EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Women’s History Month
- AFBF’s Agricultural Safety Awareness Week
- Southern Exposure - March 6-8 (Orlando, FL)
- International Women’s Day - March 8
- Daylight Savings Time begins - 2 A.M., March 9
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
TRUMP DOUBLES DOWN ON TRADE WITH CHINA, BACKTRACKS WITH MEXICO
President Donald Trump is ramping up international trade efforts by increasing tariffs on China from 10% to 20%. At this week’s Joint Session of Congress, Pres. Trump emphasized the U.S.'s use of retaliatory tariffs, noting that countries such as China, Mexico, and Canada have long imposed higher tariffs on American goods. The American Farm Bureau points out that these countries represent a significant portion of U.S. agricultural exports, and their retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products are causing additional strain. Trump’s tougher stance comes as China’s economy faces challenges, potentially making them vulnerable in the trade negotiations.
On the other hand, President Trump has postponed 25 percent tariffs on most goods from Mexico for a month. The announcement follows Howard Lutnick, the Commerce Secretary, stating that tariffs on both Mexico and Canada are likely to be delayed, as reported by AP News. This also marks the second one-month postponement the President announced in early February when the import taxes were unveiled.
TRUMP PUSHES FOR PERMANENT TAX CUTS
Also, in his address to Congress, President Trump highlighted his goal of securing permanent tax cuts, mainly aiming to give much-needed relief to Americans impacted by inflation. He called for no taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits.
With lawmakers focused on other priorities, such as hearings on the FDA Commissioner and the “Fix Our Forests Act,” how quickly Congress will address tax reform this year remains to be seen.
TURKEY VIRUS CONCERNS AMONG IOWA LAWMAKERS
Iowa’s Congressional delegation is raising alarms over Avian Meta-Pneumo-Virus (AMPV), a virus affecting turkey farms. AMPV is causing respiratory issues for birds, leading to potential production declines.
With the virus spreading across turkey-producing states, lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), are urging the USDA to support affected farms. The National Turkey Federation has emphasized the need for assistance to mitigate economic losses.
K.Y. BEEKEEPERS PUSH TO EASE HONEY REGULATIONS
Kentucky lawmakers are looking to raise the threshold for certified honey house requirements from 150 gallons to 500 gallons per year. Kentucky has some of the strictest production regulations, which many local beekeepers say are stifling their ability to grow their businesses.
Advocates for the change argue that this adjustment would allow more beekeepers to thrive and reduce the burden on small-scale producers, with some even leaving the state due to the current rules.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: LADIES RAISING LIVESTOCK!
It is Women’s History Month! Many women in Tennessee are turning to agriculture and the livestock industry for a career. UT Extension recently held a conference called “Ladies Raising Livestock!” Charles Denney has more on female farmers and how they help each other.
