Government

Farm bill hints abound, no confirmations

Fri, 25 May 2012 20:21:00 +0000

NAWG

While the number of legislative days available dwindles, many remain hopeful the farm bill will progress as legislators look for an election-year win that cuts a significant amount of money from the overall federal budget.

Food is the ultimate weapon of war

Fri, 25 May 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Bill Horan, Truth About Trade & Technology

This is the thing to remember about food and conflict: When you’re famished, you’ll do almost anything to feed yourself. And when you’re children are famished, you’ll do anything to feed them. Food insecurity is a recipe for social unrest.

Farmer Mac's income up 29 percent

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation reported strong first quarter 2012 results, as increased earnings benefited from growth in program assets and credit quality remained high.

Biomass spread would transform global politics

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:31:00 +0000

Replacing foreign oil with biomass would revolutionize politics

Dan Moser, University of Nebraska

Replacing foreign oil with domestically grown biomass would revolutionize world politics and economies. Future oil shortages are predicted as China and India increase use at a time when oil production is leveling off and dropping. Prices could reach $200 a barrel, doubling the price of gasoline.

Protection holes in farm bill proposal

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:11:00 +0000

If markets tank, farmers have no deep-loss protection in the Senate’s farm bill proposal, say Joe Outlaw, professor and Extension economist, and James Richardson, regents professor.

Ex-Im reauthorization bill passed

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:50:00 +0000

NCC

Ex-Im reauthorization had been stalled in the Senate over a procedural dispute about amendments. The measure, which also increases the ceiling on the Bank's lending from $100 billion to $140 billion, now goes to the President for his signature.

USDA expands credit access for farmers

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:28:00 +0000

USDA has made substantial, year-over-year gains in expanding credit opportunities for farmers and ranchers across the United States. USDA is seeking comments on a new microloan program to help small and family operations progress through their start-up years with needed resources, while building capacity, increasing equity, and eventually graduating to commercial credit.

Europe watches GM crops trials dwindle

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

GMO Safety

Scientists and commercial firms in Europe that use genetic engineering methods in plant research and plant breeding have for years had to witness the destruction of crop trials. In other quarters too they face fierce public opposition, which is why the political situation surrounding the authorization of GM plants is so fraught with difficulty.

Mexican trade policy could hinder consumer choice

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Mexican poultry meat producers accuse U.S. of dumping chicken meat

Ross Korves, Truth About Trade and Technology

Mexican poultry meat producers accuse U.S. producers of “dumping” chicken meat (selling below U.S. selling prices) into the Mexican market. The Mexican government has proposed import duties of 63-130 percent on leg quarters. The duties will force up the price of chicken in Mexico to the benefit of Mexican producers who brought the case to the government.

Let’s expand the Trans Pacific Partnership

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Dean Kleckner, Truth About Trade & Technology

TPP is an economic-stimulus package that doesn’t require the federal government to spend more money (and go deeper into debt). It simply creates opportunities for American businesses to reach customers in other countries. The TPP is a potential trade alliance that would make it easier for members to buy and sell goods and services. Negotiations currently involve nine countries: the United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.