Need a quick catch up on the news this week. Here are seven agricultural news stories you might have missed.
1. House and Senate negotiators are reportedly close to finalizing a framework on a farm bill in hopes it can pass during the lame duck session. The current farm bill expired Sept. 30. - NPR
2. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is optimistic farmers will be better off as the Trump administration completes better trade deals. – Kansas Farmer
3. An Environmental Working Group analysis of USDA data shows 1,142 people in the nation’s largest cities have received money intended to help farmers impacted by President Trump’s trade war fallout. – Environmental Working Group
4. U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage investment in high-speed internet and protect and expand access to broadband in rural communities. The Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports Rural America Act would allow rural telecommunications service providers to submit streamlined financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. – Wallaces Farmer
5. China is struggling to contain African swine fever, which has led to the culling of thousands of hogs. There have been more than 60 outbreaks in 18 provinces since early August. Under new rules, it is forbidden to delay or obstruct the reporting of new outbreaks. - South China Morning News
6. Republican agriculture commissioner candidate Matt Caldwell conceded the election to Democrat Nikki Fried Nov. 19, ending the last contested statewide race in Florida. – Orlando Sentinel
7. Wisconsin has lost more than 1,086 dairy farms in the past two years, dropping to just 8,217 dairy farms as of Nov. 1. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas that you may not have tried to help lower costs or increase cash flow. – Wisconsin Agriculturalist
And your bonus.
Will the legalization of hemp be in the 2018 farm bill? Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is a vocal advocate of hemp, which can be used in a multitude of products, including clothing, car parts, foods and supplements. – Sierra Club
