AG NEWS

• Ag Markets Trim Losses Wednesday
• U.S. Takes Action vs. Canadian Wine Trade Measures
• CoBank: Rising Interest Rates Adds Burden to Ag, Rural Economy
• Ethanol, Ag Groups Sue on RFS Waivers Court Challenge Alleges EPA Failed to Publish RFS Waivers as Final Actions
• Do You Have a Digital Strategy on Your Farm?
• China’s Slow Approvals of Biotech Crops Cost U.S. $7 Billion, Says Industry Group
• China Slams Trumps ‘Flip-Flop’ on Tarrifs
• Producers Getting Whiplash from Trade Back-and-Forth
• Bayer Sells Ag Businesses Ahead of Merger
• Meteorologist: 2018 Weather Pattern To Parallel 2012
• Selling Interest in Selling Farmland is Picking Up
• An Overview of Crop Insurance: Recent Congressional Research Service Report
• Crop Progress Report: 05.29.18
• Groups Sue Over RFS Refinery Waivers
• Justice Department Demands $9 Billion in Competitive Divestiture from Bayer
• US Corn Planting Progress Surpasses Five-Year Average
• Ag-Blockchain Nexus Growing Consumer Groups Point to Blockchain as Tool to Improve Food Traceability
• New Study: ‘Efforts to Limit HPO Would Increase Risks to Farmers’
• Tariff Fears Intensify
• Trump to Impose $50 Billion in Tariffs on Chinese Imports
• DOJ approves Bayer-Monsanto merger–Updated: DOJ requires Bayer AG to divest assets worth $9 billion
• NAFTA Talks Continue, Time Running Short
• Vertical Farming Market Forecast To Grow 24% Annually
• Meteorologist: 2018 Weather Pattern To Parallel 2012
• US Corn Planting Nears Completion While OK, KS Wheat Crop Condition Declines Ahead of Harvest
• Grassley-Conaway Subsidy Feud Escalates
• Brazil Strike Impact global Commodity Trade
• China Trade Risks Prove Manageable for U.S. Ag Traders
• Trump Administration Seeks to Streamline Farm Labor Program for Ag Employers
• Four Steps to Solve the Mystery of Whether It’s Herbicide Injury or Disease
• Hopes for El Nino by Autumn: No Easing Of Southwest Drought
• U.S. Cattle on Feed Hits Second Highest Level on Record
• New Hours of Service Bill in U.S. Senate: Transporting Livestock Across America
• U.S. Officials Criticize EU’s Biotech Approval Process At WTO Meeting
• 10 Largest Landowners in the U.S. Named
• Boston Consulting Study Reports Five Trends Reshaping Farming
• USDA, University Study Compares Farmers Using Dealer Financing And Those With Conventional Lender
• Start Up Crop Pro Insurance Cancels Policies, Lacks Reinsurance
• Doud Says USTR Is Searching For More Trade Opportunities Outside of NAFTA
• Implement Dealer Financing and Farm Financial Stress

• Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue: “Trump Administration Stands Behind Ag Producers”
• Steps Outlined for the Next Farm Bill Vote
• Sonoma County Winegrowers Lead the Industry in Sustainability
• New CA Water Bond on the November 2018 Ballot
• Minimizing Risks for Food Recalls & What to do During Them
• New Study Reveals CA Citrus Economic Impact
• California Fresh Fruit Magazine for April/May
• Reaction to U.S.–China Trade War Truce
• China, U.S. Near Deal on ZTE Reprieve; Beijing Cuts Auto Tariffs
• China Denies it Has Offered a $200 Billion Package to Slash U.S. Trade Gap
• China’s Buyers Balk at U.S. Corn on Trade Fears, GMO Controls
• Rest of the Story: China Framework Agreement: Analysis by Jerry Gulke
• Agriculture Is A Common Bargaining Chip in Trade Negotiations
• Crop Protection Companies Readying Business Plans For Robot Sprayers
• May 21, 2018 Crop Progress Report (PDF)
• Paulsen Releases Report “For Women Only: How To Get Ahead In Agribusiness”
• Trump Tweets: China to Buy ‘Massive Amounts’ of U.S. Farm Products
• Farms Under Threat: The State of America’s Farmland Report Sounds a Stark Warning
• President Trump Says China Will Buy ‘Practically as Much as Our Farmers Can Produce’
• U.S. – China Trade Truce May Not Last
• China Lifts Sorghum Tariffs, Agrees to Purchase More U.S. Goods; U.S. Suspends Tariff Implementation
• Trade Deal with China Means Most for New Crop Soybeans, Meats
• Paul Ryan Extends NAFTA Deadline
• Trump Focuses on ‘Good’ NAFTA Not Deadlines
• Solar and Wind Dominate as Investment to Reach $2.20 Trillion
• Organic Farmers Assn Applauds USDA For Terminating Organic Checkoff Program
• Farmers For Free Trade Issues 4 Steps To Improve U.S.-China Ag Issues

• FARM BILL FAILS in the House Amid Republican Infighting Over Immigration
• House Expects Farm Bill Vote Today
• Editorial from Farm Policy Facts: Our View: If You Support Farmers, Reject Anti-Farmer Amendments
• Farm Bureau, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Dozens of Other Groups Oppose Checkoff Reform Amendment to 2018 Farm Bill
• GOP Leaders, Freedom Caucus Face Off on Farm Bill, Immigration
• The Farm Bill Could Be A Huge Blow To Animals
• The Case for Cutting Energy Programs from the Farm Bill
• Comparing Price Policy Directions in the 2018 Farm Bill Debate
• Celebrating National Walnut Day
• California Crop Progress Report
• California Almonds: Nuts Sizing Nicely, USDA Predicts Big Crop
• Peterson Floor Statement on H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018
• Grassley May Seek Pruitt’s Resignation Over Ethanol
• As Mother Nature Rages, Agriculture’s Critics Attack
• Most Fertilizer Prices Rise
• Beef Exports Hit Chicken-Egg Snare
• 10 Top Types of Commercial Agribusiness Insurance Claims
• Midweek Farm Prices Turn Lower
• Trade Update: NAFTA, China
• Lawmakers Renew Call for Completing NAFTA This Week
• NAFTA: Are Canada, Mexico Ready To Seal The Deal?
• Which Farm Dangers Cause the Most Insurance Claims?
• EPA Chief’s Job Threatened Over Biofuel
• Crop Insurance: Premium Subsidy and Insured U.S. Acres – Impact by Crop
• NAFTA Talks Likely to Miss May Deadline
• Agriculture And Its Related Industries Added $1 Trillion To U.S. GDP In 2016
• Rough Road Ahead for Farm Bill
• New Crop Traits Target Photosynthesis for Bigger Yield Gains
• An Update on Global Warming , ‘Climate Change’
• Change Your Twitter Password
• Grassley Says EPA Chief Must Slow Refinery Waivers or Resign
• Novak: New Definition of RFS “Hardship” Needed
• EPA Biofuel Volume Mandates Delivered to White House
• USDA Launches Ag Resource Management Survey
• Trade Update: NAFTA, China
• Biggest Threat to U.S. Produce Is Waiting On Chinese Customs
• NAFTA Talks Likely to Miss May Deadline
• USDA to Terminate Organic Checkoff Rulemaking
• Letter Signed by 300 Farm Groups Opposing Amendments That Could Critically Hurt Farm Families
• House Plans ’18 Farm Bill Vote This Week
• Former Author of RFS Legislation Sees Octane Levels as Advancement for Ethanol
• Report That China Won’t Enforce Tariffs On Ag Products Boost Soybean, Pork Prices
• Trump Deal on China’s ZTE May Reduce Ag Tariff’s
• China’s Multi-Story Hog Hotels Elevate Industrial Farms to New Levels
• Farmland Transition: When Grandma and Grandpa Don’t Plan WellTrump Urges Speedy Work on Farm Bill; GOP Sets House Debate
• China Tech Giant Crippled, US Imports Held
• Fed Lifts Rates, Steepens Path Through 2020 For More Hikes
• U.S. China Trade Talks Set to Continue as Trade Row Persists
• USDA Ag Board Defends Claims that WASDE Report Methods are Outdated – DTN
• USDA: Farmers Face Unrivaled Income Volatility
• What to Consider Before Converting to an S-Corp
• Biofuel Groups Laud Year-Round E15 Move, But RINs on Exports Could Nullify Gains
• Trump Biofuel Policy Overhaul to Include Fewer Refinery Waivers – Source
• Trump Predicts China Will Be First to Buckle in Trade Dispute
• Lawmakers, USDA Leaders Meet with President Trump to Discuss Farm Bill
• Premium Subsidy and Insured U.S. Acres: Differential Impact by Crop
• Comparing ARC-CO and PLC Payment Profiles, 2014-2016 Crops
• 7 Ag Stories You May Have Missed Last Week

• Record-Breaking Almond Crop Predicted for 2018
• 100-Plus California Organic Producers Call for Support in Farm Bill
• California Almonds: Odd Stuff In Terms Of Drop – AgFax Tree Crops
• California Almonds: 2018 Frost Event – What Was Learned
• California Concerned Over Future Droughts, Support Recycled Water
• Calif. Citrus Mutual endorses Villaraigosa for Gov.
• The President Ready to Make Decision on RFS
• NAFTA Talks Enter Critical Week with U.S. Pushing Hard Line
• Anti-Agricultural Opinion: 6 Ways the House Farm Bill Betrays Perdue’s Principles
• Groups Argue Pruitt Should not be Involved in Water Rule Drafting
• ICYMI: Crop Insurance Must be Protected in Upcoming Farm Bill
• House Republicans Will Pass Farm Bill on Their Own, Says Conaway
• Interest Rates on Farm Loans Increase, Pressure on Some Farm Operators Could Follow
• When Does ‘Do No Harm’ Actually Hurt Ag Trade?
• Trump Pledges Guestworker Program For Ag
• American Agri-Women to Meet in D.C.
• Secretary Perdue Applauds President Trump’s Selection for USDA’s Under Secretary for Food Safety
• Why Republicans Should Fear a Rural Revolt in 2018
• How Will Farm Bill Debate Settle PLC vs. ARC
• New Crop Insurance Study Provides Valuable Farm Bill Insight
• Farm Bill Expected to Meet Resistance
• Will Farmers Be Protected If There’s a Trade War?
• EU, Mexico Reach New Agreement on Trade
• President Trump Sets RFS Meeting for This Week
• Foreign Cheating Continues As Farm Bill Debate Unfolds
• Experts Say Rising Interest Rates Could Pressure Farmers’ Balance Sheets
• What is Bioengineered Food
• USDA Trade Data Update, and China Trade Dispute Weighs on Exports
• U.S. Trade Commission Returns From China Meeting, Nations Still Farm Apart

• Trump Delays Steel, Aluminum Tariffs
• NAFTA Negotiations Continue Next Week
• New TPP Moving Forward
• The Long, Hard Road to Export More U.S. Farm Products is Filled With Potholes
• Crop Progress, 04.30.2018
• This Cattle Market Still Has Some Opportunity Left in It
• Cow-Calf Profit Analysis Lower-Profit Operations Have Some Things in Common
• SF Special: Farmer Suicides Today vs. 1980s Farm Crisis
• Trump’s Threats on Trade Unsettle Farming Backers-Wheat Farmers in Particular Worry About How Tariffs Would Affect Their Market
• U.S., China Trade Issues: Sorghum, Soybeans
• USDA Meteorologist Releases Weather Forecast
• Rabobank Forecasts $4.00 Corn Prices This Year
• USDA Supports Specialty Crop Industry with Multi-State Initiatives
• Researchers Find No Link Between Antibiotic Use In Animals, Resistance In Humans
• California Almond Acreage Continues to Rise
• California Almonds: Despite Frost/Freeze, Crop Looks Okay Going Into May – AgFax Tree Crops
• Citrus Crop Forecast

Farm Policy Facts (Our View): Beware of Anti-Farm, Socialist Rhetoric

The “thinkers” who inhabit DC’s ivory tower think tanks now want farmers to work for free. Yes, you read that right. In fact, here’s the Cato Institute’s view on farm policies that help growers survive low prices:

Food is essential for human survival and we would all be better served if its price was, like sunlight and air, zero. The benefits of cheaper food and reduced hunger easily outweigh any losses borne by the farm sector…. The best farm bill is none at all.

Read full article: Farm Policy Facts (Our View): Beware of Anti-Farm, Socialist Rhetoric

• Secretary Perdue Statement on Senate Confirmation of Ken Barbic
• Free Trade Group Highlights Tariff Effects on California
• California Table Grape Shipments Pass 109 Million Mark Again
• California Almonds: May Sprays, Irrigation Gain Momentum – AgFax Tree Crops
• Growers Association Expects Lower Grape Volumes from Sonora
• Water Commission Staff Again Slaps Down Temperance Flat Project
• Produce Safety Program Launches Website
• CDFA Fertilization Guidelines Offer Insight On A Number Of Crops
• Rural Mainstreet Index Hurt by Trade Concerns
• The Trade Policy Shift: Are US Farmers Losing Their Competitive Edge?
• The Power of a Job in Town
• April 23, 2018 Crop Progress Report (PDF)
• Cattle on Feed Report US Cattle on Feed Up 7%
• How the Section 199A ‘Fix’ Will Work
• Criticism of House GOP Farm Bill Grows
• Successful Farming Covers: 12 Issues of Today and Yesterday
• Dicamba Debate Continues As Uncertainty Lingers
• Treasury Secretary Optimistic on Settling Trade Dispute

• House Ag Committee Advances Farm Bill With Few Farm Changes, Major SNAP Dispute
• The Republican Plan to Tighten Food Stamp Work Requirement is Advancing – Without a Single Democrat’s Vote
• Secretary Perdue Statement Regarding Chinese Duties on U.S. Sorghum
• CA Raisin Price Likely to Hit Record High this year
• Considerations for Powdery Mildew Management in the Vineyard this Season
• Research Reveals a New Direction for Halting the Citrus Greening Epidemic
• California Fresh Fruit Magazine – March Issue
• Blueberry Production in California
• Farmers’ Rights vs. Eminent Domain
• Farm Bill Kerfuffle: More ‘Family Members’ Could Collect Commodity Payments – DTN
• More Details on Farm Bill Draft Released
• Rep. Kind Asking Lawmakers to Save CSP Program in Farm Bill
• EPA Could OK Pesticides Without Endangered Species Review Under Proposed Farm Bill
• Perdue: Ag Not Only Soldiers in Trade Battle
• Farmers Find Finances: Farm Financial Picture is Cautiously Optimistic
• Crop Insurers Send House Ag Committee a Letter of Support
• The Long-Term Damage of U.S.-China Trade Dispute
• This Historically Cold April Might Mean Lower Yields
• Trump Flips on Trade Pact, Weighs Rejoining TPP
• As Trade Spat Grows, China Hits U.S. Sorghum Imports With Hefty Deposit
• Critics: Farm Bill Work Requirements Counterproductive
• Gillibrand Fights GOP Over Snap; Republicans Look to Make Work Requirements More Strict

• California Almonds: Water Footprint Smaller than Global Average
• Bayer Reports Consumers Still Trust Farmer
• Introducing New Almond Alliance CEO and Convention
• Autumn Wildfire Set UP Research on ‘Smoke Taint’ in Wine
• Farm Bill Loosens Payment Rules
  Farm Bill Changes Expand Legal Entities and Family Eligibility for Commodity Programs
• SNAP Work Requirements Provoke Broad Opposition to House Farm Bill
• 2018 Farm Bill, A Succes or ‘Betrayal?’
• Peterson: No Farm Bill Amendments, ‘Can’t Put Lipstick on a Pig’
• The Rest of the Story: May USDA Report Looms Significant
• Conaway Schedules Markup; GOP Touts SNAP Changes on House Floor
• Pence: “Very Close” to Renegotiated NAFTA
• NAFTA Negotiations Enter ‘Permanent Round’
• Trade War Backfire: Steel Tariff Shrapnel Hits U.S. Farmers
• Trump Says US Could Rejoin TPP if Deal Improved. How Hard Would it Be?
• Perdue Applauds President Trump’s Selection for USDA’s Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment

• What You Need to Know About the House Farm Bill
• CRP Likely to Expand by 5 Million Acres in New Farm Bill
• Bill Would Create an Exemption for Farmers Protection their Crops and Livestock
• Strong Comments from Conaway on House Farm Bill Proposal
• Secretary Perdue on release of 2018 Farm Bill
• Senate Ag Leaders Commit to Bipartisan Farm Bill
• Ag Groups React to House Farm Bill Release
• SNAP Provisions Central in House Farm Bill Draft- Markup Wednesday
• 2018 Farm Bill Draft: Maybe Not as Bad as You Expected – DTN
• Washington Week Ahead: Partisan Showdown Looms as GOP Moves Farm Bill