Comm. Dept Lowers Fertilizer Duties & USDA Changes Livestock Rules

**The Commerce Department announced it is lowering duties placed on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco from just under 20% to just over 2%.

The decision came after the agency conducted an administrative review of the duties, which is performed annually by retroactively examining the price of shipments and other factors.

The National Corn Growers Association, a long-time vocal opponent of the duties, called it a big win for corn growers.

**Nutrien released a study called Bridging the Agricultural Perception Divide between farmers and consumers and found the largest gaps are related to environmental stewardship and industry advancement.

Farmers were significantly more likely to agree with statements related to the responsible use of crop inputs, chemicals, environmental progress, farming careers, and soil quality.

The study also finds that younger consumers have the lowest interest and trust in agriculture.

**The USDA released a package of rules and orders seeking to increase competition in the livestock industry.

That package establishes a Chief Competition Officer at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

The officer will help elevate and institutionalize competition-related concerns at USDA.

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President, Justin Tupper says this is another item crossed off a to-do list the administration is following to ensure a fairer, more competitive marketplace for U.S. cattle producers.