Agriculture Policy News
From federal agencies to state governments, actions taken by elected officials and policymakers have a direct impact on America’s farmers and ranchers. Stay up-to-date on all things related to policy, including cabinet leadership, the farm bill, farmer-support programs, market access, environmental regulations, labor availability and the health of the ag economy.
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Latest Agriculture Policy News
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) suspended imports of live cattle and bison from Mexico on Nov. 22, 2024, following the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) along Mexico’s southern border.
Canada is preparing for potential trade challenges following Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The Canadian government is considering a proactive approach, including the possible early release of a retaliatory tariff list.
Trudeau also announced parliament would be prorogued, or suspended, until March 24. That means an election is unlikely before May at the earliest, so Trudeau will remain in charge - at least initially - of dealing with the threat of crippling tariffs once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), commits to fast-tracking Trump’s legislative agenda by May, which is perhaps the biggest bill in American history. There will be unprecedented spending cuts to help pay for it all, along with newly proposed tariffs on imported goods.
A new economic study paints a troubling picture of the potential results a renewed U.S./China trade war could have on farmers and the ag sector.
The Senate kicked off quietly as the House steals the spotlight to start 2025. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) plans to pass individual appropriations bills and a farm bill as well as focus on regular order and extended floor debates.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) criticized the Biden administration for allegedly conducting secretive renegotiations of key trade agreements.
The first trading day of 2025 saw the U.S. dollar hit a two-year high, but the strength of the dollar in 2024 also had a major impact on commodity markets.
Here’s a snapshot of distribution by state and crop as well as per-acre payment rates by crop for the $9.8 billion in market relief payments for farmers.
The mere threat of his universal tariffs is sparking a scramble that’s leaving the global trading system prone to bottlenecks, saddled with higher costs and vulnerable to disruptions should an economic shock come along.