The Department of Agriculture has stopped consideration of a national organic checkoff program. The Agricultural Marketing Service published the proposal this week to terminate the rulemaking for the organic checkoff. …
Farmers Union Urges USDA to Proactively Address Farm Suicide Crisis
The National Farmers Union says many farmers and ranchers are coping with alarming levels of stress, and that farmers and ranchers commit suicide at a rate five times that of …
Equipment Sales Sluggish, but Positive
The latest monthly tractor and combine sales report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers shows increased combine sales. U.S. retail sales of combines jumped almost 59 percent last month, compared …
Farm Bill May Have Enough Votes in House for Passage
The farm bill may have enough votes in the House of Representatives for passage. Politico reports that as the bill is expected to be brought to the House floor this …
Trump Deal on China’s ZTE May Reduce Ag Tariff’s
A possible agreement between President Trump and China that would relax penalties on a Chinese telecom company could ease the agriculture tariff threats. Trump is talking with China to ease …
Starling Moves from White House to USDA
In announcing leadership for Department of Agriculture agencies last week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue also announced the movement of Ray Starling from the White House to USDA. Agri-Pulse reports that …
Canada, China, Talking Trade
Canada and China are seeking a stronger trade relationship. The two countries have agreed to increase collaboration on agriculture, including expanding market access. The move is key to a trade …
USDA Proposes Rule to Eliminate Redundant Hog Carcass Cleaning Regulation
The Department of Agriculture last week proposed to amend federal meat inspection regulations to repeal what USDA calls a redundant regulatory requirement for hog slaughter establishments. The Food Safety and …
Perdue Names Bruce Summers AMS Administrator
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of Bruce Summers as the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), part of the …
House Will Take Up Farm Bill This Week
Kevin McCarthy, the House Majority Leader, says Congress will take up the farm bill debate sometime within the week. The House schedule has the week’s session running from Tuesday through …
NAFTA Clock Is Ticking
The Trump Administration is working against the clock to get the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations done in time for a vote during this year’s December session of …
Agriculture Prominent in U.S. and China Discussions
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross gave testimony to a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Thursday, during which trade with China was a key topic. Channel News Asia Dot Com says Ross …
St. Louis Fed Survey Shows Farm Income Down Once Again
Farm income declined in the first quarter of 2018, the 17th-consecutive quarter of lower income numbers. The latest Agricultural Finance Monitor, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, …
Secretary Perdue Names FSA Administrator
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). In his role, …