U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue gave high marks to Steve Censky and Ted McKinney for their joint appearance before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. President Donald Trump has nominated Censky to service as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, while McKinney is the president’s choice to be the very first Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. …
USDA Makes Disaster Resources Available to Rural Development Borrowers
The United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development is providing tools and resources to help rural communities recover from the devastation brought by hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighted. The emergency procedures will provide additional flexibility for Rural Development borrowers and community partners to help them recover as quickly as possible and ensure they have what they …
U.S. Cotton Sets Goals to Further Reduce Environmental Footprint
With the goal of helping its members meet their current needs while making the world a better place for future generations, the U.S. cotton industry is setting goals aimed to build upon the strong environmental gains already achieved over the past 30 years. “Our industry wants to be the supplier of choice for those who are committed to only buying …
Retail Meat Prices Slip Lower in August
Consumer prices for meat decline 0.4 percent in August, compared to figures compiled in July. A monthly report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows overall U.S. meat prices for consumers were lower on softer prices for beef roasts and ham. August prices fell 2.1 percent on beef roasts, 1.5 percent on beef steaks and 0.1 percent on ground beef. …
Lighthizer Presses Taiwan on Ag Trade Barriers
Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer highlighted the need to address trade barriers between the U.S. and Taiwan last week. During a meeting with Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, Lighthizer said Thailand needs to address the “longstanding trade barriers,” including those on U.S. meat and other agriculture exports, according to Politico. Total exports of U.S. agricultural products to Thailand totaled $1.6 billion in …
Senators Want Action on Brazil Ethanol Tariff
A group of Midwestern Senators is urging U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to respond to Brazil’s 20 percent ethanol tariff on imports over 600 million liters, or 158 million gallons. Brazil recently reinstated the tariff that will apply to U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil. In 2016, the U.S. exported 264 million gallons of ethanol to Brazil and is poised for …
Mexico Considering Protections in NAFTA
A potential counterproposal by Mexico could limit pork leg imports from the United States under the North American Free Trade Agreement. As renegotiation efforts continue, Mexico may counter a proposal U.S. trade officials are considering that would give seasonal fruit and vegetable farmers added protection, according to Reuters. The U.S. is considering a proposal to protect certain products by making …
SNAP Draws Strong Praise
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, drew strong praise, and even an emotional defense during testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee last week. SNAP works and should not be scaled back in the next farm bill, a panel of witnesses told the Senate Ag Committee—a poignant message as the House GOP continues efforts to find SNAP savings, after a failed …
Farm Aid Concert Served Certified Humane Meats
Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid annual concert over the weekend in Pennsylvania served Certified Humane meats as part of its “Homegrown Concessions. Niman (Nye-man) Ranch partnered with Legends Hospitality to feature “foods sourced from family farms committed to sustainability and offering a fair price to growers,” according to organizers. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports that Niman Ranch Certified Humane meats will …
China Poultry Safety Standard Similar to U.S.
The Department of Agriculture last week quietly released an audit report of China’s inspection system for poultry processing. The audit says China’s system is equivalent to U.S. systems and standards. The Food Safety and Inspection Service performed the audit last year. USDA released the report one month after the comment period closed on a proposed rule that will allow China …