Editorial: Trump's Tirade
OPINION: "We are back to where we were a year ago," according to a leading banking analyst in the UK, referring to US president Donald Trump's latest imposition of a global 10% tariff on all exports into the US.
OPINION: Paranoia about foreigners is at an all-time high in the US and attention is now turning to foreign-owned farmland.
The Farm Journal reports that the Trump administration is focusing on national security in agriculture, which includes action to "eliminate foreign-owned farmland", especially surrounding U.S. military bases.
The USDA unveiled the National Farm Security Action Plan two weeks ago, aimed at "protecting and securing American farmland from foreign influence".
The plan is the next pillar of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' 'Make Agriculture Great Again' initiative that "elevates American agriculture as a key element of our nation's national security".
"Too much American land is owned by nationals of adversarial countries, and more than 265,000 acres in the United States are owned by Chinese nationals, much of which is located near critical U.S. military bases," Rollins told reporters.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.
New Zealand farming is riding a high, with strong prices, full feed covers and improving confidence lining up at the same time.
Manawatu Mayor Michael Ford says the district sees itself as the agribusiness capital of the lower North Island.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is looking forward to connecting with farmers, rural professionals and community members at this year's Central District Field Days.
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers and growers better prepared for adverse weather events.