RealAg Radio: Examining Canada’s Caution and Mexico’s Momentum Heading into USMCA Review

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, outlines potential risks for agriculture as negotiations continue between the two countries

CALGARY, ALBERTA (RFD NEWS) — The countdown is underway for the upcoming USMCA review, as early discussions raise questions about how Canada and Mexico are approaching negotiations.

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and recent trade developments and potential conflict between the three North American countries.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Haney says Mexico has been more active in working toward solutions, taking a more aggressive approach to resolving disagreements. Canada, on the other hand, appears to be moving at a slower pace despite still supporting the deal.

He notes there is some risk the agreement could shift away from a three-country structure toward more bilateral arrangements, though he believes much of the current rhetoric is part of the negotiation process.

“At the end of the day, all three countries here, whether it’s bilateral or a trilateral deal, are at a time when affordability is so critical to consumers inside North America that a trade deal is important to be closed here,” Haney said.

From an agricultural perspective, Haney says Canadian farmers could face the greatest risk in areas such as dairy market access and the country’s crop variety registration system as talks continue.

Catch Shaun Haney weekdays on RealAg Radio, which airs at 4:30 PM ET on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

Related Stories
Canada and Mexico have both expressed support for renewing the agreement, but questions remain as the review continues.
Rep. Monica De La Cruz says she’s working to make Mexico’s water obligations part of USMCA negotiations.
USDA expects larger pork supplies in 2026 as exports remain strong despite lower hog price forecasts.
The trend could reshape cotton demand as manufacturers rely less on U.S. buyers and build sales channels elsewhere.
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service plans to relocate more domestic support functions to the Midwest as part of the department’s broader reorganization effort
Shaun Haney joins us to discuss falling diesel prices, implications for farm operating costs, and ongoing discussions surrounding fuel pricing policies.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Huma says growers are placing greater emphasis on intensive management as soybean production continues to evolve
State President Riley Farris reflects on a year of service as thousands of members prepare to gather in Fort Worth.
The mobile bar, or “ComBar,” is built from a real combine harvester and celebrates the farmers behind beer made with U.S.-grown ingredients.
Higher production costs remain a challenge, but growers say recent H-2A changes provide some labor relief.
Wyatt Bolding’s perseverance has earned him a spot as one of three finalists for Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 2026 Achievement Award.
Nebraska Soybean Board Vice Chairman Greg Anderson says expanding biodiesel production is creating new opportunities for soybean growers and adding value closer to the farm.