All available ag lending money the government had was given out to farmers during the last fiscal year to help them through the worst economic downturn in decades. An Associated Press article says, despite that, no one who qualifies for a farm loan will be turned down over the next four months, thanks in part to an unusual item recently …
Ag Secretary Search to Continue
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller is the next candidate to meet with Trump Transition Team officials this week. Politico’s Morning Agriculture Report says Miller may be a bit of a long shot, but he’ll meet with incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Prebius and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon at Trump Tower this week.
Wind Turbines May Benefit Crops
An Iowa State University study is suggesting that turbines used to capture wind energy may have a benefit on crops in the fields. Gene Takle, a distinguished professor of both Agronomy as well as Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, says wind turbines disbursed throughout a field may create air turbulence that helps plants by affecting different variables, including air temperature and …
South American Soybean Harvest Underway
Brazil soybean harvest is just underway in Matto Grosso, getting started a few days before Christmas. Pro Farmer’s First Thing Today says soybean harvest in Parana should get going within the next ten days.
Trump Ban on Lobbyists Counter Productive
The incoming Donald Trump administration has a ban in place preventing lobbyists from working in the administration. Chris Novak, National Corn Growers Association CEO, says that’s going to present challenges.
Food Prices Down as Biodiesel Production Grows
Consumers are paying less for food this year as the Consumer Price Index for grocery store items is 2.3 percent lower than last year, all while biodiesel production is higher than ever. The National Biodiesel Board says: “More biodiesel production helps the food supply, despite what opponents incorrectly claim.” Biodiesel production has grown steadily most years since Congress enacted the …
Cardiovascular Disease and Red Meat Consumption
Consuming red meat in amounts above what is typically recommended does not affect short-term cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure and blood cholesterol, according to a new review of clinical trials from Purdue University. While during the last 20 years, there have been recommendations to eat less red meat as part of a healthier diet, red meat can …
HPAI Outbreaks in Asia, Europe Prompting Biosecurity Measures
New outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Asia and Europe have prompted more extensive biosecurity measures. Meat Industry Publication Meatingplace reports those measures include bans on poultry and poultry product imports.
USCA Requests Status on U.S. Beef Trade with China
The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association last week requested an update on the status of trade negotiations with China about the export of U.S. beef.
Canada-U.S. Trade Not Broken, No Need for Trump Fix
Canada’s trade minister says the world-leading trade relationship between Canada and the United States does not need to be on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s list of things to fix once he takes office.