CP Shutdown Another Potential Blow to Agriculture

Web AdminAgri-business, General, Trade

By Clint Thompson The ongoing labor dispute that shut down the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway on Sunday could have a ripple effect down to the specialty crop sector in the Southeast. Andrew Walmsley, senior director for congressional relations at American Farm Bureau Federation, said the shutdown means approximately 140,000 barrels of oil are not being shipped out daily. Fertilizer shipments, …

AFBF Pleads with President Biden to Increase Domestic Energy Production

Web AdminAgri-business, General

Count the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) as one organization hoping to see an increase in domestic energy production. AFBF President Zippy Duvall sent a letter on Tuesday to President Joe Biden asking him to take the necessary steps to address high energy costs impacting all Americans. Over the past 15 months, oil prices have increased by 130% to more …

AFBF Annual Meeting Highlights Ag Exports

Web AdminExports/Imports

By Clint Thompson The exports of American agricultural products increased substantially in 2021, most notably in China due to the Phase One Agreement. Veronica Nigh, economist with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), highlighted China’s purchasing increases during AFBF’s meeting in Atlanta earlier this month. “They went from purchasing about $22 billion worth of Ag products in 2016 down to $9 …

Ag Secretary: China About $16 Billion Short in Purchases in Phase One Agreement

Web AdminExports/Imports, USDA

By Clint Thompson U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the importance of exports and holding countries to specified agreements during a speech to the American Farm Bureau Federation on Monday. He was especially specific when discussing the country’s relationship with China. “I know that 30% at some point in time of what we grow and raise is ultimately exported …