Tariffs are a big part of President Trump’s agenda this term, and it will be something Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will have to closely manage for agriculture.
Dairy specialists warn Mexico, Canada, and China are critical export markets for U.S. dairy.
To underscore the importance of those, about 40 percent of all of the dairy product exports by value goes to those three markets. So, those are vitally important for not just now and in the short term, but for our future growth opportunities,” said Chuck Nicholson.
Just last week, President Trump ordered government agencies to study reciprocal tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade. Their reports are due on April 1st.
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In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.
Bioethanol is becoming a global standard. For growers, that boom comes as drops in Mississippi River levels and in soybean demand occur in tandem, leaving barge space for corn and wheat.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
