USMCA Predicted to Boost Protein Exports

Industry experts say the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) could lead to modest export gains for U.S. poultry, pork, and beef. A new report from CoBank says the agreement is expected to keep tariffs on food and agriculture between the three countries at zero. The report says the U.S. chicken sector exports are predicted to rise 47,000 metric tons in …

USDA Appoints Members to Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 25 members of the recently re-established Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). The newly appointed members will serve terms of up to two years beginning immediately and ending in 2020. The appointees were selected from nominations received in May 2018 resulting from the April 23, 2018, announcement of the re-establishment of the …

U.S. Farm Equipment Sales Rises in September

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers monthly “Flash Report” says U.S. sales of all tractors back in September were up two percent compared to the same time frame in 2017. For the first nine months in 2018, a total of 181,515 tractors were sold, which compares to 168,651 sold through the first nine months of 2017. That represents an eight percent …

WASDE Anticipates Lower Harvests for Corn and Soybeans

The October World Ag Supply and Demand (WASDE) report predicts corn and soybean yields will both be lower than previously expected. Corn production is forecast at 14.78 billion bushels, down 49 million bushels due to a reduced yield forecast. Corn supplies going into harvest are forecast to be a record-high number, exports were raised by 75 million bushels, and USDA …

Secretary Perdue Comments on USMCA

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the announcement of a United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): “The great news of a new USMCA deal is important for our economy as a whole, including the agricultural sector, which counts Canada and Mexico in our top three trading partners. I have long said that I believe our country is …

Roberts: We’re Making Progress on Farm Bill

Senator Pat Roberts says lawmakers are making progress on the farm bill. The Senate Ag Committee Chairman told Politico this week “we’re making progress,” adding “I know I keep saying that, but it’s true.” None of the 12 titles of the farm bill are completed, but Roberts says the commodity title is “close” to being finished. However, Ranking Senate Ag …

Beefing Up Plans Concerning African Swine Fever

USDA and the pork industry are ramping up plans and preparations to keep African Swine Fever out of the country or handle it quickly if it does get in. Gary Crawford has the details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, …

EU Ready for Talks over U.S. Beef

The European Union (EU) is readying to negotiate with the United States to allow the U.S. to increase beef exports to EU countries. The European Commission sought approval from its 28-member states last month to open negotiations with Washington. The approval process is expected to be completed next week to allow negotiations to begin. Beef is separate from an arrangement …