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  • Off Base, Part 2: The View from the CBO Baseline
    Release of the CBO Baseline is an annual ritual required by federal budget policy, pursuant to which the Congressional Budget Office projects spending on certain programs ten years into the unknowable future. CBO released its February 2026 baseline ahead of schedule, providing a new look at agricultural policy after enactment of major changes in the […]
  • Projected Incomes on Owned vs Rented Farmland for 2026
    Projections in the latest Illinois Crop Budgets suggest negative returns on cash rented farmland for the 2026 crop year (see farmdoc daily article from January 13, 2026).  This article compares…

Agriculture News

US STATES FACE WATER CRISIS AS GLOBAL HEATING INCREASES STRAIN ON SUPPLIES

August 8, 2019

A handful of U.S. states are facing significant strains on their water supplies that will only intensify with global heating, according to new rankings. New Mexico tops the list and is the only state with “extremely high” pressures on its water availability. California ranks second, followed by Arizona, Colorado and Nebraska. Experts with the World Resources Institute said the data shows a global water crisis. The U.S. overall is not among the world’s most at-risk countries. (The Guardian)

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WORST MIGHT BE YET TO COME FOR CHINA’S ASF OUTBREAK

August 8, 2019

The outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in China surpassed the one-year mark this month since the virus was confirmed there. ASF continues to spread in China and into neighboring countries despite the best efforts of farmers, veterinarians and government officials to contain it. Estimates suggest China, the world’s largest pork producer with nearly a billion hogs, could lose anywhere from 30 percent to 40 percent of sows to the virus. Economists predict it could take China four to six years to get ASF under control. (FarmWeekNow)

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FARMERS MEET WITH REP. KINZINGER TO EXPRESS CONCERNS

August 7, 2019

After months of devastating floods, farmers are now facing another battle, the trade war with China. “They are on the front lines of this trade war,” says Congressperson Adam Kinzinger. Kinzinger met with the Winnebago-Boone County Farm Bureau on Tuesday. Farmers took the opportunity to voice their concerns to representative Kinzinger, discussing the China trade dispute and pushing for USMCA ratification. (WIFR)

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US RESTAURANT CHAINS LOOK TO CHINA FOR SALES GROWTH

August 7, 2019

Amid the ongoing trade war, large restaurant chains in the U.S. are ramping up development in China. Fast-food chains tend to benefit from economic downturns because consumers look for cheaper options. However, as multinational restaurant companies typically source some of food from their home markets and some from local markets, restaurant chains could feel a pinch from the trade war. (CNBC)

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STATE FAIR DEBUTS INDUSTRIAL HEMP PLOT

August 7, 2019

The IDOA’s “Ag Tent” is not the only thing growing at the 2019 Illinois State Fair – a new test plot will offer fairgoers an up-close look at a controversial new planting option for Illinois farmers: Industrial hemp. “We planted a fibrous variety and a CBD variety to show people hemp and advocate hemp for growers,” said Krista Lisser, fair communications director. Plant experts will be on hand at select times each day of the fair to field questions from farmers and other fairgoers. “We definitely want to show the differences between industrial hemp and marijuana.” (Farm World)

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BUSTOS ANNOUNCES ‘RURAL GREEN PARTNERSHIP’ TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

August 7, 2019

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) formally submitted a framework of principles and policies to combat climate change and spur economic growth to the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis on Tuesday. “Climate change may be the most complicated challenge our country has ever faced,” Bustos said. “But I intend to meet the challenge head on and give rural America – including the families in Northwest and Central Illinois – a seat at the table as we tackle the climate crisis.” (Public)

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