It was a good year trading for MGEX. This news release from the Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO) says it set new all-time records in both total volume and electronic volume. Total volume finished the year at 2,278,559 contracts traded, a 13 percent increase over the previous record set a year ago. This marks the third …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Gov. Martin O’Malley
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Gov. Martin O’Malley. [The former governor of Maryland is a] Democratic candidate for President in 2016. In this interview you’ll hear his views on renewable fuel policy, environmental stewardship, global trade and why he believes leading a state like Maryland uniquely qualifies his bid for the Oval Office. Click here to listen to Agri-Pulse …
Corn Growers in Cuba
Nine farmer leaders and staff members from the National Corn Growers Association, the U.S. Grains Council and the North Dakota Barley Council traveled to Cuba last week to see first-hand opportunities for expanding U.S. coarse grain exports if trade is fully normalized with the island nation. The mission was part of an ongoing effort by the grains industry to assess …
TPA Signed With Eye Toward New Agreements
President Obama signed two trade bills passed by Congress on Monday, one authorizing Trade Promotion Authority and one renewing Trade Adjustment Assistance. The president pointed out that while the bills will help negotiations move forward on trade agreements such as the Transpacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), they are not the actual agreements. “We still …
Fast Track Makes it to the Finish Line
After lots of drama and much political posturing, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) finally cleared the final hurdle before being sent to the president’s desk, passing the U.S. Senate Wednesday by a vote of 60-38. “The Senate’s bipartisan passage of Trade Promotion Authority today sends a strong signal to foreign governments that we mean business at the bargaining table and are …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. A downturn in commodity prices and the biggest animal health emergency in that state’s history has taken a financial toll on Iowa agriculture. In this week’s interview, Iowa’s Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey addresses producers’ recovery from avian influenza and their preparation for further challenges from the disease. Northey discusses …
Fast Track Back on Track
The U.S. House passed Trade Promotion Authority Thursday by a vote of 218-208 getting fast track back on track and most agricultural organizations are very pleased. “The House’s bipartisan passage of trade promotion authority legislation brings us a step closer to completing ambitious trade negotiations around the world,” said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman. “We must break down …
Nebraska Governor Concludes European Trade Trip
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts wrapped up his first agricultural trade mission this week with a visit to Novozymes world headquarters in Denmark, where a company tour showcased the production of unique enzymes and microbial products used in the animal nutrition, agriculture, and biofuels industries. The visit marked the end of the trade mission with agriculture industry representatives that also included …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Canadian Ag Minister Gerry Ritz
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Ritz says the US is out of options and out of time with regard to Country-of-Origin labeling. He discusses the retaliation timetable and the billions of dollars in tariffs that could be placed on U.S. goods. In addition, Ritz says Canada is closely watching the Trade Promotion Authority vote …
Confusion over TPA
Votes on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) were held Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives, but for many it was unclear what exactly happened – did it pass or didn’t it? Yes and no. The actual Trade Promotion Authority bill passed, but the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) portion of the bill that was separated out in the House, supposedly as …