EVENTS TODAY
EVENTS THIS WEEK
- March 20 - Vernal Equinox
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE DEFICIT EXPECTED TO SOAR
Photo by knowhowfootage via Adobe Stock
Photo by knowhowfootage via Adobe Stock
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is forecast to surpass $45 billion this year, a significant increase that will deepen the trade imbalance by more than $12 billion compared to last year. USDA analysts attribute this rise to the strong U.S. dollar and slower exports, particularly to Asia. The trade deficit reflects the ongoing challenges for U.S. farmers, with exports to Asian markets expected to drop by several billion dollars this year, exacerbated by looming tariff concerns.
PACKING INDUSTRY SCORES A WIN
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins made a major announcement overnight to help streamline pork pork and poultry processing by extending waivers for higher line speeds at processing facilities. These waivers, backed by extensive U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research, show no link between faster processing speeds and worker injuries. Rollins emphasized that this decision is a key move to meet growing demand while minimizing government interference in the industry. This rulemaking process will begin immediately, with potential benefits to pork and poultry farmers.
Tune in to Market Day Report on Wednesday to hear industry reaction from the National Pork Producers Council!
U.S. TARGETS UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES IN CHINA
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office (USTR) is investigating China’s dominance in global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, arguing that Chinese practices place unreasonable burdens on U.S. commerce. In response, the U.S. may impose fees on Chinese ship operators and owners, though not all agree with this approach.
Some U.S. shipping industry officials have called the potential move “catastrophic,” especially as China’s share of the global commercial fleet grows. Meanwhile, China has renewed export licenses for U.S. pork and poultry facilities, securing continued trade worth over $1 billion. However, several hundred beef facility registrations expired recently, and discussions about their renewal are ongoing, with optimism that the pork renewal could pave the way for beef exports.
HURRICANE RELIEF FUNDS ON THE WAY FOR FARMERS
Farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene will soon begin to receive financial relief after the devastating hurricane last year. Support by the end of this March following the passage of Congress’ December relief package. Areas like North Carolina, home to specialty crops like Christmas trees, are particularly vulnerable.
Bipartisan lawmakers are reintroducing the Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act to enhance drought monitoring and protect farmers from future weather-related disasters.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL AG DAY!
It’s National Ag Day! Join our celebration as we highlight the change-makers and leaders in American agriculture all day, beginning at 10:45 AM ET on on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report, and culminating with a four-hour live broadcast from AgRally in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards at 2:00 PM Eastern.
Tune into Ag Rally for a coast-to-coast celebration featuring product reveals, discussions on the future of ag, and an exclusive interview with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. Don’t miss this event powered by John Deere, available only on RFD-TV, and available to stream for FREE on RFD-TV Now and the RFD-TV Facebook page.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Temple Grandin
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture! Every day in March, we will showcase feel-good stories and interviews highlighting the passion and persistence of the powerful women in agriculture.
Today, let’s admire the resounding impact of Dr. Temple Grandin, a foremost livestock expert and advocate for the autistic community. This Tuesday, on Market Day Report, Dr. Grandin spoke with us about her accomplishments and the empowerment of women in agriculture.
