Illinois River

Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade

Dan Agri-Business, American Agriculture History Minute, Export/Import, Exports/Imports, This Land of Ours, Trade

A Vital Waterway in the Heart of the Midwest The Illinois River has long been an essential part of America’s agricultural history. Stretching 273 miles, the river begins at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers in the Chicago metropolitan area. From there, it flows southwest across the state of Illinois, eventually joining the mighty Mississippi River near …

China trade talks

Trade Agreement Talks Between US China Progressing

Dan Export/Import, Exports/Imports, Tariff, Trade

Trump-Xi Call Unlikely to Move Trade Talks, But TikTok Agreement Signals Possibility A much-anticipated phone call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for tomorrow, but expectations for a breakthrough on trade are low. While the discussion is unlikely to alter the course of U.S.-China trade relations, some analysts believe any diplomatic engagement is a positive …

usmca

US Canada Mexico Begin Trade Consultations

Dan Agri-Business, Export/Import, Exports/Imports, Trade

U.S., Mexico, and Canada Begin Formal Consultations Ahead of 2026 USMCA Review The United States, Canada, and Mexico are officially launching consultations in preparation for the 2026 review of the USMCA trade agreement, according to announcements made Tuesday by U.S. and Mexican officials. “The U.S., Canada and Mexico are set to formally begin consultations ahead of the review of their …

China

Trump and Modi Signal Restart of U.S.-India Trade Talks Amid Tariff and Oil Dispute

Dale Sandlin Trade

In a positive turn for international trade relations, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both expressed a commitment to resume U.S.-India trade negotiations, hinting at a possible resolution to recent tensions. The move comes after weeks of diplomatic strain between the two countries, sparked by disagreements over tariffs and India’s Russian oil purchases. However, this week …

trade plan

What’s Next After the Section 301 Hearing on Brazil’s Unfair Trade Practices?

Dale Sandlin Industry, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Trade

Last week, we reported on the Section 301 hearing addressing Brazil’s unfair trade practices and their impact on U.S. agriculture and trade sectors. To better understand the path forward, we spoke with Kent Bacus, Executive Director of Government Affairs with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), who provided insight into the process now underway. “Now that USTR and the government-wide …

ncba

Georgia Leaders Travel to Brazil to Expand Agricultural Investment and Market Access

Dale Sandlin Trade

In a strategic move to expand Georgia agriculture exports and attract international investment, Governor Brian Kemp recently led a trade delegation to Brazil, joined by state leaders including Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper. The mission focused on increasing market access, building trade relationships, and exploring new opportunities for Georgia-grown commodities. Commissioner Harper shared insights from the trip, emphasizing the …

trade plan

President Trump Signs Landmark U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Benefiting American Agriculture and Industry

Dale Sandlin Trade

In a major development for international trade and domestic economic growth, President Trump signed an executive order last week implementing the U.S.-Japan trade framework agreement announced in late July. This new trade deal is valued at over $15 billion and marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the United States and Japan. The agreement secures vital access to …

barge traffic

Lower Water Levels in Mississippi River

Dan Agri-Business, Export/Import, Trade, Water

Mississippi River Hits Historic Low for Fourth Year, Disrupting Grain Transport The Mississippi River south of St. Louis is once again experiencing dangerously low water levels as the region enters the fall harvest season. For the fourth consecutive year, water levels have dropped to critical lows, significantly impacting grain transportation, barge traffic, and cash basis prices at river terminals. “Lower …

ncba

NCBA Testifies At 301 Hearing For Brazil Investigation

Dan Agri-Business, Beef, Cattle, Export/Import, Exports/Imports, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Trade

NCBA Urges Suspension of Brazilian Beef Imports in Section 301 Investigation The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has taken a strong stance in the ongoing Section 301 Investigation into Brazil’s trade practices, voicing serious concerns about Brazil’s treatment of U.S. beef and long-standing food safety issues. Earlier this week, the U.S. International Trade Commission held a hearing to investigate whether …

Pork

National Pork Producers Share Optimism in US EU Trade Framework

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Export/Import, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Pork, Tariff, Trade

National Pork Producers Council Optimistic About US-EU Trade Agreement Framework The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has expressed optimism regarding the recently released trade agreement framework between the United States and the European Union. The framework includes targeted efforts to address longstanding trade imbalances that have impacted the pork industry for decades. National Pork Producers Council President Duane Stateler shared …