Tom Polansek

3 weeks ago | desmoinesregister.com | Tom Polansek

Tom PolansekReutersA temporary tariff reduction between the US and China may not significantly increase US soy sales to China. Brazil remains a more competitive soy supplier to China due to ample supplies and a price advantage. US farmers believe the remaining tariffs on US soy still hinder their ability to compete with South American producers.

3 weeks ago | desmoinesregister.com | Leah Douglas |Tom Polansek

Hundreds of USDA animal health employees have resigned under the Trump administration's push for a smaller federal workforce. The departures affect the Veterinary Services arm, impacting disease outbreak response amid the longest-ever bird flu outbreak and the threat of New World screwworm. Concerns arise about slower response times and reduced support for local veterinary needs due to staff shortages.

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Leah Douglas |Tom Polansek

Hundreds of veterinarians, support staff and lab workers at the animal health arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture have left under the Trump administration's push for resignations, according to three sources familiar with the situation, leaving fewer specialists to respond to animal disease outbreaks. The departures come as the country battles its longest-ever outbreak of bird flu and faces the encroachment of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest detected among cattle in Mexico.

3 weeks ago | reuters.com | Tom Polansek

Caleb Ragland, a grain and soy grower and president of the American Soybean Association, looks at soybean pods on his farm in Magnolia, Kentucky, U.S., in this undated handout picture. American Soybean Association/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.

3 weeks ago | finance.yahoo.com | Tom Polansek

By Tom Polansek CHICAGO (Reuters) - A surprising tariff pause between Beijing and Washington will not help U.S. farmers revive soy sales in China without additional concessions, producers said, because top-supplier Brazil still has a competitive price advantage. Under the truce announced on Monday, the United States will cut extra tariffs it imposed on Chinese imports to 30% from 145% for the next three months, while Chinese duties on U.S. imports will fall to 10% from 125%.