EVENTS TODAY/THIS WEEK
- World Food Prize Foundation DialogueNEXT: “A Root Awakening,” Willard Intercontinental.
- USDA releases monthly Food Price Outlook
- Women’s History Month
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
PRES. TRUMP’S TRADE WAR HEATS UP
President Donald Trump is following through on his campaign-trail promises to overhaul U.S. trade policies. Tariffs on major trade partners will go into effect on April 2. But yesterday, President Trump hinted at possible exemptions, expanding the reach of his tariff plans.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is ready to retaliate cautiously but stresses that Canada’s smaller economy limits how much they can match the U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar. As the trade battle looms, officials are considering ways to support Canadian farmers, though no specific plans have been finalized.
PORT FEES ON CHINESE SHIPS
President Trump is also considering new port fees targeting Chinese-built ships to strengthen his “America First” trade agenda. While the World Shipping Council supports the idea, it cautions that such fees could raise costs for American farmers, especially in areas like fertilizer and seed. Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition warns that these proposals might hurt U.S. farmers’ global competitiveness.
ESCAPING ESCALATING EGG PRICES BY EASTER
The U.S. is increasing imports from Brazil and other countries to combat skyrocketing egg prices driven by avian flu. The Trump Administration is also relaxing regulations on eggs from meat-raised chickens. While these eggs won’t make it to grocery shelves, they will be used in processed foods like cake mixes and ice cream, helping to free up more fresh eggs for U.S. consumers. Ag Secretary Brook Rollins says the influx could stabilize prices in the short term.
CALIFORNIA CITRUS STEPS UP TO HELP FLORIDA FARMERS
As Florida’s citrus industry grapples with ongoing challenges, including disease and hurricane damage, the Sunshine State is turning to California to fill the gap. California-grown citrus is now key in keeping Florida’s premium, not-from-concentrate juice flowing. With imports from Brazil and Mexico filling the gap, Zansler says California’s role could help boost profits by supplying fruit for juice production.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: JACQUELYN JASINSKI
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture! Everyday in March, we will showcase feel-good stories and interviews highlighting the passion and persistence of powerful women in agriculture.
Today, let’s check in with a local producer from a sixth-generation farm family in Jackson County, Indiana, who has deep roots in agriculture. Jacquelyn Jasinski spoke with RFD-TV’s Tammi Arender about her ag journey, life lessons, and vegetable home delivery subscription.
