U.S. tractor sales in March increased six percent compared to a year ago. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers released its monthly sales report this week. The report shows that for the first three months in 2017, a total of 42,033 tractors were sold which compares to 39,878 sold through March 2016, representing a five percent increase for the year. For …
NFU Urging Trump to Keep U.S. in Paris Climate Agreement
As President Donald Trump weighs the merits of keeping the United States in the Paris Agreement, National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging the administration to maintain U.S. commitments to global leadership on climate change. The Paris Agreement is vital to enhancing the climate resiliency of family farm operations and rural communities, and it allows family farmers and ranchers to …
Senators Ask Administration to Act on Dairy Trade Barriers by Canada
A group of Senators is urging the Donald Trump administration to act against what they call trade barriers restricting U.S. dairy farmers access to Canada. New York Democrats Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, along with Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin, sent a letter to the Trump administration saying the trade barriers are hurting American dairy farmers and processors. The letter was …
World Trade Expanding Amid Deep Uncertainty
The World Trade Organization says world trade is on track to expand 2.4 percent this year, although there is “deep uncertainty” about economic and policy developments in the United States. The WTO says clarity is needed on President Donald Trump’s trade policies. The WTO pushed against trade protectionism in comments as a spokesperson said: “we should see trade as part …
Conaway Statement on GAO Food Aid Report
Earlier this week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) publicly released a report on the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) implementation and oversight of additional food aid flexibility authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Under the 2014 Farm Bill, USAID is authorized to use up to 20 percent of Food for Peace (Title II) funds for administrative purposes, now interpreted …
Senate Signs Off on Negron Water Plan
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida Plans for a $1.5 billion reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, questioned by sugar farmers and House leaders, received overwhelming Senate approval after nearly three hours of discussion and debate Wednesday. A priority of Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, the bill (SB 10) seeks to lessen the recurrence of toxic green algae harming …
Problem Expands for Avocado Growers
by Brad Buck, University of Florida,/IFAS 9 beetle species carry deadly fungus Many people love their avocados – not to mention guacamole dip. So it was bad enough when scientists said a beetle was ravaging avocado trees in South Florida. Then scientists found out that the redbay ambrosia beetle — originally determined to transmit laurel wilt — is rare in …
USDA Offering Renewal Options for Expiring CSP Contracts
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced (NRCS) recently announced that a contract renewal sign-up is underway for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS Acting Chief, Leonard Jordan, says this signup is for participants with existing CSP contracts that expire on December 31. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, …
Canada Farmland Values Up 10 Percent
Farm Credit Canada announced this week farmland prices in Canada increased 10 percent last year as the nation’s property boom is spreading to agriculture. A report by Farm Credit Canada found the average price of farmland across Canada increased 10.1 percent in 2016 as low-interest rates and strong crop income helped maintain demand. The 2016 increase, according to the report, …
Grassley Bill Would Ban Packer Ownership of Livestock
A bill reintroduced in the U.S. Senate last week by Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley seeks to ban packer ownership of livestock. A news release from his office says the Senator is concerned about the continued impact of consolidation within the livestock industry. Grassley says over the last several decades large packing companies in the poultry and pork industries have …