Nominee’s for The Department of Agriculture’s political post within the agency are expected within a month or so. Sources close to the Secretary have allegedly told Politico that Perdue has made his picks for key positions within USDA, and those picks could be announced in June. There are nearly a dozen political positions that require confirmation by the U.S. Senate, …
Canada: NAFTA Talks to Start in August
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister told the nation’s lawmakers this week negotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement would start in August, the earliest possible by U.S. law. Chrystia Freeland briefed Canadian lawmakers Monday on the negotiation process. She says a time crunch is looming, with the U.S. and Mexico in the biggest hurry to start talks. The Canadian Press …
First Cases of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed in Florida
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in coordination with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, announced that the University of Florida has confirmed seven cases of H3N2 canine influenza virus, a.k.a. “dog flu.” Six additional results for the virus are pending. All dogs being treated are in stable condition. There is no evidence that H3N2 canine …
Southeast Landowners Reminded about Longleaf Pine Initiative
Landowners across the Southeast are being reminded about the Longleaf Pine Initiative (LLPI) through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. The program, which started back in 2010, helps agricultural producers and conservation partners restore longleaf forests. NRCS Acting Chief, Leonard Jordan, explains why restoration efforts of longleaf pine forests are so important. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundAugust 29, 2024CIR Agriculture …
Farmers Support Proposed Revisions to Peanut Quality Standards
The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) supports a recommendation from the Peanut Standards Board to revise the minimum quality and handling standards for domestic and imported peanuts marketed in the U.S. The proposed rule, issued May 25 in the Federal Register, would relax the allowance for damaged kernels in farmers’ stock peanuts when sorting and determining segregation. The Peanut Standards …
UF Scientists Prepare for Devastating Pest in China Before it Makes its Way to U.S.
A previously unrecognized pest is making a name for itself devastating American sweetgum trees in China. Now, University of Florida researchers fear the insect will make its way to the United States and devastate its sweetgum trees. The bug was so obscure it recently had no scientific name until researchers realized it was responsible for the death of thousands of …
Farm Machinery Markets Beginning to Stabilize
A DTN article says signs are showing that the farm machinery industry is starting to stabilize after prices had been free falling for some time. “We are seeing signs that after several years of steep declines, key agricultural markets may be stabilizing,” says Samuel Allen, John Deere Chairman, and CEO. That doesn’t mean farmers have started to replace the equipment …
China Issues “Wish List” for U.S. Trade
China has issued a list of concessions that it says can help deliver a “win-win” trade relationship with America. The list is part of an 117-page document released Thursday by the Ministry of Commerce. China would like to improve infrastructure cooperation with the U.S. and accept greater imports of goods ranging from soybeans to aircraft. The report acknowledges the Trump …
USDA Revises Angus Certification Requirements
The USDA Ag Marketing Service announced this week that it’s revising the live animal specification used for all Angus Certification Programs. The goal is to reflect changes in cattle genetics and marketing, with the proposals to take effect on July 1. A Meating Place Dot Com article says the revised specifications for phenotypic evaluations require that cattle have a main …
Oklahoma Beef Council Embezzler Pleads Guilty
Former Oklahoma Beef Council employee Melissa Mortenson pled guilty this week to embezzling $2.6 million from the beef checkoff over the course of seven years. She now awaits sentencing from the court. The Beef Council Board of Directors says this is a significant step towards bringing the criminal matter to a conclusion. “We are indebted to federal investigators for the …