The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has issued a stark warning to the White House, highlighting the growing economic crisis facing corn producers across the country. In a formal letter, the NCGA detailed how rising fertilizer prices, compounded by low corn prices and trade uncertainty, are creating a dangerous situation for rural America. The letter states: “Unfortunately, the combination of …
Commodity Market Update: Precious Metals Surge While Orange Juice Plummets
With seven months of trade now in the books, we review our list of 48 commodities and their performance since New Year’s. Precious metals, far and away, are leading the list, marking a strong 2025 performance so far. Traders and analysts alike are watching trends closely as metals soar, livestock rises, and trade tensions weigh on grains. Top Commodity Performers …
Cattle Industry Reaction to USTR 301 Investigation of Brazil
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s unfair trade practices, with a sharp focus on agricultural products—especially beef. Southeast AgNet’s Dale Sandlin sat down with Kent Backus, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), to discuss the implications for the U.S. cattle industry and the broader …
Trump Administration Releases Info on Latest Trade Agreements
U.S. Advances Trade Relations with Europe, Japan, and Indonesia The Trump administration recently unveiled several international trade agreements, featuring notable developments for the U.S. agricultural sector. These deals—finalized with the European Union, Japan, and Indonesia—aim to bolster American exports, reduce trade deficits, and eliminate long-standing tariff and non-tariff barriers. Each agreement is strategically designed to create expanded market access for …
Breaking Down Trade Deal Implications on Livestock Sector
As global trade negotiations intensify, recent developments have stirred optimism across the U.S. livestock industry. Kent Backus, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), shared insights into how emerging trade deals and impending tariff deadlines could reshape market access for American beef producers. Rising Pressure Ahead of August 1 Tariff Deadline According to Backus, a …
Deeper Dive on Australia Opening Market to US Beef
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for American Beef Producers Following last week’s landmark announcement that Australia will finally open its market to U.S. beef imports, Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), offered key insights into the development. This decision marks the resolution of a trade issue that has lingered for two decades, despite a …
NCBA Calls Opening of Australian Market to US Beef a Win for Cattle Producers
Australia Reopens Market to U.S. Beef After 20-Year Ban The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is celebrating a major victory for American cattle producers following the reopening of the Australian market to U.S. beef exports. For the first time in two decades, Australia will allow imports of both fresh and frozen beef from the United States, marking a significant shift …
Weekly Wheat, Bean Inspections Increase
USDA Export Data Shows Wheat and Soybean Gains, Corn Slips The latest export inspection report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals notable shifts in American grain movement to international markets. According to data highlighted by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, wheat and soybean inspections for offshore delivery rose significantly over the past week, while corn shipments declined. …
How the Erie Canal Transformed Early Agricultural Trade
Early Transportation Challenges in American Agriculture In the early 1700s, fur traders and trappers faced immense difficulties moving goods through New York’s rugged waterways. They relied on birchbark canoes to travel the rivers and streams of the region. While effective, these vessels were no match for the rapids and waterfalls that dotted the terrain. Canoes had to be unloaded and …
USTR Announces Section 301 Investigation of Brazil
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade practices, signaling a potential shift in long-standing agricultural trade tensions. The investigation, initiated under the Trade Act of 1974, will assess whether Brazil’s policies—including preferential tariffs and restricted ethanol market access—are unfair, discriminatory, or harmful to U.S. commerce. Ethanol Access a Key …