USDA to Revise Foreign Agricultural Land Ownership Reporting Process
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency is set to revise the form used for reporting foreign agricultural land ownership in the country. This update aims to enhance the detail and scope of information gathered for the agency’s annual reports. Under current regulations, non-U.S. citizens or companies acquiring agricultural land in the […]
H-2A Guest Worker Wage Increases Pose Challenges for US Farmers, Says Farm Bureau
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is raising concerns over the fluctuating and often high wages for H-2A guest workers, a situation that is increasingly challenging for farmers across the United States. John Walt Boatright, the Director of Government Affairs at AFBF, spoke to Brownfield about the significant impact of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate […]
Paraguayan Beef Cleared for U.S. Import, FSIS Sets Inspection Protocols
In a notable development, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture has endorsed the importation of raw beef from Paraguay, a decision contingent on strict adherence to inspection protocols. Paraguay exports must comply with the FSIS’s rigorous standards, verified through inspection certificates issued by Paraguay’s Central Competent Authority […]
New Zealand Beef Industry Eyes Opportunities Amid US Herd Reduction
US Beef Herd Reduction and Its Implications The United States is experiencing a significant reduction in its beef herd, expected to continue for the next 18 months, according to Meat Industry Association Chief Executive Sirma Karapeeva. This decline, primarily driven by drought affecting about a third of the lower 48 states, is leading US farmers […]
New Zealand’s Primary Sector Faces a 5% Export Revenue Decline Amid Global Economic Challenges
A Pause in Steady Growth New Zealand’s primary sector, after witnessing a remarkable growth trajectory over the past six years, is now confronting a downturn. The Ministry for Primary Industries, in its recent Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report, has projected a 5% decrease in export earnings for the current year. This decline, attributed […]
Review of the Sheep and Lamb Market in 2023
Overview of Market Challenges and Confidence Fluctuations The sheep and lamb industry in 2023 encountered a series of unprecedented challenges, leading to significant fluctuations in market confidence and indicator pricing. The year was characterised by a mix of uncertainty and resilience, impacting producer sentiments and market dynamics. Factors Influencing Market Outlook Producer confidence, weather forecasts, […]
EU Beef and Lamb Market Update: Tighter Supplies Bolster Prices
Overview of EU Beef and Lamb Markets The European Union’s beef and lamb markets have experienced notable trends in 2023, with supply constraints leading to price increases. This article provides a comprehensive review of the market dynamics, production changes, and future outlook for these sectors. Beef Market Trends and Price Movements EU prime cattle prices […]
Canterbury Dairy Farm Reports Mycoplasma Bovis Infection
Recent Outbreak in Canterbury A dairy farm in Canterbury has been reported as the latest to be infected with Mycoplasma bovis, marking it as the second property in the region to be affected by this disease. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has indicated that such further infections towards the end of an outbreak are […]
New Direction in Freshwater Policy Welcomed by Farming Community
Government Revises Freshwater Policy The New Zealand farming community has expressed relief and support following the government’s decision to replace the controversial National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM). Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that work on developing a new policy will begin immediately, with an expected completion timeline of 18 to 24 months. […]
Farmers’ Satisfaction with Banks Hits Record Low, Survey Reveals
Declining Satisfaction Among Farmers The latest Federated Farmers Banking Survey has revealed a significant decline in farmers’ satisfaction with their banks, reaching an all-time low. Conducted in mid-November, the survey highlights growing concerns among farmers about undue pressure from banks and high-interest rates. Survey Findings While 55.6% of farmers remain satisfied with their bank relationships, […]
