(IARN) — Thanks to continued vigilance by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. pork industry, the United States has so far prevented an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), an animal disease affecting only pigs with no human health or food safety risks. To ensure the U.S. swine herd remains free of the disease, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and 30 state pork producer associations today asked Agriculture Secretary Perdue to take additional measures, including restricting imports of organic soy products for animal feeds from all ASF-positive countries. Read more
Meat Import Containers Piling Up In Chinese Ports
(IARN) — There are thousands of containers of frozen pork, chicken, and beef, all sitting in major Chinese ports because of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. A Bloomberg report says transportation disruptions and labor shortages are slowing operations down drastically. People familiar with the situation tell Bloomberg that there aren’t enough truck drivers to pick up and move the containers due to travel restrictions imposed on the country to control the coronavirus. Ports are running out of electricity to help freeze the containers, while some ships have been told to move on to other destinations in mainland China or Hong Kong. Read more
Secretary Perdue Unveils Agriculture Innovation Agenda
(IARN) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue today rolled out the Agriculture Innovation Agenda at the Department’s annual Ag Outlook Forum. Read more
U.S. Beef Poised To Excel In South Korea
(IARN) — United States beef exports to South Korea recorded another chart-topping performance in 2019, with export value reaching $1.84 billion. Meat industry experts anticipate this momentum to continue well into 2020. Read more
Phase One Trade Deal Sparks Change
(IARN) — United States agricultural producers received among the sweetest of gifts this past Valentine’s Day – A fully enforceable Phase One trade deal with China. A market analyst shares what this means for agricultural commodities.
American and Chinese officials must now abide by provisions set by the Phase One trade deal. A series of changes will quickly be set into motion. Read more
February 28th Is Deadline For Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
(IARN) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 2020 general signup that there are less than two weeks before the enrollment deadline of February 28, 2020. This signup is available to farmers and private landowners who are either enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling for another 10- to 15-year term. Read more