Following the president’s announcement of a $12 billion trade assistance package to farmers, the nation’s bankers echoed farmer sentiments, saying producers want free trade and not handouts. A Farm Journal report quotes ag lender Alan Hoskins as saying it’s far too soon to know how beneficial the aid will be. Hoskins did say one thing is clear; it’s not what …
Lighthizer Testimony: NAFTA Deal Possible in August
During congressional testimony on Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told lawmakers that it’s entirely possible that the three North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) members will reach a deal in August. Lighthizer says that would meet the Mexican objective of having current President Enrique Pena Nieto sign the deal before he leaves office in December. Bloomberg says U.S. trade …
Conaway on Trade Meeting with President Trump
Wednesday afternoon, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway attended a meeting at the White House with President Trump to discuss the most recent events with regard to trade. Here are comments made by the chairman following the meeting. Conaway on Trade Meeting Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage DevelopmentMay 22, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to …
NAFTA Back in the Spotlight
The Mexican negotiating team is back in Washington to continue the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation after talks among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada stalled two months ago. The Mexican Economy Minister will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the first time since the Mexican presidential election on July first to formally restart the talks. A …
European Union Agrees to Buy More U.S. Soybeans
President Donald Trump and European Union leaders announced they’ve agreed to work toward “zero tariffs” and “zero subsidies” on a wide range of non-automobile goods. The sides will also work to resolve U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum which are hitting the European markets hard. In a news conference on Wednesday, the President said the EU has agreed to buy …
Trade Assistance Details Still Being Worked Out
The Trump Administration announced its $12 billion plan to help farmers struggling under the escalating trade wars. Politico says there are still important details to be worked out, including just how much help farmers will get and how they’ll prove economic harm. More details are scheduled to come out after Labor Day. USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson says soybean farmers, …
Not All Reactions to Trade Assistance Are Positive
The President’s plan to aid farmers in the midst of the trade war is not sitting well with several groups, including a number of Republicans in Congress. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin says, “This is becoming more and more like a Soviet-style economy here with commissars in the administration figuring out where to sprinkle around benefits.” According to the Hagstrom …
U.S., EU to Talk Trade
President Donald Trump says the U.S. and the European Union should drop all tariffs, subsidies, and barriers. This comes as EU trade officials were set to meet with him on Wednesday. In a Tuesday night Tweet, Trump said “I have an idea for them. Both the U.S. and EU drop all tariffs, barriers, and subsidies. That would finally be a …
Perdue Announces Plan to Help Farmers Hurt by Tariffs
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has unveiled what he has called his “playbook” of programs to help farmers hurt by tariffs. Gary Crawford has the details. Perdue Announces Plan to Help Farmers Hurt by Tariffs And as Gary Crawford reports, USDA’s program to help farmers hurt by trade disruptions also serves some other functions in the process. Plan to Help Farmers …
Higher Inventory and Tariffs Impacting Cattle Markets
The USDA released the Cattle Inventory, July Cattle on Feed, and July Livestock Slaughter reports last week. The Cattle Inventory report provides the first real estimate of the 2018 calf crop, as well as a look at how rapidly the U.S. cattle herd is increasing. The July first all cattle and calves number was one percent higher than last year, …