Policy Articles
USMCA Vote Possible This Week
Published January 6, 2020
The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to take up the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Tuesday. Approval by the full Senate was expected to happen after the impeachment process, but White House trade advisor Peter Navarro said a vote could take place by…USGC Releases Corn Quality Report
Published January 3, 2020
The U.S. Grains Council’s annual corn harvest quality report cites lower-than-average test weights, slightly higher stress cracks, broken corn and foreign material. That’s not unexpected given the weather-related problems with the 2019 crop. The USGC will share the results in…Heading into ’20, Rolling Stone Takes Aim at MFP Payments
Published January 3, 2020
Rolling Stone magazine is known for its stories on music and pop culture, but an agriculture story is currently the top trending item on its website. The story cites the so-called ‘Trump Money,’ saying it is buying silence from farmers…Japan Agreement Levels Playing Field for U.S. Wheat
Published January 1, 2020
In the new U.S. and Japan trade deal, there is a country-specific quota for wheat and wheat products and a reduction in the mark-up for imported U.S. wheat and barley. U.S. Wheat Associates Vice President of Policy Dalton Henry says…U.S.-Japan Trade Terms Take Effect
Published January 1, 2020
The newly approved trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan is now in effect. Tariffs are lifted on more than $7 billion worth of U.S. agricultural goods. This gives 126 million Japanese consumers will have greater access to American beef,…U.S. Team to Review Brazil Meat Inspection
Published December 31, 2019
A USDA food safety team will travel to Brazil to audit their meat inspection system. This follows a scandal two years ago when Brazilian politicians and meat inspectors were arrested on bribery charges. Contaminated meat was sold, resulting in the…USDA Completes Livestock Dealer Trust Study
Published December 30, 2019
USDA has concluded a study on the recovery of livestock in the case of no payment. Under current law, livestock producers are not automatically entitled to reposes animals they have not received payment for. Instead, the dealer’s bank takes priority…Top Stories of 2019
Published December 30, 2019
1. A Historic Harvest - This past harvest was one for the record books. Farmers struggled with rain, snow and extremely wet field conditions. Root crops endured the most difficult harvest conditions, with the crop left in the ground across…ND Farm Groups Meet to Discuss New Disaster Aid
Published December 30, 2019
In Friday’s roundtable discussion on the new $1.5 billion in disaster aid with North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, local sugar cooperatives expressed appreciation to be part of the WHIP plus program. There are more questions than answers on how this…