Washington | Reuters — U.S. farmers now have until Feb. 14 to apply for federal aid designed to offset the impact of retaliatory Chinese tariffs on American crops, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Monday, after delays caused by the month-long government shutdown. The previous deadline for the aid program, officially known as the […] Read more
USDA extends deadline for aid after shutdown
USDA to reopen all farm agency offices
Washington | Reuters — The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it will reopen all Farm Service Agency offices on Thursday to offer services to farmers and ranchers during the partial government shutdown. Some Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices had been providing limited services since Jan. 17, but the move means all of the agency’s […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Hogs rise on hopes for China trade talks
Chicago | Reuters — Hopes for progress in talks to resolve the U.S.-China trade war lifted Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures on Friday, traders said. Wall Street and commodities advanced after Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that China offered to go on a six-year buying spree to ramp up imports from […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soybeans sink on concerns about China trade talks
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures fell for the third time in four sessions on Tuesday on worries that the United States and China remain far apart in resolving a bitter trade fight that has slashed U.S. soy imports by the world’s top buyer. Corn and wheat followed soybeans lower, with technical selling accelerating […] Read more
U.S. to seek comprehensive ag access in EU trade talks
Washington | Reuters — The United States on Friday signaled it would not bow to the European Union’s request to keep agriculture out of this year’s planned U.S.-EU trade talks, publishing negotiating objectives that seek comprehensive EU access for American farm products. The objectives, required by Congress under the “fast-track” trade negotiating authority law, seek […] Read more
EU trade chief says U.S. talks won’t include agriculture
Washington | Reuters — The European Union and United States have not yet agreed on the scope of trade negotiations, but the bloc will not include agriculture in the talks, its trade commissioner said on Wednesday. U.S. President Donald Trump has sought better terms of trade with the EU, as well as China, Japan, Canada […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soy climbs on China trade optimism
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures rebounded on Wednesday, posting gains for the fifth session in six on hopes that China will accelerate its purchases of U.S. agricultural products following three days of trade talks with the United States this week. Corn also firmed as traders anticipated the grain would be among the goods […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soybeans up as China talks fuel export hopes
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures climbed to a two-week high on Friday on optimism over U.S.-China trade talks planned for next week, coupled with declining estimates of the size of Brazil’s developing crop, traders said. Corn and wheat followed the firm trend, with brightening export prospects for both grains lending support. Chicago Board […] Read more
As loans and aid dry up, U.S. farmers face fresh challenge from shutdown
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. farmers, already battered by the U.S.-China trade war, are facing increasing anxiety as the partial government shutdown nears the two-week mark, leaving crucial aid and loan payments in limbo. The shutdown has blocked assistance for many farmers, who at this time of year apply for federal loans as they pay […] Read more
U.S. grains: Wheat eases in thin holiday trade
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. wheat futures fell more than one per cent on Monday in thin, technically driven trade, brokers said, but still posted a yearly gain of nearly 18 per cent. U.S. soybean futures ended lower, retreating from early advances tied to signs of thawing trade tension between Washington and top global soy […] Read more
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