CoBank says rising incomes around the globe will help push demand higher and create more opportunities for U.S. exports in grains, oilseeds, and ethanol. A new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division says things like commodity surpluses around the globe, trade agreement negotiations, and the relative strength of key currencies all will influence the scope of growth over the next …
NAFTA Withdrawal Contingency Plans
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says he’s in the process of drawing up contingency plans for the agriculture industry, in case the U.S. withdraws from the North American Free Trade Agreement. The Washington Examiner says those comments come just days ahead of the fifth round of talks between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. There hasn’t been a lot of measurable progress …
Farmers Should Focus on Effective Tax Rate
Congress is just starting to consider changes to the federal tax code. As the process unfolds, AFBF economist Veronica Nigh says the effective tax rate is the most important factor for farmers when it comes to federal taxes. Nigh says there are three main factors that impact farmers within the federal tax code. Because of where the majority of …
Secretary Perdue Launches Veteran Resources at USDA
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the launch of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources to provide comprehensive and timely support to veterans interested in opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and in rural America. The resources include a new website and a USDA-wide AgLearn curriculum to allow all employees to understand the unique opportunities offered to our nation’s veterans. “From the beginning …
USDA to Measure Final 2017 Row Crop Production and Grain Stocks with Two End-of-Year Surveys
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is encouraging producers to respond to two upcoming surveys – the December Agricultural Survey and the County Agricultural Production Survey – that are critical to row crop producers around the country. The results of the surveys help determine the structure of the 2017 farm payment and risk management programs administered …
Delay Sought For Reporting Farm Air Emissions
With a Nov. 15 deadline looming, the National Pork Producers Council and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association filed a brief in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s motion to delay a mandate that farmers report certain air emissions from manure on their farms. In April, a federal court, ruling on a lawsuit brought by environmental activist groups against EPA, …
Farm Bureau Welcomes Progress on Tax Reform Bill
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “America’s farmers and ranchers are ready for a tax system that recognizes their hard work and the unique challenges they face while reducing the tax burden that threatens their livelihoods. Thanks to the leadership of the House Ways and Means Committee, we are closer to that goal. …
USDA Invests in Integrated Pest Management for Increased Production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced grants to bring safer, more effective pest management approaches to farms and communities. “Insects, weeds, and diseases are ever-evolving challenges for U.S. agriculture,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “NIFA is making investments to develop sound scientific approaches to increase production and provide continued food security …
USDA Chief Scientist Responds to WHO Antibiotic Recommendations
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued recommendations on the use of antibiotics in agriculture. Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Acting Chief Scientist with the USDA, says the WHO guidelines are not in alignment with U.S. policy and aren’t supported by sound science. “The recommendations incorrectly combine disease prevention with growth promotion in animals,” she says. “The WHO previously requested the standards for …
Working on Sugar Support Programs Before 2018 Farm Bill
Politico’s Morning Ag Report says North Carolina Republican Representative Virginia Foxx is working on sugar market reforms as the 2018 Farm Bill draws closer. Foxx and a bipartisan group of more than 30 members of Congress have introduced the Sugar Policy Modernization Act. She says the policies within the legislation will keep processors from having to forfeit their crops and …