US Food Producers Brace for Hit as Pacific Trade Deal Goes into Effect
Food Dive – 01/03/2019
The CPTPP’s implementation is expected to put pressure on U.S. products and commodity producers. It could also pressure the Trump administration into reversing its decision to withdraw from the pact as price differences squeeze U.S. food exports to participating members. Grain farmers and meat and dairy producers who are already suffering from the administration’s tariff wars — including trade delays with China and waiting on the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement — are likely to again bear the brunt as the CPTPP takes effect.
Prices Stay Firm as U.S.- China Talks Add to Export Hopes
Reuters – 01/04/2019
Chicago grain futures rose on Friday for a third straight session as news that U.S. and Chinese officials will hold trade talks next week added to expectations of an upturn in export demand. Weather risks in South America, where dryness is threatening some Brazilian crops and heavy rain is affecting field work in parts of Argentina, were also supporting prices. Stock and commodity markets rallied after Beijing announced a new round of trade negotiations with Washington on Jan. 7-8, bolstering hopes of a resolution to a tariff war that has clouded the global economic outlook.
The Global Food Problem Isn’t What You Think
The Washington Post – 01/02/2019
Providing food security to the nearly 10 billion people who will inhabit the globe by 2050 is one of the key issues of the 21st century. Given that reality, you might think the international community would at least be able to agree on how to define the problem. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. While a large part of the agricultural research establishment is focused on one aspect of the challenge — calories — another part of the scientific community is focused on a related but different one: adequate nutrient consumption.
Over $3.3 Million in Wheat Production Research and Education
Kentucky Ag Connection – 01/03/2019
Growing winter wheat and other cool season grains in Kentucky is not an easy task. With this year’s weather, farmers have had the smallest wheat harvest in years, but they have renewed faith for the current crop in the ground thanks to new agronomic technologies, reports the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association (KySGGA).
‘Get Ahead of the Game’ in 2019 Grain Marketing
AgWeek – 01/03/2019
2018 was a roller coaser ride in the grain markets with big crops and the trade war dominating headlines. Market analysts say that uncertainty will carry over into 2019, especially as the trade watches the negotiations between the U.S. and China. Most are not optimistic about a deal with China by March 1.
Source: U.S. Wheat Associates