The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Valent USA have created the Soy Leaders of the Future program to provide an understanding of agriculture policy and tools to advocate effectivly. Classes begin this summer on July 10-13 in Washington D.C., in association with the ASA Board Meeting and Soy Issues Briefing. The new Soy Leaders of the Future program, sponsored by … Read More
Secretary Perdue Visits Iowa
It was a sunny day in Iowa Friday for the visit of new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at Couser Cattle Company. The Secretary was welcomed by Bill, Nancy and Tim Couser, as well as Iowa Senators Joni Erst and Chuck Grassley, and Rep. Steve King. Looking comfortable in worn jeans, the new secretary bragged about the value of American … Read More
DOC Announces Action Over Mexican Sugar
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced they will end the current antidumping and countervailing duty suspension agreements with Mexico and impose duties on imported sugar unless the two countries reach an agreement to end Mexico’s unfair trade practices by June 5. Previously the DOC and Mexico had negotiated agreements, but after two years the DOC recognizes the agreements are … Read More
Perdue Answers Questions From NAFTA to Wildfires
Yesterday newly confirmed Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue spent his third day on the job visiting the USDA office in Kansas City, Missouri. He also addressed members of the press, answering questions on topics from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to wildfires. “I was a grain trader, and President Trump is a trader,” Perdue said when asked about … Read More
Perdue Officially Confirmed as Secretary of Ag
The U.S. Senate has formally confirmed the nomination of George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue III to serve as the 31st Secretary of Agriculture with a final vote of 87 to 11. Perdue is an agribusinessman, veterinarian, state legislator, and former governor of Georgia. He grew up working on his family farm in central Georgia, making him the fourth agriculture secretary who … Read More
Seed Industry Takes Capitol Hill
Members of the American Seed Trade Association are coming together to tell the story of the seed industry to members of Congress. Participants hope to highlight the 2017 ASTA priorities, including the need for a strong trade agenda, funding for key research and science programs through the USDA, the need to review the Food Safety Modernization Act, and policies that align with … Read More
Ag Groups Testify at House Hearing
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Wesley Spurlock, and American Soybean Association (ASA) President Ron Moore both addressed the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management earlier this week. Both testimonies spoke about the need for a strong risk management plan in a weak farm economy, noting the current prices of both corn and soybeans. “Farm prices … Read More
Chairman Roberts Highlights Need for Conservation
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, (R-Kan), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, spoke with members of the National Association of Conservation Districts, highlighting the importance of voluntary conservation programs in the upcoming farm bill. “The conservation districts are the perfect example where we see coordination in government working at its best – bringing together federal, state, local … Read More
Conservation District Officials Take on Capitol Hill
The National Association of Conservation Districts took on Capitol Hill just days after President Trump’s disappoint budget proposal. Members of the group addressed conservation programs in the farm bill, funding of conservation program, technical assistance for conservation efforts, as well as voluntary conservation as they made their visits. “Today our members will hit the halls of Congress to meet with … Read More
Ag Groups Ask Congress to Strengthen Safety Net
A total of 18 agriculture groups representing everything from sorghum to sunflowers, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, sent a letter to the congressional budget and appropriates committees asking for an increase in funding in the 2018 farm bill. The letter emphasizes the need for a strong safety net in light of the current economic conditions, pointing out the 50 … Read More