The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) thanked members of both the House and Senate for working to address the unique labor challenges that have long faced the dairy community. “We welcome these bipartisan efforts to shine a light on an issue so critical to dairy producers,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “Dairy farming is a physically demanding, 24-7, … Read More
Dairy Groups Urge Halt of Canada’s New Pricing Policy
The U.S. dairy sector and state agriculture officials urged President Trump to take immediate action against Canada’s repeated and escalating disregard for its trade obligations under NAFTA. As a result of Canada’s new national pricing policy, dozens of dairy farmers in the Midwest recently learned they must find new customers for their milk by May 1, which will cause considerable … Read More
Congressional Beef Caucus Re-established
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) applaud the re-establishment of the bipartisan Congressional Beef Caucus. The Beef Caucus will organize and educate Members of Congress and their staff on policy issues that impact America’s cattle and beef producers. The Congressional Beef Caucus will be co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-28th District, Texas) and Kevin Yoder (R-3rd District, Kansas,) who … Read More
President Signs Resolution to Repeal BLM Planning 2.0
The Public Lands Council (PLC) reports that President Trump has signed a congressional resolution directing the Bureau of Land Management to repeal their Planning 2.0 Rule. Ethan Lane, executive director of PLC and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) federal lands, applauded the action and called it a significant victory for western ranchers. “BLM’s Planning 2.0 Rule would have caused a … Read More
USDA Aids $6 Million to Farmers & Ranchers Hit by Wildfire
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced that the USDA has designated $6 million in aid to help farmers and ranchers affected by recent wildfires in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. “I am pleased USDA has acted swiftly to aid producers recovering from the largest wildfire in state history,” said Roberts. “For … Read More
Perdue Confirmation Hearing Set
Sonny Perdue will get a step closer to the office of agriculture secretary next week. The Senate agriculture committee will hold a hearing March 23 on the nomination of the former Georgia governor, who was the last cabinet member to be named by President Trump. Two other cabinet members, Robert Lighthizer for U.S. trade representative and Alexander Acosta for labor … Read More
Animal Ag Cheers Ditch of WOTUS
The animal agriculture community are smiles this week as they revel in the news about President Trump’s executive action regarding the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule ordering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers to reconsider. John Starkey, president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), said, “USPOULTRY is very pleased that the thousands of … Read More
Animal Ag Applauds Appointment of Trump Ag Advisor
Animal agriculture applauds White House appointment of Ray Starling, current chief of staff for Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., to the position of Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture, Trade and Food Aid. John Weber, president of the National Pork Producers Council said, “By picking a true champion of American agriculture to serve in this key advisory role, President Trump … Read More
Beef, Pork Groups Congratulate Pruitt as EPA Admin
Groups representing the beef and pork industries released statements in response to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator. Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), said, “For far too long, the EPA has been a runaway bureaucracy largely out of touch with how its policies directly affect folks like cattle ranchers, who use … Read More