A survey by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers finds steel and aluminum tariffs are harming the industry. The survey, primarily focused on the current new equipment inventory levels, shows both dealers and manufacturers are aware of the potential effect of steel and aluminum tariffs on the industry. The survey found that overall, new inventory numbers are favorable, when traditionally dealers …
ASA Focusing on Monarch habitat
While trade issues remain a top priority for the soy industry, the American Soybean Association (ASA) is taking a moment this fall to highlight the importance of monarch habitat in its overall conservation efforts, which include soil and water quality, and pollinator preservation. This week, ASA launched a month-long effort on social media to showcase the importance of monarch habitat. …
USDA Partners with HHS to Support Rural Communities Combating Opioid Misuse
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that a group of Cooperative Extension partners will have the opportunity to apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help communities combat opioid use disorders. HHS intends to build on successful 2017 and 2018 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Rural Health and Safety Education …
Doing NRCS Business Through Conservation Client Gateway
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama, Florida and Georgia wants to remind farmers, ranchers and private landowners that if you have business to take care of with NRCS, much of it can be done from your home or farm office. NRCS Acting Chief Leonard Jordan said you can do it through their secure online portal, Conservation Client Gateway. …
Urgency for Farm Bill Passage
‘Urgency, Predictability and Certainty’—the words heard over and over again at the first formal and maybe only public House-Senate farm bill negotiating session, as future talks head into private sessions. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said it perhaps more poignantly than even the two Ag chairs and ranking members. Urgency for Farm Bill Passage-1 Current law expires at the end …
Farm Bill Conference Committee Meets
The farm bill conference committee’s first public meeting Wednesday came with just ten legislative days to complete and pass a new farm bill. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts chairs the committee, working on now his eighth farm bill as a lawmaker. In his opening statement, Roberts told the committee: “Time is of the essence. Let us work together to …
Conaway Offers SNAP Compromise
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway has offered up what he calls a “significant compromise” on nutrition programs in the farm bill. Conaway declined to get into specifics with Politico, but says last week he sent a proposal to his counterparts in the Senate offering a compromise on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). He says the offer demonstrates he’s …
NAFTA Talks Continue in Washington
Trade officials from Canada returned to the U.S. Wednesday as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland resumed talks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, but there are so far no major developments on the contentious issues being discussed, including dairy market access and the dispute settlement mechanism, top issues for Canada, …
GMO Labeling Rule Sent to OMB
The White House Office of Management and Budget is reviewing the GMO labeling rule, or the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. Government records show that the Department of Agriculture sent the final rule to the White House on the last day of August. The regulation, according to the Management and Budget Office, is now “pending review.” Legislation to create the …
Glyphosate Lawsuits Numbers Climbing
Bayer AG says the number of lawsuits against glyphosate is rising, adding to concerns about potentially lengthy and costly litigation. Bayer, which recently completed its acquisition of Monsanto, lowered its full-year earnings outlook stemming from delays in closing the deal. Bayer is now integrating the maker of Roundup, which contains glyphosate, into its company. The California lawsuit which set a …