foot-and-mouth disease

The final report from the Romaine Task Force, started in the wake of several outbreaks traced to the lettuce, is far from over, but recommendations could come by December.

The USDA has released their December milk production reports, delayed by the 35-day government shutdown in December and January. Cow numbers dropped again in December.

**Almost 40% of rural Americans do not have access to broadband internet service. According to the Wall Street Journal, that amounts to about 23 million people whose on-line service can be compared to dial-up speeds, at best. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says broadband connectivity should be considered the “roads, sewers and water” of the modern age, but industry estimates say it costs $30,000 per mi

**All signs point to a full-speed-ahead renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, but the U.S. meat sector is hopeful the three governments involved will be amenable to the ag sector’s desire, for the most part, to be left alone...

President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged Monday to improve relations under the North American Free Trade Agreement, but stressed they were mostly satisfied with the status quo. Trump has pledged to renegotiate or end NAFTA, which he has called “the worst trade deal in history, but indicated most of his displeasure is with Mexico, the third partner in the 22-year old trade