Funding Helps Improve Streets, Transit Facilities and Other Structures to Spur Economic Growth and Create Jobs Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue highlighted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments in Fiscal Year 2017 that will help construct or improve infrastructure and boost economic growth in rural communities. “USDA is focused on improving rural America’s infrastructure,” Perdue said. “Investments such as the ones …
NPPC Applauds Withdrawal Of Organic Rule
Listening to the farmers it would have affected, Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue announced that his agency will withdraw a proposed organic rule for livestock and poultry, a move hailed by the National Pork Producers Council. The Obama-era regulation – the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule – would have incorporated into the National Organic Program welfare standards that were not …
Report Outlines BayerAG-Monsanto Merger Impact
A research document released by Farmers and Families First shows the proposed BayerAG-Monsanto merger would reduce competition and increase cost for farmers. The white paper says the deal would create a $66 billion corporation with “unprecedented control” over the products farmers and agriculture businesses need to grow, produce and distribute food. Farmers and Families First is an advocacy organization that …
Mexico Sees Possible Trade Deal with European Union
Mexico and the European Union could place the framework for a trade deal by the end of the year. As talks around the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) drag on, Mexico said this week that the nation is working with the EU to reach the framework for a trade agreement, but differences over agricultural market access remain. The two …
Northey Nomination Still on Hold
The nomination of Bill Northey to a top Department of Agriculture post remains on hold following a White House meeting on the Renewable Fuels Standard. The meeting, requested by Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, offered no major breakthroughs regarding what Cruz wants to change in the RFS. Cruz told Politico he is still holding up the vote to confirm Northey, …
GOP Tax Bill Deal Likely Floor Votes Early Next Week
The GOP tax bill deal now headed for likely floor votes early next week looks good for agriculture, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s tax specialist. Farm Bureau’s Pat Wolff is waiting to look at the final bill text, about to be filed, but so far, Wolff says the bill looks good for producers—starting with an across-the-board cut in …
Legislation Would Improve Students’ Access to Milk
The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017 introduced by Representative Glenn Thompson would allow schools to give students more milk choices. American Farm Bureau Federation market intelligence director John Newton says the bill gives schools the flexibility to bring back low-fat flavored milk. Legislation ”Newton says the legislation provides a market opportunity for dairy farmers. Market Allowing schools to provide …
Future Milk Prices Hinge on U.S. Dairy Exports
The world is hungry for protein—and U.S. dairy products are a leading choice for that protein. In the coming year, dairy exports will continue to play a critical role in helping U.S. dairymen achieve top prices for their milk. U.S. dairy exports in 2017 are stronger than they were a year ago, and have been on an uphill climb over …
Tips to Keep Holiday Food Safe at Home or When Traveling
The most wonderful time of the year is already here. Some of us stay home for the holidays; others travel to Turkey with the help of Made in Turkey Tours. Regardless of the destination, one thing that does not change is that food is always part of the celebration. For those planning their next trip, Gaba Travel Agency is ready …
Conaway Ready For Farm Bill Work
House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Conaway is ready to get rolling on the farm bill in 2018. Politico also mentioned he’s not worried about a push to overhaul welfare potentially making the process more complicated. The Republican from Texas is optimistic about keeping things on track and getting a floor vote scheduled by March. A working draft of the bill …