President Donald J. Trump today signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), replacing the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), with improved access to both markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers. “This agreement is a tremendous breakthrough for American agriculture,” said President Trump in remarks before signing the agreement. “Poultry exports to Canada are expected to rise 50 percent and …
ZimmCast 634 – Questions About Growing Hemp
Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. This week’s program includes several interviews I did at the inaugural Heart of American Agricultural Hemp Classic in Independence, MO. The event was organized by the Missouri Hemp Association. Farmers have a lot of questions about hemp and in the interviews you will hear from presenters and farmers who have some answers. You can …
Senate Passage of USMCA Praised by Ag Groups
By a vote of 89-10 the U.S. Senate approved the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) today and sent it on to President Trump for his signature. Just before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said USMCA will benefit the entire economy, but especially agriculture – “farmers, growers, cattlemen, manufacturers, small businesses, big businesses.” (2:18) Reaction from the agricultural sector …
Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic Kicks Off
The inaugural Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic takes place today in Independence, MO. Our MC is Joe Zahner, general counsel, Missouri Hemp Association. Joe is a scientist so he gets to help members on technical issues. We talked about the conference yesterday after the membership of the association met. The program here includes farmers who have experience growing and …
Agriculture Celebrates China Phase One Signing
Agricultural organizations are very positive overall about the signing of the historic Phase One Trade Agreement with China Wednesday, an agreement which calls for China to purchase between $40 and $50 billion in American agricultural goods each year for two years. “Together we are righting the wrongs of the past and delivering a future of economic justice and security for …
2020 SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference Underway
The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference returns to Savannah, Ga. and really kicks in to gear today. In 2019, the educational event and trade show hosted more than 3,300 attendees and 290 vendor companies. Sponsored by Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Association and the Georgia Peach Council the conference is held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The …
Farm Groups Partner to Help Farmers Manage Stress
Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, agricultural organizations have partnered on a program to train individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to recognize signs of stress and offer help. Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union announced the program yesterday in Washington D.C. with the support of several members of Congress. …
ZimmCast 632 – Ag Retailers Conference Leadership
In this week’s program I spoke with the leadership of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA). In the program you’ll hear from past Chair, Troy Johnson, Wilbur-Ellis, as he talks about his term leading the board. Then next up will be Rod Wells, GROWMARK, new Chair for ARA, as he talks about his outlook and plans for the coming two …
ZimmCast 631 – Hemp in the Heartland
In this week’s program you can hear Cindy talk with Wayne Gale, Stokes Seeds and Chairman of the American Seed Trade Association, about the upcoming ASTA CSS & Seed Expo. I then talk with Bill Cook, Executive Director of the Missouri Hemp Association about their inaugural Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic (registration started on Black Friday). Wayne talks about …
ZimmCast 629 – Farming Hemp in Florida
This week I attended the inaugural Florida Industrial Hemp Conference & Expo in Orlando. Hemp has become a hot topic in agriculture today since so many states have created legislation allowing it to be grown and more are in the process. That includes my home state of Florida. I asked all the people I spoke with or interviewed during the …