Foreign countries that compete with the U.S. for world market share are increasing their spending on promoting ag exports. Several countries, as well as the European Union, spent close to $1 billion in public funds on ag export promotion in 2016. Studies are showing those countries outspent the U.S. 4 to 1. That’s a 70 percent increase in competitive public …
What the Budget Bill Means for Farmers and Ranchers
The disaster assistance spending measure has been watched carefully by producers who were hit hard by natural disasters. Producers in California, Florida, Texas, and even Puerto Rico lost crops and livestock because of wildfires and hurricanes last year. Politico says America’s dairy and cotton producers also have been looking for subsidy increases because of a serious economic downturn. The bill …
Ag Committee Leaders Praise Bipartisan Budget Act
Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts says the Bipartisan Budget Act passed in both chambers of Congress benefits Americans in many ways. It avoids a government shutdown, raises military funding, contains disaster assistance for several states that were hit hard by natural disasters, and improves livestock assistance programs. Roberts says, “In addition to disaster assistance for states hit hard by …
Federal Budget Deal Passed Friday Will Aid Farmers
The U.S. Senate and House moved quickly Friday to pass a budget deal that includes assistance for cotton and dairy farmers, following a brief government shutdown. President Donald J. Trump signed the bill into law this morning. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker said the bill will provide a cushion for producers, which is critical because of dim market outlooks. …
Farm Disaster Relief on the Way After Irma’s Devastation
State lawmakers continue to craft tax relief for Florida’s storm-battered citrus industry, as President Donald Trump signed off Friday on billions of dollars in much-anticipated federal disaster relief. A spending bill approved by Congress and Trump includes nearly $90 billion for disaster relief, with $2.36 billion aimed at assisting the agriculture industry for losses from Hurricane Irma in Florida, Hurricane …
Farm Bureau Asks Court to Block Obama WOTUS Rule
The American Farm Bureau Federation, the Texas Farm Bureau and other members of a broad industry and agricultural coalition have asked a federal district court in Texas to issue a nationwide stay blocking the Obama administration’s illegal 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” rule from taking effect on farms and ranches across the nation. The race to the courthouse follows the …
Two-year Budget Deal Key for Agriculture
The two-year budget deal passed by Congressional leaders is key for agriculture, including farm program fixes, disaster aid and tax break extenders. American Farm Bureau budget adviser, RJ Karney, looks at some of the key program fixes needed to write the next farm bill. Two-year Budget Deal Key for Agriculture-1 Karney says AFBF and Ag Committee leaders were also behind …
NCC: New Cotton Policy Gives Much Needed Boost
The National Cotton Council (NCC) greatly appreciates Congress’ passage of a supplemental disaster bill that includes critically needed policy that restores eligibility for cotton in the Title I Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs of the farm bill. The legislation also includes important agricultural disaster assistance, as well as additional support to dairy producers. “This measure will provide …
USDA February WASDE Report
The latest monthly World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from the Department of Agriculture shows lower estimated soybean exports for the 2017-18 crop year. USDA lowered soybean exports by 60 million bushels to 2.1 billion bushels. The U.S. season-average soybean price range for 2017/18 is projected at $8.90 to $9.70 per bushel, unchanged from the previous report. USDA …
Cruz Hold on Northey Continues
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley this week attempted to move forward the nomination of Bill Northey to a top Department of Agriculture post, but was again blocked by Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Grassley sought unanimous consent from his Senate colleagues on the chamber floor Wednesday. However, Cruz objected, further delaying Northey’s confirmation. Cruz has blocked the vote to confirm Northey as …