Cheese Names Debate and USDA Aid to American Beef Herd
From the Western Ag Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**A dispute over cheese names has become a sticking point in U.S.-Mexico trade negotiations, with billions of dollars in dairy exports at stake.
Reuters reports the U.S. objects to Mexico’s new trade agreement with the EU which protects European products like Parmigiano Reggiano (par-mee-JAH-no reh-JEAH-no), feta (FEH-tah), and Manchego (Mahn-CHAY-goh).
U.S. officials argue those names are generic and should remain available to American producers.
The EU says certain names are for specific regions.
**The USDA is rolling out a broad package of programs aimed at rebuilding America’s beef herd and strengthening the nation’s cattle industry.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the Ranchers First Initiative supports producers through several new and expanded programs allowing ranchers to keep heifers as breeding stock for up to two years.
USDA also plans to let ranchers use Emergency Conservation Program funds on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program acres after disasters like wildfires.
**The Rural Mainstreet Index edged back above growth-neutral in August, but the latest survey still shows significant financial pressure across farm country.
Creighton University’s index rose to 50.3, up sharply from 42.1 in July.
However, nearly half of surveyed bankers expect farm income to decline over the next year, while only about 16 percent expect an increase.
Farm and ranchland prices also slipped below growth-neutral, falling to 47.2.
