**While the volume of ag exports is projected to expand from 2021-30, U.S. exports of major crop and livestock commodities are also expected to face stiff competition from other exporters, like Brazil and the European Union.

www.agrimarketing.com reports, U.S. exports of corn and cotton are expected to remain the world’s largest, but average U.S. market shares for nearly all commodities are expected to slip over the decade.

Brazil is expected to expand planted acres, increasing export shares for corn, soybeans, cotton, poultry, beef, and pork.

www.agrimarketing.com/s/135121

**Hailed as a defense against erosion and nutrient loss during fallow seasons, COVER CROPS, according to USDA economists, are being planted on a larger portion of U.S. cropland than ever before.

According to www.agriculture.com, plantings expanded 50% in a five-year period, but still only 5% of cropland is sown with them, and incentive payments have been an important factor.

Some 15.4 million acres were planted with cover crops in 2017.

www.agriculture.com/news/business/cover-crops-grow-in-popularity-but-still-a-niche

**One of Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack’s top priorities will be making sure Canada and Mexico live up to their promises under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

www.agri-pulse.com reports, Vilsack met virtually with Canada’s Agriculture Minister and Mexico’s Ag Secretary in separate meetings last week.

But Canada, Vilsack says, which the U.S. is already accusing of falling short on its dairy commitments, is the immediate priority.

www.agri-pulse.com/articles/15420-vilsack-canada-and-mexico-need-to-adhere-to-usmca-pledges

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