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U.S. and Japan Roll Out a Trade Agreement

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During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the first stage of the new trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan. This agreement levels the playing field in terms of market access for certain agriculture and industrial goods, as well as on digital trade. In the next two weeks, the two countries will work out more details. The first stage of the agreement is expected to be finalized by January 2020.

U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Fact Sheet

 

In a Down Ag Economy, Focus on What You Can Control

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In today’s current economy, the average and below average business managers are at risk. Virginia Tech professor emeritus Dr. David Kohl made that point at a Bell Bank event in Fergus Falls and Moorhead. Kohl said farmers must know their numbers, monitor finances and execute a marketing and risk management plan.
 
“You’re not going to make a profit every time, but if you focus on fundamentals and manage around the things that you can control, the odds will be in your favor.” According to Kohl, 83 percent of the U.S. farm balance sheet assets are in farmland.
 

McKinney: Ag Must be Included in EU-US Trade Negotiations

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If agriculture is not included, the United States and European Union will not be able to reach a trade agreement. USDA Undersecretary Ted McKinney made that point during his visit to Brussels. Europe wants a trade deal with the United States, but is refusing to discuss increased market access for U.S. farm products.

ND Specialty Crop Grant Deadline Approaching

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The deadline to apply for 2019 Specialty Crop Grants is Friday, March 8. Specialty crops grown in North Dakota include dry beans, dry peas, lentils potatoes, confections sunflowers, and various fruits and vegetables. According to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the state are eligible for the funding. More information is available on the NDDA website.