**Can U.S. agriculture stand between China and a war in Taiwan? According to economists, it can and is.

Armada Corporate Intelligence chief economist, Chris Kuehl tells www.agweb.com, China’s military released a report saying the single reason why they don’t intervene in Taiwan is that the U.S. might see this as an excuse to impose sanctions.

China’s military report comes as the country grapples with a protein shortage.

www.agweb.com/news/policy/politics/china-cites-us-ag-why-its-chosen-not-invade-taiwan

**Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $73 million in funding for the first round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program.

The funds will get used to increase competition across the cattle marketplace and support increased producer opportunities, and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the USDA’s work.

UCSA President, Brooke Miller says, “These federal dollars can help usher in a new era of U.S. food production, and, we look forward to further rounds of funding.”

**Frustrated farmers recently marched on the California Capitol, protesting water cuts to San Joaquin Valley farms.

Many of the protesting farmers rely on groundwater supplies, which have become increasingly depleted as state and federal water officials cut off surface water deliveries to the region.

Meanwhile, water tensions have mounted locally after the Madera County Board of Supervisors approved a $100 per-acre-foot penalty for farmers who pump more than their groundwater allocation.

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