Floods Swamp U.S. Farm Belt

A soybean field located in Central Illinois that has been flooded by rain. Blue sky and clouds are in the background.

The wettest year on record is raising costs for the nation’s biggest agricultural companies, stalling farmers’ fieldwork and slowing shipments across the U.S. Farm Belt. “It’s got to be the worst ever that we’ve seen,” said Jim Collins, head of Corteva Agriscience, the agricultural division of seed and pesticide maker DowDuPont Inc. Corteva’s sales fell… Continue reading Floods Swamp U.S. Farm Belt

Government Shutdown Curtails FDA Food Inspections

"Close-up of romaine lettuce growing on a farm.Taken in Watsonville, California, USA.Please view related images below or click on the banner lightbox links to view additional images, from related categories."

The Food and Drug Administration has stopped routine food safety inspections of seafood, fruits, vegetables and many other foods at high risk of contamination because of the federal government’s shutdown, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the agency’s commissioner, said on Wednesday. F.D.A. inspectors normally examine operations at about 160 domestic manufacturing and food processing plants each week.… Continue reading Government Shutdown Curtails FDA Food Inspections

U.S. Farmers Hope for Quick Progress on Farm Bill Amid Trade Tariffs

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U.S. soybean farmer Mike Schlosser does not expect President Donald Trump’s trade war with China, the single biggest headwind to his business, to end any time soon. But he is among many in farm country who expect at least some good news this year – in the form of a new Farm Bill. Congress comes… Continue reading U.S. Farmers Hope for Quick Progress on Farm Bill Amid Trade Tariffs

U.S. to Pay Farmers $4.7 Billion to Offset Trade-Conflict Losses

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The Trump administration pledged to pay farmers $4.7 billion to offset losses from trade disputes with foreign buyers of U.S. agricultural products. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the payments would help protect farmers from “unjustified tariffs” some nations have applied in response to President Trump’s trade policies. China, Mexico, the European Union and other trade… Continue reading U.S. to Pay Farmers $4.7 Billion to Offset Trade-Conflict Losses