Farm Bureau Press for January 12, 2018

Walmart suit over organic eggs Walmart Stores Inc. deceived shoppers by selling organic eggs laid by hens raised in enclosed structures under package labels indicating they had access to the outdoors, alleges a federal lawsuit filed. In reality, the birds raised by Cal-Maine Foods Inc. were limited to an enclosed structure that had screens to let air in. “The theoretical ability to view the outdoors is not the same as having access to it,” according to the lawsuit. Wal-Mart was able to sell the eggs at a premium due to the organic labeling.

Experts say these enclosed structures, known as “porches,” meet USDA standards for producers of organic livestock to provide “year-round access for all animals to the outdoors.” Last month, USDA shelved plans to define what it means for birds to have access to the outdoors.

Major beef supplier considers selling The owner of one of the United States’ biggest beef suppliers may be pulling out of the market just as the business is rebounding. Leucadia National Corp. is exploring selling all or part of its stake in National Beef Packing Co., Wall Street Journal reports, triggering a shift in the foundation agriculture industry at a critical period of growth. National Beef has a big role in the rebound, providing 12.5 percent of U.S. beef cattle.

Good weather bolsters Brazilian crop expectations Analysts surveyed by Reuters expect Brazil to produce a 110.19 MMT bean crop in 2017-18, which would be its second largest oilseed crop in history. This is up from a similar poll in November when analysts guessed the crop at 109.43 MMT. They note that favorable weather throughout

Canadian official offers no – give dairy trade issues Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, told Farm Bureau members at the American Farm Bureau Convention to maintain their support for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but offered no give on a key issue for U.S. farmers: better access to Canada’s dairy markets. MacAulay said Canada’s supply management system for dairy has “worked very well” for producers and consumers in his country. “We have indicated quite publicly as a government … we are fully supporting the supply management system,” MacAulay said. “Everybody wants to make sure that they take care of their agricultural sector, and that’s what we intend to do, too.”

Brazil expects OIE to declare it free of FMD The World Organization for Animal Health will likely declare Brazil free from foot-and-mouth disease with vaccinations at a meeting in May, according to a Brazilian government statement. This decision could improve its access to overseas markets. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Blairo Maggi, says the country is embarking on a project to be certified free of FMD without vaccination by 2022 or 2023.

U.K. looks at joining TPP Britain has held informal talks about joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) “in an audacious bid to kick-start exports after Brexit,” the Financial Times reported. However, British Trade Minister Liam Fox said it was too soon to seek membership in the TPP. Proposed dicamba cutoff date remains April 15 The Arkansas Plant Board decided to stick with the same proposed dicamba regulations. The second go-around with the regulations became necessary when, in December, state lawmakers asked the board to reconsider a mid-April spraying cutoff date along with the possibility of establishing spraying zones.

Report concludes export impacts bird flu USDA’s bird flu impact assessment report concludes spread of disease was usurped by lengthy closing of key export markets.

USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) evaluated the outcome of the 2014-2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian

TPA extension Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) expects the Trump administration to request a three-year extension of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA or fast-track) by the April 1 deadline, which would allow an up-or-down vote on trade agreements but prevent Congress from amending them. Blunt said his expectation comes after talking with President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

CONTACT

Matt King 501-228-1297, matt.king@arfb.com

www.arfb.com

99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention Recap Veach re-elected to AFBF board Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention elected members to serve as board and committee leaders for the organization.

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach was re-elected to a two-year term to the AFBF board of directors.

President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were re-elected to two-year terms.

Eleven other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board: Carl Bednarski, Michigan; Jim Holte, Wisconsin; Blake Hurst, Missouri; and Steve Nelson, Nebraska (Midwest Region); Mark Haney, Kentucky; John Hoblick, Florida; Harry Ott, South Carolina; Jimmy Parnell, Alabama; Wayne Pryor, Virginia; Rick Ebert, Pennsylvania and Ryck Suydam, New Jersey (Northeast

At the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn. President Donald J. Trump addressed farmers and ranchers from across the nation and unveiled a major initiative designed to strengthen rural economies by signing two executive orders that fund and streamline the expansion of rural broadband access.

Region). Russell Kohler of Utah was elected the new chair of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for a oneyear term, which makes him a member of the AFBF board of directors.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue highlights priorities and accomplishments The Department U.S. Agriculture is being reoriented with a new focus on farmers, and customers, and has already built a record of success, USDA Secretary

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach represented Arkansas proudly in the Parade of Flags during the opening general session at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Nashville.

AFBF photo

Tax law boosts co-ops, hurts buyers A provision in the new tax law gives growers a better deal at tax time if they sell their agricultural products to co-ops rather than other types of companies, Wall Street Journal reported.

influenza (bird flu) in the U.S., concluding the spread of the actual disease was bested by the effect of the closing of key export markets.

Sonny Perdue said. He made his comments at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

In his opening remarks, Perdue spoke about the importance of trade to U.S. agriculture and the priority of successful NAFTA negotiations.

“To get a deal, we need all sides to seriously roll up their sleeves and get to work,” Perdue said. “We have put a number of proposals on the table to modernize NAFTA, and critically for agriculture,

MADDISON STEWART photo

As of January 11, 2018

the growing season has made up for slow planting. Those surveyed expect Brazil’s summer corn crop to hit 25.27 MMT, a 17 percent decline from the year prior.

A Publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation

In the Market

January 12, 2018 • Vol. 21, No. 1

AFBF photo

Livestock outlook positive for 2018 Last year ended on a good note, and the 2018 outlook for livestock and poultry sectors is positive overall, according to James Robb, director and senior agricultural livestock economist for the Livestock Marketing Information Center.

There are, however, concerns for both markets as uncertainty looms around trade agreements, Robb told workshop attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show.

Demand for meat has increased, and Americans are expected to consume about 219 pounds of red meat and poultry per year. That’s the largest since around 2007, according to Robb.

As demand increases, quality will be more important than ever.

“Beef sells for well more than other products because consumers are willing to pay a premium,” Robb said. “Consumers don’t care about the cost of production,

are witnessing a new era of patriotism, prosperity and pride – and at the forefront of this exciting new chapter is the great American farmer. Farmers,” Trump said, “embody the values of hard work, grit, selfreliance and sheer determination.”

The president spent much of his address decrying the costs of excessive regulation and tallying the rules his administration has moved to eliminate.

“We are also putting an end to the regulatory assault on your way of life.

And it was an assault,” he said. Trump

Austin (left) and Amber Kennon of Mountain View were among the presenters in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition at the AFBF annual convention in Nashville.

AFBF delegates re-elected President Zippy Duvall (left) and Vice President Scott VanderWal to two-year terms at the conclusion of the organization’s 99th annual convention in Nashville, Tenn. ArFB President Randy Veach was also re-elected as a member of the AFBF board of directors.

singled out the Waters of the U.S. rule, now being withdrawn following an executive order he signed in the first weeks of his administration. “It sounds so nice, it sounds so innocent, and it was a disaster.

People came to me about it and they were crying – men who were tough and strong, women who were tough and strong – because I gave them back their property, and I gave them back their farms. We ditched the rule.”

Trump acknowledged controversy over the North American Free Trade Agreement and other trade agreements that account for roughly a quarter of U.S. agriculture revenues.

“To level the playing field for all of our farmers and ranchers, as well as our manufacturers, we are reviewing all of our trade agreements,” he said. “On NAFTA I am working very hard to get a better deal for our farmers and ranchers and manufacturers.”

Trump promised the farm bill would continue to provide a safety net for farmers who are now entering their fifth year of declining incomes. “I look forward to working with Congress to pass the farm bill on time so that it delivers for all of you.

And I support a bill that includes crop insurance,” he said.

“Farmers and ranchers have too long faced burdensome regulations,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “This president understands the toll government overreach has taken on ordinary business and is moving swiftly to clear the way for prosperity. We are moving into yet another

STEVE EDDINGTON photo

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue addressed farmers and ranchers about the importance of trade to U.S. agriculture and the priority of successful NAFTA negotiations Jan. 8 at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention in Nashville.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention in Nashville, Tenn. First row: Donna Bemis and Peggy Miller.

Second row: Delois Staggs. Third row: Teresa Fawcett, Emily Bemis, Magen Allen. Fourth Row: Cindy Rucker, Wendy Norwood and Reba Moore. Fifth row: Belinda Wright, Lesa Haymaker, Joyce Doyle and Mary Royal.

MADDISON STEWART photo

Article courtesy of AFBF.

STEVE EDDINGTON photo

Trump addresses FB members President Donald Trump unveiled a major initiative designed to strengthen a rural economy that has lagged urban areas in recovery from the Great Recession of 2007-2008. Trump signed two executive orders that fund and streamline the expansion of rural broadband access after an address to 7,400 farmers and ranchers gathered at American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention.

In addition to economic development, Trump touched on issues of particular importance to farmers and ranchers such as regulations, labor and trade. He praised farmers for their enduring values. “We

year of economic difficulty. Relief could not have come at a better time.”

AFBF photo

to address key sectors left out of the original agreement – dairy and poultry tariffs in Canada. Now, we want to see our negotiating partners step up and engage so we can get the deal done.”

In Perdue’s first eight months as secretary, USDA has already reopened the Chinese market to American beef, signed a protocol to allow exports of U.S. rice to China for the first time and eased European Union regulations on citrus exports. South Korea lifted its ban on imports of U.S. poultry, while Argentina has allowed American pork back into the country for the first time since 1992.

To read more visit American Farm Bureau’s news release at bit.ly/perdueafbf.

Hannah Gray (center) of Greene County along with her mother, Scarlett Wineland (left), and husband, Cody, react to being named as a “Sweet 16” finalist in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

and they won’t pay the premium for beef if the quality isn’t there.”

Robb noted the pork sector is considering establishing grading guidelines similar to beef.

“Beef product, compared to pork and chicken, has improved dramatically,” he said. “Pork wants to have grading guidelines like beef to improve their product.”

Competition for the customer also factors into prices and marketing.

“How do you get people into traditional grocery stores?” Robb asked. “The meat case, dairy products, fresh fruit drive customers to the store.”

Pet food is also changing the marketplace with the use of animal-based proteins.

“There’s fresh pet food, frozen pet food,” Robb said. “Millennials pay more per pound for pet food than they do for their own food.”

Exports have added value for cattle producers – adding an extra $66 per head.

But uncertainty centers around deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

“We think that number could grow but it’s dependent on things like NAFTA,” Robb said. “A lot went right for cattle

prices in 2017, but we’re still marketing calves against larger supplies.”

Financial management is critical, Robb said, and will be more important as the markets change.

“The marketing plan is tied to the cash flow statement,” he said. “If we do have problems while the calf crop is growing, we have to be quicker to the draw and make fast decisions while the market is adjusting.”

Article courtesy of AFBF.

For more on the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention, visit bit.ly/afbfnews18 or visit Arkansas Farm Bureau on social media.

Editor Maddison Stewart

maddison.stewart@arfb.com

The 99th Annual AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION CONVENTION

T

he American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show was held Jan. 5-9 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The 7,400 who attended included about 200 Arkansas Farm Bureau delegates and staff from throughout the state. photos by STEVE EDDINGTON, MADDISON STEWART, KEN MOORE AND AFBF STAFF

2017 Arkansas Farm Family of the year, the Alston family, was among the thousands in the audience to hear from President Donald J. Trump. Left to right: Ryan, Deedee, Drey and Luke Alston.

ArFB President Randy Veach (right) and Vice President Rich Hillman discuss resolutions on important measures for American farmers and ranchers during the business session at the convention. Above right, ArFB board member Dan Wright speaking on an issue important to his county during the business session of the convention.

Hannah Gray of Greene County was among the “Sweet 16” finalists in the national YF&R Discussion Meet.

University of Arkansas at Monticello Collegiate Farm Bureau members with Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Left to right: Nick Meeks, Lance Blocker, Matthew Miller, President Veach, Allison Eubanks, Raeleigh Agan and Melissa Butler.

Farm Bureau Press Insert — Vol. 21, No. 1

ArFB’s 11 voting delegates and 18 alternates, including former ArFB YF&R chairman Chase Groves of Miller County, voted on policy proposals in the business session.

ArFB President Randy Veach in a live interview with RFD-TV during the convention.

99th ANNUAL AFBF CONVENTION

ArFB President Randy Veach posed with State FFA and 4-H officers at the AFBF Convention before the business session.

USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney spoke at a convention workshop about trade outlook for 2018.

ArFB President Randy Veach and his wife Thelma (right) had the opportunity to meet keynote speaker Reba McEntire during a special VIP photo session.

Farm Bureau Press Insert — Vol. 21, No. 1

For more photos from convention, visit our Flickr page at bit.ly/afbfphotos.

AFBF photo

Livestock outlook positive for 2018 Last year ended on a good note, and the 2018 outlook for livestock and poultry sectors is positive overall, according to James Robb, director and senior agricultural livestock economist for the Livestock Marketing Information Center.

There are, however, concerns for both markets as uncertainty looms around trade agreements, Robb told workshop attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show.

Demand for meat has increased, and Americans are expected to consume about 219 pounds of red meat and poultry per year. That’s the largest since around 2007, according to Robb.

As demand increases, quality will be more important than ever.

“Beef sells for well more than other products because consumers are willing to pay a premium,” Robb said. “Consumers don’t care about the cost of production,

are witnessing a new era of patriotism, prosperity and pride – and at the forefront of this exciting new chapter is the great American farmer. Farmers,” Trump said, “embody the values of hard work, grit, selfreliance and sheer determination.”

The president spent much of his address decrying the costs of excessive regulation and tallying the rules his administration has moved to eliminate.

“We are also putting an end to the regulatory assault on your way of life.

And it was an assault,” he said. Trump

Austin (left) and Amber Kennon of Mountain View were among the presenters in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition at the AFBF annual convention in Nashville.

AFBF delegates re-elected President Zippy Duvall (left) and Vice President Scott VanderWal to two-year terms at the conclusion of the organization’s 99th annual convention in Nashville, Tenn. ArFB President Randy Veach was also re-elected as a member of the AFBF board of directors.

singled out the Waters of the U.S. rule, now being withdrawn following an executive order he signed in the first weeks of his administration. “It sounds so nice, it sounds so innocent, and it was a disaster.

People came to me about it and they were crying – men who were tough and strong, women who were tough and strong – because I gave them back their property, and I gave them back their farms. We ditched the rule.”

Trump acknowledged controversy over the North American Free Trade Agreement and other trade agreements that account for roughly a quarter of U.S. agriculture revenues.

“To level the playing field for all of our farmers and ranchers, as well as our manufacturers, we are reviewing all of our trade agreements,” he said. “On NAFTA I am working very hard to get a better deal for our farmers and ranchers and manufacturers.”

Trump promised the farm bill would continue to provide a safety net for farmers who are now entering their fifth year of declining incomes. “I look forward to working with Congress to pass the farm bill on time so that it delivers for all of you.

And I support a bill that includes crop insurance,” he said.

“Farmers and ranchers have too long faced burdensome regulations,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “This president understands the toll government overreach has taken on ordinary business and is moving swiftly to clear the way for prosperity. We are moving into yet another

STEVE EDDINGTON photo

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue addressed farmers and ranchers about the importance of trade to U.S. agriculture and the priority of successful NAFTA negotiations Jan. 8 at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention in Nashville.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention in Nashville, Tenn. First row: Donna Bemis and Peggy Miller.

Second row: Delois Staggs. Third row: Teresa Fawcett, Emily Bemis, Magen Allen. Fourth Row: Cindy Rucker, Wendy Norwood and Reba Moore. Fifth row: Belinda Wright, Lesa Haymaker, Joyce Doyle and Mary Royal.

MADDISON STEWART photo

Article courtesy of AFBF.

STEVE EDDINGTON photo

Trump addresses FB members President Donald Trump unveiled a major initiative designed to strengthen a rural economy that has lagged urban areas in recovery from the Great Recession of 2007-2008. Trump signed two executive orders that fund and streamline the expansion of rural broadband access after an address to 7,400 farmers and ranchers gathered at American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention.

In addition to economic development, Trump touched on issues of particular importance to farmers and ranchers such as regulations, labor and trade. He praised farmers for their enduring values. “We

year of economic difficulty. Relief could not have come at a better time.”

AFBF photo

to address key sectors left out of the original agreement – dairy and poultry tariffs in Canada. Now, we want to see our negotiating partners step up and engage so we can get the deal done.”

In Perdue’s first eight months as secretary, USDA has already reopened the Chinese market to American beef, signed a protocol to allow exports of U.S. rice to China for the first time and eased European Union regulations on citrus exports. South Korea lifted its ban on imports of U.S. poultry, while Argentina has allowed American pork back into the country for the first time since 1992.

To read more visit American Farm Bureau’s news release at bit.ly/perdueafbf.

Hannah Gray (center) of Greene County along with her mother, Scarlett Wineland (left), and husband, Cody, react to being named as a “Sweet 16” finalist in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

and they won’t pay the premium for beef if the quality isn’t there.”

Robb noted the pork sector is considering establishing grading guidelines similar to beef.

“Beef product, compared to pork and chicken, has improved dramatically,” he said. “Pork wants to have grading guidelines like beef to improve their product.”

Competition for the customer also factors into prices and marketing.

“How do you get people into traditional grocery stores?” Robb asked. “The meat case, dairy products, fresh fruit drive customers to the store.”

Pet food is also changing the marketplace with the use of animal-based proteins.

“There’s fresh pet food, frozen pet food,” Robb said. “Millennials pay more per pound for pet food than they do for their own food.”

Exports have added value for cattle producers – adding an extra $66 per head.

But uncertainty centers around deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

“We think that number could grow but it’s dependent on things like NAFTA,” Robb said. “A lot went right for cattle

prices in 2017, but we’re still marketing calves against larger supplies.”

Financial management is critical, Robb said, and will be more important as the markets change.

“The marketing plan is tied to the cash flow statement,” he said. “If we do have problems while the calf crop is growing, we have to be quicker to the draw and make fast decisions while the market is adjusting.”

Article courtesy of AFBF.

For more on the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention, visit bit.ly/afbfnews18 or visit Arkansas Farm Bureau on social media.

Editor Maddison Stewart

maddison.stewart@arfb.com

Walmart suit over organic eggs Walmart Stores Inc. deceived shoppers by selling organic eggs laid by hens raised in enclosed structures under package labels indicating they had access to the outdoors, alleges a federal lawsuit filed. In reality, the birds raised by Cal-Maine Foods Inc. were limited to an enclosed structure that had screens to let air in. “The theoretical ability to view the outdoors is not the same as having access to it,” according to the lawsuit. Wal-Mart was able to sell the eggs at a premium due to the organic labeling.

Experts say these enclosed structures, known as “porches,” meet USDA standards for producers of organic livestock to provide “year-round access for all animals to the outdoors.” Last month, USDA shelved plans to define what it means for birds to have access to the outdoors.

Major beef supplier considers selling The owner of one of the United States’ biggest beef suppliers may be pulling out of the market just as the business is rebounding. Leucadia National Corp. is exploring selling all or part of its stake in National Beef Packing Co., Wall Street Journal reports, triggering a shift in the foundation agriculture industry at a critical period of growth. National Beef has a big role in the rebound, providing 12.5 percent of U.S. beef cattle.

Good weather bolsters Brazilian crop expectations Analysts surveyed by Reuters expect Brazil to produce a 110.19 MMT bean crop in 2017-18, which would be its second largest oilseed crop in history. This is up from a similar poll in November when analysts guessed the crop at 109.43 MMT. They note that favorable weather throughout

Canadian official offers no – give dairy trade issues Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, told Farm Bureau members at the American Farm Bureau Convention to maintain their support for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but offered no give on a key issue for U.S. farmers: better access to Canada’s dairy markets. MacAulay said Canada’s supply management system for dairy has “worked very well” for producers and consumers in his country. “We have indicated quite publicly as a government … we are fully supporting the supply management system,” MacAulay said. “Everybody wants to make sure that they take care of their agricultural sector, and that’s what we intend to do, too.”

Brazil expects OIE to declare it free of FMD The World Organization for Animal Health will likely declare Brazil free from foot-and-mouth disease with vaccinations at a meeting in May, according to a Brazilian government statement. This decision could improve its access to overseas markets. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Blairo Maggi, says the country is embarking on a project to be certified free of FMD without vaccination by 2022 or 2023.

U.K. looks at joining TPP Britain has held informal talks about joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) “in an audacious bid to kick-start exports after Brexit,” the Financial Times reported. However, British Trade Minister Liam Fox said it was too soon to seek membership in the TPP. Proposed dicamba cutoff date remains April 15 The Arkansas Plant Board decided to stick with the same proposed dicamba regulations. The second go-around with the regulations became necessary when, in December, state lawmakers asked the board to reconsider a mid-April spraying cutoff date along with the possibility of establishing spraying zones.

Report concludes export impacts bird flu USDA’s bird flu impact assessment report concludes spread of disease was usurped by lengthy closing of key export markets.

USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) evaluated the outcome of the 2014-2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian

TPA extension Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) expects the Trump administration to request a three-year extension of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA or fast-track) by the April 1 deadline, which would allow an up-or-down vote on trade agreements but prevent Congress from amending them. Blunt said his expectation comes after talking with President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

CONTACT

Matt King 501-228-1297, matt.king@arfb.com

www.arfb.com

99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention Recap Veach re-elected to AFBF board Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention elected members to serve as board and committee leaders for the organization.

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach was re-elected to a two-year term to the AFBF board of directors.

President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were re-elected to two-year terms.

Eleven other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board: Carl Bednarski, Michigan; Jim Holte, Wisconsin; Blake Hurst, Missouri; and Steve Nelson, Nebraska (Midwest Region); Mark Haney, Kentucky; John Hoblick, Florida; Harry Ott, South Carolina; Jimmy Parnell, Alabama; Wayne Pryor, Virginia; Rick Ebert, Pennsylvania and Ryck Suydam, New Jersey (Northeast

At the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn. President Donald J. Trump addressed farmers and ranchers from across the nation and unveiled a major initiative designed to strengthen rural economies by signing two executive orders that fund and streamline the expansion of rural broadband access.

Region). Russell Kohler of Utah was elected the new chair of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for a oneyear term, which makes him a member of the AFBF board of directors.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue highlights priorities and accomplishments The Department U.S. Agriculture is being reoriented with a new focus on farmers, and customers, and has already built a record of success, USDA Secretary

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach represented Arkansas proudly in the Parade of Flags during the opening general session at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Nashville.

AFBF photo

Tax law boosts co-ops, hurts buyers A provision in the new tax law gives growers a better deal at tax time if they sell their agricultural products to co-ops rather than other types of companies, Wall Street Journal reported.

influenza (bird flu) in the U.S., concluding the spread of the actual disease was bested by the effect of the closing of key export markets.

Sonny Perdue said. He made his comments at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

In his opening remarks, Perdue spoke about the importance of trade to U.S. agriculture and the priority of successful NAFTA negotiations.

“To get a deal, we need all sides to seriously roll up their sleeves and get to work,” Perdue said. “We have put a number of proposals on the table to modernize NAFTA, and critically for agriculture,

MADDISON STEWART photo

As of January 11, 2018

the growing season has made up for slow planting. Those surveyed expect Brazil’s summer corn crop to hit 25.27 MMT, a 17 percent decline from the year prior.

A Publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation

In the Market

January 12, 2018 • Vol. 21, No. 1