The Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday announced it will consider the Senate version of the farm bill next week. Markup of the bill is planned for Wednesday, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time. The bipartisan bill, according to committee leaders, will “provide much-needed certainty” for farmers and ranchers. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts and Ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow announced the business meeting …
U.S. Offers List of Ag Concessions Wanted From China
The U.S. apparently wants more from China than a promise to buy more U.S. agricultural goods. Politico reports that U.S. officials have handed China a list of agricultural trade barriers that “must be lifted” to boost imports from the U.S. to China in an effort to reduce the trade deficit. However, China has stated that it will not remove trade …
Accurate Labels Act Introduced
Lawmakers introduced the Accurate Labels Act in the Senate Thursday, a bill that supporters say would provide American consumers nationwide with clear, accurate and meaningful nutrition information. Introduced by Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, and in the House of Representatives by Republican Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Democrat Kurt Schrader of Oregon, the bill would also prevent the issuance …
FCC Chairman Proposes Rural Healthcare Funding Increase
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announced this week that he has circulated a draft order to his colleagues that would significantly increase funding for the Universal Service Fund’s Rural Health Care Program. The program’s current annual funding cap is $400 million. The Chairman’s order would increase the annual cap to $571 million. The cap was set in 1997 …
FFA Members Compete During State Convention
A sea of national blue and corn gold swept the Capital City as over 1,300 students and advisers gathered for the 90th Alabama FFA State Convention June 6-8. Students competed in state career development events (CDEs) during the annual meeting in Montgomery, sharpening their professional development skills and industry knowledge. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Jennifer Christenberry said she enjoys watching students …
USDA Announces $309 Million Investment in Rural Electric Utilities
Loans Will Improve System Efficiency and Resiliency in 12 States Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is investing $309 million in 16 projects (PDF, 107 KB) to improve rural electric infrastructure in 12 states. “Robust, modern infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity no matter the zip code in which you live,” …
Bayer Closes Monsanto Acquisition
It was announced in a release that Bayer had successfully completed the acquisition of Monsanto, but no branding changes will take place just yet. Monsanto will operate independently from Bayer for an interim period while Bayer completes the sale of some of its businesses to BASF. According to the conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Justice, the integration of Monsanto …
‘Got Milk?’: UF Experts Provide Facts, Tips for National Dairy Month
“Milk Does a Body Good” is not just an advertising slogan. It’s a way to get people to drink the dairy product, because it offers so many nutrients, says a University of Florida expert. But first, cows must produce milk. As we celebrate June as National Dairy Month, some UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts tout the benefits …
More Tariffs From Mexico Planned
More tariffs are expected from Mexico after the nation announced its 20 percent tariff on U.S. pork earlier this week. The list of tariffs from Mexico includes apples, cheeses, potatoes, cranberries, and “Tennessee” and bourbon whiskies, among other items. Mexico is responding to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs enacted by President Trump and put into place last week, after exempting …
Canada Seeking Answers Regarding U.S. Farmer Support Funds
Canada wants the U.S. to explain an additional $30 billion made available to support farmers harmed by trade woes, and how the U.S. might distribute the funds. Canada made the request through the World Trade Organization last week. Canada’s written question asked the United States to explain the U.S. Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, in which Congress lifted certain restrictions …