Infrastructure
Rural America, and farmers especially are skeptical to put it mildly about electric vehicles and tractors. John Phipps says this attitude is reasonable, but also myopic, and explains why in John’s World.
Unions are arguing railroads haven’t done enough to address worker concerns, largely surrounding working conditions and paid time off.
John Phipps already talked about the numerous plans to build semiconductor factories. The key word is “plans”. This enthusiasm to spend billions, much of it government money, may not generate the results we imagine.
Friday brought mixed news for the economy. So, is the U.S. officially in a recession? K-State economists say it’s more important to watch changes in behaviors versus debating the definition of recession.
Agriculture isn’t out of the woods regarding rail transportation issues as new demands are being made by at least one union.
“The low water disruption will be felt not only by our U.S. producers of food, farm, and fiber but also by U.S. and international consumers as well,” says Friedmann of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition.
A labor strike along U.S. railroads is still a possibility after the third-largest railroad union rejected a tentative labor agreement this week. The agreement had the support of the White House.
The U.S. is projected to have record ag exports for the marketing year but is still posting a trade deficit. Plus, headwinds such as slow water levels on the Mississippi River are adding to trade concerns.
We often hear about government funding but little about how it is actually being used. These 289 projects funded by the USDA will cover everything from solar arrays to grain dryers.
Would repealing the Jones Act have an economic effect on agriculture? John Phipps explains why repealing the act would be minimally beneficial for some industries, but have a major impact on others in the U.S.