Farmer concern regarding low prices and the farm economy led to a sharp drop in the August Ag Economy Barometer. The Perdue/CME Group economic measure fell 29 points last month to a reading of 124. The barometer’s decline was attributed to declines in both the Index of Current Conditions, which dropped 19 points, and…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Dairy Coalition Questions EPA Nitrate Study
The American Dairy Coalition wants a scientific review of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2013 nitrate report. In a letter to EPA Director Andrew Wheeler, the coalition says the 2013 report never received a proper scientific review, and is a “flawed and damaging” report. The EPA Yakima Nitrate Report began in 2010 and was published…… MORE
U.S.-Japan Reach Trade Agreement
The United States and Japan reached an agreement over the weekend on an agriculture-related trade deal. The agreement, according to President Trump, will lower tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods, although specific details have not been announced. President Trump during a news conference on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, says the U.S.…… MORE
USDA Mailing Trade Aid Checks
Farm Service Agency director Richard Fordyce says the first payments are being mailed out now, and farmers are reporting receiving the checks. Round one of the three potential payments is 50% of the overall amount farmers may receive. USDA expects up to $14.5 billion of payments will be sent to farmers, pending on the trade…… MORE
Farm Computer Ownership and Usage
The Department of Agriculture says computer ownership and usage among farmers increased over the last two years. The Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report released last week updated numbers from 2017, as the report is compiled during odd-numbered years and released in August. The new data shows 75% of farms reported having access to…… MORE
Dairy Seeks Swift Trade Deal with Japan
A coalition of U.S. dairy groups is urging the Trump administration to reach a trade agreement with Japan quickly. More than 70 dairy groups and companies sent a letter to Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue this week asking the administration to finalize a strong trade deal with Japan. The coalition,…… MORE
Decrease in Poultry Antibiotics Study
A new report on antimicrobial use in broiler chicken and turkey farms shows antibiotics use has decreased from 93% to 17% since 2013. The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association announced the findings as part of its commitment to transparency and sustainability. The report represents a 5 year data set, collected between 2013 and 2017.…… MORE
Wheat Farmers Angry About Trump Comments
President Donald Trump’s recent comments on wheat exports to Japan have generated some negative press among one of his biggest groups of supporters. The Hagstrom Report says when the president was speaking in Pennsylvania, one of the topics was the U.S. trade deficit with Japan. Trump said, “They send thousands, even millions of cars…… MORE
Ag Retailers Association Supports Hours of Service Reforms
The Agricultural Retailers Association supports the proposed reform to hours of service published this week by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says the proposed changes will improve safety and flexibility for commercial drivers. ARA says the reforms, including the short haul exemption expansion for CDL drivers to…… MORE
Trump Delays Tariff Hike
The Trump administration will delay part of a planned tariff increase on China until December. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office made the announcement that the administration would not implement the planned tariffs. Instead, the tariffs will be implemented December 15th. USTR Robert Lighthizer says certain products are even being removed from the tariff list…… MORE
