From Monopoly to Trade: Lawmakers heard farmers’ major concerns for this year

Ag lawmakers this year are looking for ways to increase market access for U.S. farmers and ranchers. It was a big topic at a recent Senate Ag Committee hearing.

Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) was there and said farmers shared some big concerns.

“One of the speakers talked about how farmers sell to a monopoly, that there are three or four places you can sell,” Sen. Marshall explains. “So what can we do to expand farmers, and the different markets that they can reach? Then, of course, we got to talk about trade, and certainly, we’re grateful for the past trade agreements President Trump got done. USMCA, South Korea, and Japan seem like I’m missing one or two of them. Joe Biden didn’t do any new trade. So, for four years, we’ve been idle, and we’re looking forward to President Trump hopping back in there and doing some strong bilateral trading agreements.”

Trade will be a big topic in the coming weeks. Tariffs with Canada and Mexico are on hold for one month as the two countries work out details. So far, both countries have made concessions to keep the extra duties at bay.

Related Stories
Lawmakers have until September 30 to shore up federal spending for next year, or risk a government shutdown. The Farm Bill is also set to expire the same day.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
Bottom line: Despite all the efforts advocates make, workers are still making less money.
Harvested acres are estimated at 90.0 million, making this year’s corn crop one of the largest since the 1930s.
China has been largely absent from U.S. markets lately, but not when it comes to cotton. It’s a buy that, traders say, isn’t surprising given China’s limitations.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

All eyes will be on today’s Cattle on Feed Report, which analysts say could give a clearer picture of where the market goes next.
More than 100 pork producers traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers and underscore the threat to small family farms.
Now the Senate must pass a version of the spending bill before the Sept. 30 deadline.
Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.
Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large.