Congressman Rodney Davis said he had Illinois farmers in mind when voting on Tax Reform Legislation. The Republican says the recent changes are a positive for farmers and will help lessen their financial risk. Tax When asked about the status of the 2018 Farm Bill, Congressman Davis said he expects Farm Bill debates to begin in early February. Farm Bill …
U.S. Cotton Industry Contributions to Cotton USA Play Critical Role in Developing Export Markets
Ten U.S. cotton organizations have pledged industry contributions in 2018 to support the demand-building activities of Cotton Council International (CCI), the National Cotton Council (NCC) export promotion arm, headquartered in Washington, D.C. “Our growers believe that contributing to CCI is an investment in the future of our industry and ultimately is essential to our success,” Plains Cotton Growers Executive Vice …
NPPC Commends USDA for Maintaining Essential Livestock Market Programs
Two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs critical to the continuity of livestock market operations will continue during the current federal government shutdown. The Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program, managed by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is the sole source of market information on sales to packers of cattle, swine and lambs and on the subsequent sale of meat products. Inspection …
Key Agency Behind in Modernizing Nation’s Food Safety System
Despite recent improvements, a key agency responsible for the nation’s food safety is still way behind in modernizing the nation’s food safety system. That’s from the Food and Drug Administration’s own inspector general and lawmakers who have oversight of the agency .Congress gave the Food and Drug Administration the power years ago to force recalls of food blamed for illness outbreaks.  But …
Cornyn Drawing Up RFS Overhaul Legislation
Texas Republican John Cornyn is drawing up legislation to overhaul the Renewable Fuels Standard. It’s his attempt to end the disagreement between corn-state lawmakers and oil-patch legislators. Cornyn’s office has been hosting talks for several months on altering the nation’s biofuels program and come up with a variety of policy ideas, although they haven’t narrowed down any of the choices …
Arkansas Lawmakers OK Dicamba Ban
Arkansas lawmakers approved, without discussion, a partial-ban on a herbicide that drifts on to other crops where it wasn’t applied and causes damage. An Associated Press report says the prohibition faces a court challenge by the maker of the weed killer. The Legislative Council approved the Arkansas Plant Board plan to ban dicamba use from April 15 through October 31. …
Mexican Ambassador says NAFTA Negotiations Are Making Progress
The Mexican Ambassador to Washington tells Bloomberg that the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have general agreement on 40 percent of the topics being renegotiated in the NAFTA talks. Geronimo Gutierrez says Mexico may also be willing to accept an increase in the minimum regional content for automobiles traded under the deal. Gutierrez says Mexico is focusing on increasing employment, something …
Former Ag Secretary says Trump Understands Importance of NAFTA
Trade negotiators are gearing up for the next round of talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in Canada. Some industry stakeholders are frustrated because they feel not enough progress has been made so far. Mike Johanns, a former Ag Secretary, says, “So far, the negotiations really haven’t gone anywhere.” There are stakeholders in agriculture who wonder if …
Farm Futures Releases 2018 Planting Intentions Survey Results
Farm Futures magazine recently released its survey of 2018 planting intentions, which shows that farmers aren’t quite ready to make major changes to their crop rotations. However, they are going to plant more of what paid best in 2017. For the first time since 1983, farmers want to plant more soybeans than corn. Back then, the government’s PIK program idled …
Secretary Perdue Outlines USDA Services in the Event of a Government Shutdown
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today outlined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) services available in the event of a government shutdown. “USDA is committed to safeguarding life and property through the critical services we provide – and should the government shut down, we will continue to do just that,” said Secretary Perdue. “I am proud of each USDA employee …