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.