China and U.S. are a long way from ending trade war
The tenor of Sino-U.S. negotiations is heartening but “we’re still a long way” from resolving the trade war between the world’s two largest economies, said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue at a cattle industry conference.
As promised, administration proposes stricter enforcement of SNAP time limit
Delayed for weeks by the partial federal shutdown, the Trump administration published its proposal to restrict states from allowing able-bodied adults to collect SNAP benefits for more than 90 days if they are not working at least 20 hours a week.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
For a real Green New Deal, look to rural America (The Hill): The Green New Deal must include the policy solutions and voices of rural Americans, says a rural advocate.
Farmers ride out the deep freeze (Washington Post): Keeping water thawed long enough so cattle can drink is among the obstacles farmers faced last week as a deep freeze swept the Midwest.
Processor closes plant linked to massive recall (New Food Economy): Toronto-based McCain Foods has closed its Colton, California, plant involved in the 2018 recall of more than 100 million pounds of produce that was sold as ingredients to commercial kitchens and food makers.
Bigger farms didn’t boost land productivity (AAEA): China has encouraged a shift to larger farms, but three researchers say the larger farms did not increase land productivity, in their study of farmers in northern China.
Making beekeepers of coal miners (NPR): A nonprofit in West Virginia offers training in beekeeping to displaced coal miners and low-income residents of mining communities, with the goal of helping them find new new jobs and supplemental income.
ON THE CALENDAR
Monday
-USA Rice Federation hosts government affairs conference, through Wednesday, Washington.
Tuesday
– President Trump delivers State of the Union address, 9 p.m. ET. Immigration, particularly ending illegal immigration, is expected to be a main theme of the speech. The president is expected to call for ratification of the new NAFTA and to discuss the trade war with China, according to a senior administration official. The speech fulfills an obligation under the Constitution for the president to “give to the Congress Information on the State of the Union.” Since 1913, the president has spoken to a joint session of Congress to discharge that duty.
– Farm Foundation hosts forum, “The realities of implementing the 2018 farm bill,” with opening remarks by Deputy Agriculture Secretary Steve Censky and Senate Agriculture chairman Pat Roberts, followed by a discussion of the challenges of implementing the new law by economist Barry Flinchbaugh, agribusiness lobbyist Tara Smith and dairy spokesman Alan Bjerga, 9 a.m. National Press Club.
– Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research hosts “Foster our future,” to showcase food and agriculture research; Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue speaks at 1:15 p.m. ET, Reagan Building.
– Organic Trade Association’s farmers advisory council meets lawmakers to discuss implementation of organic food provisions of 2018 farm policy law, through Wednesday, Washington.
– Purdue University releases monthly Ag Economy Barometer, a gauge of the agricultural economy’s health.
Wednesday
– USDA releases monthly Food Price Outlook, delayed from Jan. 25 due to partial government shutdown, 9 a.m. ET. At present, food prices are forecast to rise 2.5 percent his year, in line with the 20-year average of 2.7 percent annually.
Thursday
– UN Food and Agriculture Organization releases monthly Food Price Index, Rome.
– USDA releases export sales report for the week ending Dec. 27, delayed due to partial government shutdown.
Friday
– USDA releases monthly Crop Production and WASDE, quarterly Grain Stocks, Crop Production Annual, and annual Winter Wheat and Canola Seedings reports.
