EVENTS TODAY/THIS WEEKEND
- Agricultural Outlook Forum (Arlington, VA)
- National Invasive Species Awareness Week
- Saturday - National Pig Day
EVENTS NEXT WEEK
- Texas Independence Day - March 2
- Commodity Classic - March 2-4 (Denver, CO)
- Mardi Gras - March 4
- Ash Wednesday/First Day of Lent - March 5
- Southern Exposure - March 6-8 (Orlando, FL)
- International Women’s Day - March 8
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
HIGHER CORN SALES BOOST AG EXPORT FORECAST
The latest U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) report shows a $500 million increase in ag exports since November, driven by higher corn sales.
While the forecast for ag exports is now around $170 billion, it’s still down by more than two percent year over year. Corn exports exceeded expectations due to higher volumes and unit values. Ag imports are projected to increase by six percent in 2024, totaling $220 billion.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer plans to make enforcement a key component of his trade strategy to level the playing field for U.S. producers.
USDA’S AG OUTLOOK FORUM
On Friday morning, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins delivered her keynote address at the USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum in Washington, D.C., highlighting the Trump Administration’s dedication to securing fair trade agreements for American farmers.
“This is a top priority for the White House, and we’re going to get it done,” Secretary Rollins stated. “Your concerns about tariffs are heard, and I will always be your greatest champion.”
Rollins also addressed the ongoing avian flu crisis, outlining a five-pronged plan focused on repopulation, biosecurity, cost management, egg price regulation, and research funding.
She also provided the forum with updates on disaster relief efforts, stating that the administration is delivering $30 billion in emergency aid and plans to meet the March 21st deadline set by Congress.
REACTIONS TO USDA’S NEW AVIAN FLU STRATEGY
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) reacted to the new U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) strategy to combat High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) unveiled this week by Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins in an op-ed published by The Washington Post, which agriculture industry leaders widely supported. While Sen. Ernst supports the strategy, she emphasizes that future actions must be rooted in scientific research. She also advocates updating indemnity payments to ensure a fairer and more consistent system, especially for poultry and dairy farmers recovering from past outbreaks.
NEW CHIEF FOR THE FOREST SERVICE
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the appointment of Tom Shultz as the new U.S. Forest Service Chief.
With over 25 years of experience in land management, Shultz, an Air Force veteran, is set to oversee America’s national forests and grasslands. Lawmakers, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, praised Shultz’s commitment to active forest management.
NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK: FERAL SWINE
This week marks National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and the USDA is spotlighting the growing threat of feral swine, which cost the U.S. ag sector an estimated $2.5 billion annually. Cotton farmers, especially in West Texas, struggle with the damage caused by wild pigs, which wreak havoc on their crops and grain. There are currently an estimated three million feral pigs in Texas alone. The USDA urges anyone who spots feral pigs to report it on www.squealonpigs.com.
The most popular articles from RFD-TV News published this week.
