Diesel Assistance Delayed and New Border Opened for Mexican Cattle
From the Western Ag Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Farmers waiting for federal assistance to offset rising diesel costs may not receive payments until after the November election.
USDA's $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program is intended to help agricultural producers manage higher fuel expenses during a challenging harvest season.
USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce told Reuters that payments could begin closer to the end of the year, although the department has not established a firm distribution schedule.
**More than 40 agricultural organizations warn that federal immigration enforcement policies are disrupting American food production and threatening to increase consumer prices.
The Washington Post reports ag groups have urged President Trump and congressional leaders to address growing ag labor shortages.
The groups say immigration enforcement has disrupted meatpacking facilities, livestock shipments and specialty crop harvest in several states.
They argue experienced immigrant workers are essential to maintaining domestic food production.
**USDA plans to reopen another border crossing for Mexican cattle imports despite continuing concerns about New World screwworm.
USDA says the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry resumed cattle imports October 26, becoming the third crossing reopened under the department's phased livestock trade restoration plan.
The announcement follows earlier reopenings at Douglas, Arizona, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
The department also plans to reopen the Nogales, Arizona, crossing November 30.
