Congress got a clearer view of President Biden’s trade agenda this week as the Senate Finance Committee questioned Katherine Tai, Biden's nominee to serve as the United States Trade Representative.
USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum painted a brighter forecast for corn demand this year. While USDA does expect a 7% increase in production, the agency is also forecasting an increase in domestic use, as well as exports.
The Senate has scheduled a vote on Tom Vilsack’s nomination for Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 23. In early February, the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approved President Biden's pick to lead USDA.
Biden's USTR nominee was a key player in the USMCA negotiations, and some think USMCA may be a template for future trade talks, including the possibility of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Trade seems to be taking a back seat in Washington. From COVID-19 recovery to a focus on climate, other issues are taking priority in the new White House. That's not stopping ag groups from pushing for key trade deals.
The net farm income story this year is far from over. Farmer Mac’s chief economist says history shows USDA’s initial look at net farm income is typically too low and this year may be no different.
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) may be back on the table, but it’s far from a done deal. The topic was brought up during Tom Vilsack's confirmation hear thing week, but one economist says the economics have changed.
Even though official numbers won’t be released until early next week, U.S. Meat Export Federation says a promising finish to beef exports in 2020 could set the stage for record shipments in 2021.
