Policy & Politics

Taiwan Beef Ban Draws Ire of U.S. Officials

Published Jan. 7, 2010

The Office of the United States Trade Representative and the Agriculture Department on Tuesday released a statement regarding a recent decision by Taiwan officials to bar import of some U.S. beef and beef products by amending the country’s Food Sanitation Act (FSA).

IRS-USDA Partnership May Make Farmers’ Lives Easier

Published Jan. 5, 2010

A new partnership between the Agriculture Department and Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud by verifying which farmers are eligible for farm program payments may make farmers’ lives easier, according to Tara Smith, American Farm Bureau Federation farm policy specialist. Smith said the...

Taiwan Votes to Ban Some U.S. Beef Exports

Published Jan. 5, 2010

The Taiwanese Legislature has voted to ban some U.S. beef imports, which the U.S. government says undermines Taiwan’s credibility as a trading partner. The move reverses an earlier deal the government had negotiated with Washington.

Mother Nature Wreaks Havoc on Ag in 2009, Giving Food Market a Jolt

Published Jan. 5, 2010

Mother Nature wreaked havoc on producers of agricultural commodities in 2009 and gave the food market a jolt, sending prices for staples like corn and soybeans on a wild ride only to end the year close to where they started, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Hog Producers Should Break Even in 2010

Published Jan. 5, 2010

U.S. hog producers should break even in 2010 as both the average price received and the total cost of production are expected be around $50 per hundredweight, according to Purdue University Extension Economist Chris Hurt.

Estate Tax Viewed as Big Ag Issue in 2010

Published Jan. 5, 2010

The estate tax will be one of the big issues in Congress for farmers and ranchers in 2010, according to Mark Maslyn, executive director of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation. “The exemption levels at the end of 2009 were $3.5 million per household. In 2010 that has gone away...

USDA Partners With IRS to Reduce Farm Program Fraud

Published Jan. 5, 2010

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on New Year’s Eve that the Agriculture Department is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamline payment limits for family farmers.

House, Senate Leaders Pledge More Cooperation

Published Jan. 4, 2010

The Plain Dealer reports that the House and Senate are set to return this month after a contentious 2009, with Senate President Bill Harris (R-Ashland) and House Speaker Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) pledging better cooperation between the two chambers.

Pension Costs Rising for Local Governments, Schools

Published Jan. 4, 2010

Ohio newspapers reported Sunday on the rising cost of the state's five pension plans and its effect on local governments and school districts.

State of State Set for January 27th

Published Jan. 4, 2010

Governor Ted Strickland will deliver his "State of the State" address at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 27 before a joint session of the General Assembly.