More than 70 foreign researchers have been banned from working with USDA. The move follows an internal security review aimed at keeping foreign adversaries out of U.S. research projects.
The contractors worked under USDA’s research arm, and most were post-doctoral researchers. A union leader for the ag research service told Reuters that the firings took out a lot of talent that will stunt research growth.
USDA says any individuals working for countries of concern will no longer be allowed to work on USDA projects, which includes researchers from countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
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Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
Dairy farmers are expected to face strong output and export gains, but lower prices and tighter margins will persist into next year.
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.
The USDA NASS report also confirms lower August placements.
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
