Mexico is on China’s heels as top U.S. food and ag export market
China was less than $500 million ahead of Mexico as the leading customer for U.S. food and ag exports as the fiscal year entered its final months, according to USDA data released Wednesday. The agricultural trade deficit, forecast to set a record this year, was already at $18.8 billion, with three months to go.
Poll: ‘Walz is more country than Vance’
Americans generally find Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be more “authentic” than Ohio Sen. JD Vance, according to an Axios Vibes poll about the Democratic and Republican nominees for vice president released on Wednesday. And by 41 percent to 35 percent, they say Walz, the Democrat, understands the issues affecting rural and small-town America better than Vance, the Republican.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Utah sues: Utah attorney general Sean Reyes is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to accept his lawsuit asserting state control over half of the federal land in Utah, which would allow the state to collect taxes on mining, grazing, and energy production. (Associated Press)
Mushroom crop down: The 2023-24 U.S. mushroom crop was worth $1.09 billion, down 4 percent from the previous year, with a 9 percent drop in production outweighing a price increase of 9 cents a pound. (USDA)
Pilgrim settles suit: Poultry processor Pilgrim’s Pride will pay $100 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it was part of a conspiracy to underpay farmers for broiler chickens. It is the largest antitrust payment ever in the protein industry. (Meat and Poultry)
