President Joe Biden presented his State of The Union Address last night where he discussed inflation, immigration, market competition, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The agricultural industry is watching Russia and Ukraine closely to see how the struggle for power will affect global wheat exports and fertilizer supplies.
During his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden announced a ban on all Russian flights into American airspace, as well as measures to support energy prices.
“I can announce the United States has worked with 30 other countries to release 60 million barrels of oil from reserves around the world. America will lead that effort. They see 30 million barrels on our own strategic petroleum reserve.”
His proposed solutions for inflation and high input costs included manufacturing more in the us and improving competition.
“Small businesses and family farmers and ranchers, I need not tell some of my republican friends in those states. Guess what? You got four basic meatpacking facilities. That’s it. You play with them you don’t get to play at all. And you pay a hell of a lot more.”
He also announced new measures to hold ocean shippers accountable.
“See what’s happening with ocean carriers and moving goods in and out of America during the pandemic of half a dozen less foreign owned companies raised prices by as much as 1,000% and made record profits. Tonight, I’m announcing a crackdown on those companies overcharging American businesses and consumers.”
To support the workforce, he called for keeping lit the torch of liberty, with immigration reform for essential workers.
“Provide a pathway to citizenship for dreamers, those with temporary status, farmworkers, essential workers. Revise our laws so businesses have workers they need, and families don’t wait decades to reunite. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s economically smart thing to do.”
The President closed on a message of strength for the American people.
“I’ve come to report on the state of the nation, the state of the union and my report is this. The state of the union is strong because you the American people are strong. We are stronger today than we were a year ago and will be stronger a year from now than we are today. This is our moment.”
Related:
Rural America Reacts to State of the Union Address
Update on Russia/Ukraine conflict’s impact on U.S. ag
Oil prices continue to increase due to political unrest