The U.S. EPA announced last week it will propose a rule to rescind the controversial definition of the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) in the Clean Water Act.
USDA estimates bean acres up 7 percent over last year
Farmers are expected to plant record high soybean acreage this year, the USDA said Friday. Corn and wheat acreage are forecast to be down. Soybean acreage is expected to be 89.5 million acres, up 7 percent from last year’s 83.4 million. The projected area for harvest, at 88.7 million acres, is up from 82.7 million.
Farm groups seek major changes to USDA’s proposed biotech regs
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and more than 100 other national farm groups are requesting the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) make major changes to proposed revisions to its biotechnology regulations, to “ensure the new rules encourage innovation.”
Bilateral pacts may be option between U.S. and TPP nations
The United States may need to consider bilateral trade agreements with countries still in the Transpacific Partnership (TPP), in light of America’s withdrawal from the pact, according to a National Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc. (NCBA) official.
China beef exports expected to increase value of U.S. grain
U.S. beef producers learned last month the Chinese export market had reopened to them for the first time since 2003 – a market worth an estimated $2.6 billion to the U.S. beef industry, according to House Committee on Agriculture and others.
Illinois leaders watch for Cuba response to Trump cancelation
Those favoring the expansion of agricultural trade with Cuba, including several Illinois elected leaders, are decrying President Donald Trump’s decree that the United States would “cancel” most aspects of the diplomatic detente arranged by former President Barack Obama, including many of its trade benefits.
