For quite some time, cattle producers have seen the decline of a negotiated fed cattle trade, an issue the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has been discussing on how to increase opportunities for producer profitability. This week, Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-4) introduced the Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021 in the U.S. House of Representatives. If enacted, the bill would direct …
White House Task Force to Examine Supply Chain Disruptions
The White House Tuesday announced a task force focused on short-term supply chain disruptions. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was named co-chair of the task force, along with the Secretaries of Commerce and Transportation. The Department of Agriculture says the task force will convene stakeholders to diagnose problems and find solutions that could help alleviate bottlenecks and supply constraints related to …
Florida Immigration Fight to be Heard in September
(NSF/June 6, 2021) — A federal appeals court will hear arguments in September in Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s challenge to immigration-enforcement moves by the Biden administration. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled arguments the week of Sept. 20 in Miami, according to court documents. Moody went to the appeals court last month after U.S. District Judge …
Gary Black Launches Senate Campaign
Asks GOP Convention: “Are You Satisfied or Sickened by Liberal Agenda of Inflation, High Gas Prices, Erosion of Constitution?” JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – Gary Black, GA’s Agriculture Commissioner who received more votes than any candidate for U.S. Senate or Governor in 2018 and 2014, launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Raphael Warnock. “Warnock and Biden …
DeSantis Signs Budget, Vetoes $1.5 Billion
(TALLAHASSEE/June 2, 2021) — While pointing to an economic resurgence amid the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday used his line-item veto power to slash $1.5 billion as he signed a record $100 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. DeSantis described the spending plan as reflecting “a state government that is meeting the core concerns of Floridians,” during …
NCBA Pushes Congress to Address Areas of Concern
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), with the support of 37 affiliate state cattle organizations, sent a letter this week to the leadership of the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees urging them to address critical areas of concern in the cattle and beef industry. Specifically, NCBA pushed Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Rep. David Scott (D-GA-13), and Rep. …
Groups Ask Court to Vacate Trump Water Rule
Environmental groups have asked a federal court to vacate the Navigable Waters Protection Act enacted during the Trump Administration. The motion for a summary judgment comes as the Biden administration continues to review the existing water rule. DTN says the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League filed the motion in a South Carolina U.S. District Court. They asked the court to …
Trump Backs Simpson for Agriculture Commissioner
(Tuesday, May 11, 2021/NSF) — Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, in a potential run for state agriculture commissioner. “Wilton Simpson has done an outstanding job as President of the Florida State Senate, and I hope he runs for Florida Agriculture Commissioner in 2022 —- he will have my complete and total endorsement!” …
Lawmakers Seek Level Playing Field for U.S. Pork Producers in Vietnam
More than 70 U.S. lawmakers sent a letter this week to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai seeking her support for enhanced Vietnamese market access for U.S. pork. Vietnam represents a tremendous opportunity for U.S. pork exports, and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) appreciates the tremendous support for one of its top trade priorities. In a release, NPPC President Jen Sorenson said, “We …
Record Florida Budget Awaits Governor’s Approval
When the 2021 Florida Legislative Session wrapped up last Friday, it capped off a session where lawmakers passed a record $101.5 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that starts July 1. According to the News Service of Florida, with the Covid-19 pandemic severely damaging the state’s economy last year, lawmakers feared they could face a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. But, …