Agricultural exports are expected to increase by $2.2 billion under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) once it’s implemented, according to a new report by the International Trade Commission.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Dave Salmonsen said changes to trade rules prompted the projected increase in exports.
“In the past, the ITC really never had a way of putting numbers behind rules,” said Salmonsen. “But this time they used some new modeling and came out with that number. And we think over time, once this is implemented, this will have those beneficial effects and be a good addition to what we already have in NAFTA with the new USMCA provisions.”
USMCA changes sanitary and phytosanitary standards, biotech rules and other provisions. Salmonsen said the projected increase in ag exports also comes from quota changes.
“Part of the 2.2 billion was $435 million in, we think, new exports to Canada because they granted some more access, they raised the quotas,” said Salmonsen. “They wouldn’t get rid of their tariffs on dairy and poultry which is their last remaining control they have over those imports, but they raised access, so we’ve got that.”
Some agriculture groups are urging congress to vote on the USCMA and ratify it as soon as possible.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting online applications for funding through the new ReConnect Rural Broadband Pilot Program.
The funds will enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Funding applications can be submitted here.
Due to severe spring weather, Lewistown Livestock Auction has announced they will cancel their weekly cattle sale Tuesday, April 30. For more information, contact Lewistown livestock at (406)538-3471.
In event news, the Montana FFA is looking for volunteers to help judge and host FFA members who will head to Great Falls May 6th and 7th for the FFA’s Career Development Event Days. The event had postponed due to weather.
“These are state level contest whom the winners will go on to compete in National Convention,” said Montana FFA State Secretary Emily Evans. “It will be hosted in Great Falls. It was originally rescheduled due to weather. We are looking for volunteers to help out with judging and all the events there. It’s very important to understand the effects that your support has on the organization on the membership. Just selector reiterate how much your support would mean to us at our Montana CD days coming up in Great Falls and May 6th and 7th anytime you can give we would be very much appreciated by the Association and the members.”
If you are interested in volunteering, visit the Montana FFA website.
Registration is now open to cattle producers for four events on National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) Stockmanship and Stewardship Regional Tour. Events will be held in Iowa, Colorado, Kansas and Louisiana.
The tour features stockmanship experts like Montana’s very own Curt Pate and many others who will help ranchers become more knowledgeable in all aspects stockmanship. Click here for more information.
-Reported by Lane Nordlund/MTN News
