Talks with Canada Escalate and Farmers Afraid to Speak
From the Western Ag Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Canada is escalating its trade fight with the U.S., announcing retaliatory tariffs on about $19.9 billion worth of U.S. goods, including dairy products and agricultural equipment.
The Guardian says the tariffs range from 15 to 50%.
Canada says the measures will take effect September 8 and include a range of U.S. agricultural products.
The Canadian duties are intended to match the value of the U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar.
**A group of former agricultural association leaders, farmers, and USDA officials says farm country is facing a serious crisis, and farmers are increasingly afraid to speak publicly about it.
The group, Restore American Agriculture, launched a website where farmers and ranchers can share how trade, budget, and regulatory policies are affecting their operations.
Former National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett said commodity groups may fear retaliation from the administration.
**The American Farm Bureau is warning that President Trump’s plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef could hurt ranchers rebuilding herds after years of drought.
A surge of lower-priced imported beef could pressure cattle prices just as ranchers decide whether to expand their herds.
In a letter to Trump, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said bringing down the price of cattle will not bring the price down for American families.
