A recent report from Rabobank shows dryness in the south is pointing towards tightening of beef supplies. The Rabobank Beef Quarterly report shows beef cow slaughter numbers are up ten …
USDA Will Not Recognize Third-Party Inspections Regarding Animal Welfare
The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, will not establish new criteria for recognizing third-party inspection and certification programs when determining the Agency’s own inspection …
Reminder: MPP Enrollment Deadline Looming
Dairy farmers have until Friday to enroll in the retooled dairy Margin Protection Program. The Department of Agriculture set a June first deadline for enrollment in the program that was …
Dairy Groups Ask for Original Oversight
U.S. dairy producers and manufacturers offered to collaborate with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue fostering dairy food safety and job growth, as the agency develops procedures …
Trade Retaliation Hurting U.S. Pork Producers
Producer Losses at $2.2 Billion Since March 1 The National Pork Producers called for a swift resolution of the United States-China trade dispute, paving the way for increased U.S. pork exports to the world’s largest pork-consuming nation. According to Iowa …
Ross Heading to China June 2-4
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will be in China June 2-4 for another round of talks amid trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Reuters says The trade dispute …
Grassley-Conaway Subsidy Feud Escalates
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley had some harsh words for House Ag Committee Chair Mike Conaway of Texas. The Grassley response came as Conaway said Grassley is wrong “every single time” …
OTA: Higher Organic Standards Up to Industry
The USDA recently withdrew its organic livestock and checkoff rules, which signals that the agency likely won’t be setting any higher standards for the organic seal. Laura Batcha, CEO of …
Brazil Truck Drivers Quit Working Because of High Diesel Prices
Brazilian truck drivers were protesting high diesel prices for a fourth day this week on Thursday. The truckers don’t plan to quit with blockades until measures to reduce fuel taxes …
Rural Mainstreet Index Chief Eyeing Two Economic Red Flags
The Rural Mainstreet Index has been steadily climbing over the last four months, signaling improving conditions in farm country. However, the man behind the RMI, Ernie Goss from Creighton University, …
Dairy Farmers Have Until June 1 to Apply for Improved Safety Net under MPP
Many Participants Will Receive Payments Beginning in Early June The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy farmers of the June 1 deadline to enroll in the improved Margin Protection Program …
Action Taken Against Canadian Trade Measures That Discriminate Against U.S. Wine
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer announced that the Trump Administration has requested that the World Trade Organization (WTO) establish a dispute settlement panel …
Cattle Groups Applaud Introduction of Livestock Hauling Bill
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, as well as the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, were both pleased with the introduction of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act on Wednesday. The NCBA …
USDA Heavily Involved in Trade Talks
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service has been “intimately involved” with U.S. trade negotiators and will be included in an upcoming trip to China. Politico says the U.S. delegation will be …