Mike Pearson examines how agriculture will be impacted if a contract is not ratified by October 1 by longshoremen on the south and east coasts of the USA.

The International Longshoremen's Association represents 25,000 members.

A strike by the union would disrupt ag exports, specifically the container portion which is critical for certain markets.

A strike could disrupt a major part of the ag supply chain.

The issues, the longshoremen are at odds about include wagers, automation and healthcare.

The last strike was back in 1977 but the situation is a lot more complex today due to the economy and the countries dependent on containers around the world.

Politically, the White house may intervene into the strike due to it being an election year and the Labor Relations Act which gives the president the right to get involved if it hurts the economy.

But as tensions rise, both sides are apart on the two key issues: wages and automation.

The biggest concern is the slow down in trade and how it will impact the economy.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.