economic Hardship Waiver to CVR
A group of senators is seeking more information regarding an economic hardship waiver under the Renewable Fuel Standard sent to CVR Energy, owned by Carl Icahn. The group of Democrats, including Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar, sent letters seeking information to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt and Icahn, the billionaire former adviser to President Trump and Chairman …
Wheat Growers Talk Farm Bill with Lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
Officers of the National Association of Wheat Growers are in Washington, D.C. this week meeting with members of Congress. The wheat growers are stressing the importance of passing a farm bill this year. NAWG President Jimmie Musick of Oklahoma says its “critical” to talk with lawmakers about completing the farm bill reauthorization before the current farm bill expires. Members of …
NCGA 2018 Yield Contest Online Entry Now Open
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is inviting farmers to register early for the organization’s National Corn Yield Contest. As farmers are in the fields planting corn, an early registration offers entry fee savings. The Association says that until June 29, fees will be reduced to $75. Entry will remain open at the full rate of $110 through July 31. …
First-Ever WTO Counter Notification Against India’s Market Price Support Issued by U.S.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the United States submitted a counter notification in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Agriculture (COA) on India’s market price support (MPS) for wheat and rice. Filed on May 4, 2018, this is the first ever COA notification under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture regarding another …
Safety Net Coverage Enrollment Continues
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers with base acres in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net program may enroll for the 2018 crop year. The enrollment period will end on Aug. 1, 2018. Producers on a farm that are not enrolled for the 2018 enrollment period will not be eligible …
China Trade Discussion Continues Next Week
Trade talks with China will continue next week, according to President Donald Trump. President Trump says he and China’s President Xi Jinping will talk over the phone next week as both sides are willing to work towards a consensus, according to Reuters. A U.S. delegation traveled to China last week with no agreement on a long list of demands. Meanwhile, …
Report Shows Improvements in Animal Welfare, Quality and Sustainability
A new report released this week highlights producers’ commitment to animal welfare, beef quality, sustainability and community involvement by America’s cattlemen and women resulting in responsibly raised beef. The Cattlemen’s Stewardship Review, funded by the Beef Checkoff and completed in late 2017, compiles data collected from cattlemen and women across the country. The first survey, completed in 2010, set a …
Assistant to the Secretary Anne Hazlett Applauds FLOTUS Be Best Initiative
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett applauded First Lady Melania Trump’s policy initiative, Be Best, a campaign focused on the holistic wellness of American children. Hazlett issued the following statement: “The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on small towns and rural places throughout our country. Yesterday, the First Lady reminded us through her Be Best …
Secretary Perdue Commits to Prioritizing Food Waste Solutions
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue hosted a food waste roundtable with Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-1) and David Young (IA-3), food industry leaders, and non-profit groups at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This roundtable, the first of many USDA public events on food waste, serves as an opportunity to raise awareness while discussing solutions with leaders throughout the entire …