In a letter to President Donald Trump this week, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy are asking for help “in urgently addressing China’s recent implementation of protectionist trade barriers that are shutting out U.S. exports of ethanol and distillers dried grains (DDGS).” Specifically, the three groups are asking the incoming U.S. Trade Representative to put …
A “Huge Victory:” Cattlemen Hail U.S. House Passage of Resolution to Repeal BLM’s Planning 2.0 Rule
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) today hailed U.S. House passage of a resolution that would repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Planning 2.0 Rule, calling it a “huge victory” for America’s ranchers. If the U.S. Senate also quickly passes the resolution, it would go to the White House for President Trump’s signature.
Strong Finish for 2016 Red Meat Exports, New Volume Record for Pork
U.S. pork and beef exports wrapped up an excellent 2016 performance with very strong December results, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Pork export volume reached a record 2.31 million metric tons (mt) in 2016, up 8 percent year-over-year and 2 percent above the previous high in 2012. Export value increased 7 percent from a year …
Net Farm Income Expected to Dip further in 2017
Highlights From the February 2017 Farm Income Forecast Farm sector profitability measures are mixed for 2017. A narrow cash-based measure, net cash farm income, is forecast to rise by $1.6 billion to $93.5 billion from the 2016 value, an increase of 1.8 percent. In contrast, net farm income is forecast to decline by 8.7 percent to $62.3 billion, the fourth …
USDA Reminds Individuals and Small Businesses in Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi that USDA Offers Disaster Assistance Programs to Help
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses that could potentially be affected by the recent storms that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters. USDA staff in the regional, State and county offices in the states of Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi are ready to help. USDA encourages residents …
U.S. Trends in Food Availability
by Jeanine Bentley, Economic Research Service What Is the Issue? Since 1970, the U.S. obesity rate has almost tripled for adults and more than tripled for children and adolescents. Growing concern over the health of the American population from poor dietary habits and physical inactivity has concentrated attention on the food Americans eat, as well as how Americans could better meet …
National Dairy Promotion and Research Board Members Appointed
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 12 members to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. All appointees’ terms will begin immediately and end Oct. 31, 2019. Newly appointed members are: Arlene J. Vander Eyk (Region 2); Stephen D. Maddox (Region 2); Manuel C. Caballero (Region 3); Connie M. Seefeldt (Region 6); Bobby L. Combs (Region …
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Confirmed in South Korea
South Korea has confirmed the presence of foot-and-mouth disease at a dairy farm this week, the first confirmation in the country in nearly a year. Government officials say there is another suspected case in the nation, though it has yet to be confirmed.
U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Supporting Zinke as Secretary of Interior
The United States Cattlemen’s Association Tuesday announced its support for Congressman Ryan Zinke, the nominee by President Donald Trump to the Secretary of Interior position. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved President Trump’s nominee for the position by a vote of 16-6 on January 31st.
Heitkamp First Democrat to Back USDA Nominee Perdue
North Dakota Democrat, Senator Heidi Heitkamp this week endorsed Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue. Heitkamp is the first Democrat in the Senate to endorse President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Agriculture.