Ag Policy
The massive bill faced two major hurdles, passing out of both the House Agriculture and House Ways and Means Committees. While the legislation is filled with positive tax provisions for farmers, potential cuts to SNAP are creating controversy.
NCBA applauds Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ aggressive efforts to suspend Mexican cattle, horse and bison imports, saying Mexico’s corruption and mismanagement has caused the pest to spread closer to the U.S.
NPPC President Duane Stateler says it’s just as critical – if not more – that the House Agriculture Committee keeps its promise to take action on a solution to the many problems triggered by California Proposition 12.
Winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to NPPC’s Fall Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C.
U.S. pork exported to China will still face a minimum total tariff rate of 57%. Previously, U.S. pork was tariffed at 172%, which makes it impossible for U.S. pork producers to compete in that market.
USMEF’s Dan Halstrom says he is hopeful pork is not only part of the agreement, but that non-tarriff issues would be addressed as well in the new U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal.
Illinois pig farmers produce over 6 billion slices of bacon annually. Illinois legislators say that’s a major reason to celebrate and designate May 7 as Illinois Bacon Day.
As trade negotiations continue with China and Mexico, USMEF’s Dan Halstrom and Illinois pig farmer Chad Leman share their perspectives on what’s ahead for pork and beef producers.
Accounting for about 15% of USDA’s total workforce and representing FSA, NRCS, FSIS, APHIS and other departments, 3,877 staff signed contracts in February for the first deferred resignation program and 11,305 in the second round in April.
Agriculture is an export dependent business. At peak uncertainty, the industry could go either way: Gain ground with new trade deals or take a big hit as exports further decline.
Dozens of speakers told EPA and the Corps that ag has borne the brunt of unclear, inconsistent regulations for too long.
Mexico has committed to eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft and waive customs duties on eradication equipment aiding in the response to the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS).
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on a tour of Texas, including a stop at a family farm. USDA says the trip focused on food security and learning how farmers are working to make America healthy again.
Following the announcement that criminal charges against Charles and Heather Maude were being dropped, USDA asks any other individuals or businesses to submit their concerns and experiences so the agency can address their situation.
USDA reports this is the largest cancellation of U.S. pork since May 2020, early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Economist Brett Stuart says it’s time to panic slowly, but the story is not over yet.
The court ruled the EPA’s decision was not “arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to law.”
John Block shares an insider’s perspective on the challenges faced by farmers and policymakers alike.
FSIS responds to feedback shared in public comment period regarding its approach for addressing Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. Here’s how this reaches beyond poultry.
Ocean shipping transports about 80% of global trade — from coal and corn to bananas and cement. The revisions tackle major concerns from the global maritime industry that feared virtually every cargo carrier could face steep, stacking fees.
A recent court injunction delayed the state’s Feral Swine Bill from going into effect in late March, to the dismay of Ohio pork producers.
The tit-for-tat on tariffs between the U.S. and China continues, with China announcing on Friday a new rate of 125%, which is up from the 84% announced earlier this week. That pushes the tariff on U.S. pork and pork variety meat to 172%. The new soybean tariff is more than 150%.
Although vague, Trump’s comments during his Cabinet meeting are the most detailed the administration has provided on the fate of farmworkers without legal status — who make up half the farm sector’s workforce — under his plan for mass deportations.
With four companies controlling 85% of the beef market and 67% of pork, four U.S. senators are seeking to beef up enforcement of anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry.
Arlan Suderman, StoneX Chief Commodities Economist says the markets reacted positively to the 90-day delay on reciprocal tariffs for countries that reached out to negotiate with the U.S. and did not retaliate.
California’s Proposition 12 has devastated family farms, fueled market consolidation and increased food costs. Legislators brought forward The Food Security and Farm Protection Act to protect farmers and consumers from “burdensome government overreach.”
After China retaliated with its own tariffs, the U.S. said on Tuesday that 104% duties on imports from China would take effect shortly after midnight, even as the Trump administration moved to quickly start talks with other trading partners targeted by Trump’s sweeping tariff plan.
Trust, certainty and stability are key to building and maintaining relationships with trade partners, says NPPC president Duane Stateler.
Non-tariff barriers, which also include food safety regulations, are “orders of magnitude” more important than tariff rates.
How is the U.S. pork industry reacting to China slapping an additional 34% tariff on U.S. pork exports?
China accounted for 14% of total U.S. beef export volume last year and 15% of export value as well as 15% of total U.S. pork export volume and 13% of export value, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation.