August 26, 2025

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, Valley, This is Aglife. My name is Bob Quinn,
with you for the next hour talking about agricultural production
here in the valley and all across the country. Additions
to the plan to control New World screwworm is where
we start the day.

Speaker 2 (00:14):
We are announcing USDA will invest and build a domestic
sterile fly production facility in Edinburgh, Texas, which is situated
about twenty miles from the southern border.

Speaker 3 (00:24):
Agriculture Secretary Brook Rawlins discussing the latest efforts to prevent
the entry of this livestock threat within our border during
a recent visit to Austin, Texas. The new site will complement.

Speaker 2 (00:37):
The dispersal facility we have already begun production.

Speaker 3 (00:39):
On, also located at Edinburgh at More Air Force Base,
part of the EDWS five prog strategy announcement made by
the Secretary last month. As for the new steril fly
production complex.

Speaker 2 (00:52):
With a capacity to produce three hundred million sterile screwworm
flies per week, and that's how we eradicate the parasite.
This facility will triple our current output and eliminate our
sole reliance on Panama and Mexico for steril fly supply.
It's a tactical move that ensures we are prepared and
not just reactive.

Speaker 3 (01:11):
In addition to the up to seven hundred and fifty
billion dollar investment in the sterile fly Dispersal Facility, we.

Speaker 2 (01:17):
Are launching up to one hundred million dollars to cutting
edge technologies that can accelerate our response from novel traps
and lures to modular steril fly units.

Speaker 3 (01:27):
Among other enhancements to the New World screw worm prevention
at eradication strategy.

Speaker 2 (01:33):
Because of the migration of infected wildlife over the US border,
we are ramping up the hiring of USDA employed mounted
patrol officers known as the Tick Riders or the Tick Crew,
which will be the cornerstone of our surveillance program. The
Tick Riders are mounted on horseback and will provide the
first line of defense against a New World screwworm outbreak
along the US Mexico border. We're also training our beagles

(01:56):
of the Bigle Brigade to detect screwworm infections and will
be significant ramping up our border surveillance program.

Speaker 3 (02:03):
And continued strangthened partnership between the US and Mexico in
addressing and WUS.

Speaker 2 (02:09):
We are working with Mexico to boost the surveillance, training
and oversight inside Mexico to ensure real time tracking and
reaction time, while the US works to verify Mexico's reported
results and to help them improve their systems south of
the border. Mexico has agreed to halt animal movement in
affected zones, which will help push SCREWERM back towards the

(02:30):
Darien Gap and away from our doorsteps.

Speaker 3 (02:32):
Broad Bane reporting for the US Department of Agriculture in Washington.

Speaker 4 (02:37):
D C.

Speaker 1 (02:38):
Farm news coming up. You're listening to Waglife Bob Quinn.
Here were some farm news this morning. Friends. Not that
there aren't enough challenges for agriculture these days, with exports
and trade being some of the biggest. Michael Schadler, president
of the Washington Apple Commission, says there is plenty of
market uncertainty out there right now, but no reason to panic.

Speaker 5 (03:00):
The competitive marketplace.

Speaker 4 (03:02):
We've got to be really good considering the distance we
have to shift those apples to be able to compete.

Speaker 5 (03:07):
But we're still we still have some optimism there.

Speaker 1 (03:10):
So Schadler says he'll continue watching the trade talks very closely,
which include the two biggest and most important trading partners
and neighbors, Mexico and Canada.

Speaker 4 (03:20):
Absolutely, and that proximity and noth on wood free trade
that exists between those markets is key to that and
I don't see that changing anytime soon and hopefully not ever.
But between those two countries, fifty percent of our exports
go to those markets, you know, to around forty percent
of Mexico alone, So those really are hugely important markets
for our industry.

Speaker 1 (03:41):
But Schadler says more export markets wouldn't be a bad thing.

Speaker 5 (03:45):
You know, there's uncertainty there.

Speaker 4 (03:46):
On the one hand, we're hopeful that the negotiations that
are taking place will actually allow us to ship more markets,
that the markets will become more open, and that in
some cases the duties will decrease.

Speaker 1 (04:01):
So Schadler says we shouldn't jump to any conclusions because
things could work out just fine.

Speaker 5 (04:07):
Yeah, I hope that's the case.

Speaker 4 (04:09):
There's been some mixed messaging and kind of, like you said,
fascinating back and forth on what message is coming out
of the administration. But yeah, it's something that everybody's paying
close attention to right now.

Speaker 1 (04:19):
Michael Schadler, President Washington Apple Commission, this morning, Well, friends,
a big opportunity for dairy is in overseas markets. Chad
Smith has details this morning.

Speaker 6 (04:30):
With ninety six percent of the world's population living outside
the US, there is literally a world of opportunity for
US dairy to be enjoyed around the globe. Becky Nyman,
a California dairy farmer, chair of the US Dairy Export
Council and a Dairy Management Ink Board member, talks about
why exports matter to all dairy farmers.

Speaker 7 (04:52):
Exports impact all farmers in the US, regardless of whether
or not a drop of their milk leaves are borders.
Simply put, strong export sales boost overall demand for dairy products,
and that higher demand helps drive up milk prices for
farmers all across the country. There is literally a world
of opportunity for US dairy products.

Speaker 6 (05:14):
Dairy is a standard part of many American diets, from
cheese on pizzas to a glass of milk at the
dinner table. Around the world, though, it is less common,
which is why the Chekhov and the US Dairy Export
Council are working to drive demand.

Speaker 7 (05:29):
When I think about future long term opportunities, I think
about where people might consume more so. In the US,
average dairy consumption is more than six hundred pounds per
person annually, and by comparison, in China, the average is
roughly sixty pounds. In Indonesia, which is the world's fourth
most populous country, it's under fifty pounds per person, So

(05:52):
that means Americans consume six times more dairy than consumers
in these countries. So just imagine the impact on our
industry if consumption in these markets were to rise even
very modestly.

Speaker 6 (06:05):
Driving dairy demand around the world takes a different approach
and strategy depending on the market, to ensure the products
being offered are desirable in the local cuisine.

Speaker 7 (06:16):
Because every country and culture is different, there's no one
size fits all strategy and the approach reflexa. But when
I think about just one example, our relationship with Mexico
rises to the top. So checkof and us DECK built
a long standing partnership with a delegation of Mexican dairy
leaders and we work together every year throughout the year

(06:39):
to strengthen the industry in both countries.

Speaker 2 (06:41):
And in the last.

Speaker 7 (06:42):
Fifteen years or so, dairy consumption in Mexico has increased
by about twenty percent, and during that same time, the
US has maintained its share of that market of over
twenty percent. So when they grow, we grow, and that's
a wonderful success story to tell that benefits producers in
both of our countries.

Speaker 6 (07:02):
To learn more about what the Dairy checkof is doing
to drive sales and build trust in dairy, visit dairycheckov
dot com. Chad Smith Reporting Farm US.

Speaker 1 (07:12):
You're listening to wag Life.

Speaker 8 (07:14):
It's another at news update. US suite exports are supported
by golf demand tight supplies.

Speaker 9 (07:22):
More after this, at the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual
Convention in Denver, we caught up with Michael Gerghi from
Student Loan Advisor.

Speaker 10 (07:31):
I think the biggest thing to remember when it comes
down to student loans and student loan forgiveness is that
you have to be very, very vigilant because it really
can be one of the biggest empowering choices of your
life to go out and get this degree inside of
the veterinary field, or it can be a tremendous roadblock
if it's not managed properly. So we really try and
encourage that as the overarching team and the top line
piece of advice that we give the folks.

Speaker 9 (07:51):
There's more valuable information on AVMA dot org.

Speaker 8 (07:54):
Basis levels for us suite mixed over the week, with
many elevators full through September, but space remains for fall deliveries.
Corn shipments climbing, but weaker soybean demand could help support
wheat exports this fall. Golf inquiries remain strong from both
traditional and opportunistic buyers, while liquidity concerns persist in the

(08:19):
Pacific Northwest. Now, industry analysts note farmer sellings been slow
at current prices, though upcoming harvest and storage needs may
spur more sales. Hard red winter wheat yields and quality
exceeding expectations current estimates seven hundred fifty seven million bushels
and average protein twelve point one percent. USDA's updated production

(08:44):
estimate comes this week now for the weekend in July
thirty fir net wheat cells totally seven hundred thirty seven
eight hundred metric tons puts new year commitments at ten
point two million metric tons, twenty percent ahead of last
year and forty four percent of USDA's twenty three point

(09:08):
one million metric ton projection. It's another agnews update.

Speaker 11 (09:14):
Hey there the super Hello, Hello, huh, hey, y'all, hey,
orla Hi.

Speaker 12 (09:21):
It takes a lot of voices to create the sound
of us. The Why welcomes all of them with open arms,
from career readiness to safe spaces. The Why is there
no matter who we are, now more than ever, they
need your support, support your local Why today The Why
for better.

Speaker 5 (09:41):
Us read by members of.

Speaker 8 (09:43):
The Why American Cattle News Did the bottom just fall
out of the cattle market? More after this.

Speaker 9 (09:54):
At the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention in Denver,
we caught up with Michael Gurgie from Student Loan Advisor.

Speaker 13 (10:01):
I think the.

Speaker 10 (10:02):
Biggest thing to remember when it comes down to student
loans and student loan forgiveness is that you have to
be very, very vigilant because it really can be one
of the biggest empowering choices of your life to go
out and get this degree inside of the veterinary field,
or it can be a tremendous roadblock if it's not
managed properly. So we really try and encourage that as
the overarching theme and the top line piece of advice
that we give the books.

Speaker 9 (10:21):
There's more valuable information on AVMA dot org.

Speaker 8 (10:24):
Oliver's slope is with blue line futures.

Speaker 13 (10:29):
Feature soared to new highs on Thursday, but got hit
art on Friday. At the closed October live cattle futures,
we're six dollars and twenty five cents lower to settle
at two twenty five ninety seven for the week, though
that was still two dollars and thirty cents higher. Feeder
cattle lock levet lower today, down nine dollars and twenty
five cents for every contract all the way out to

(10:49):
May of twenty twenty six. For the week, the most
actively traded September contract was still six dollars and forty
five cents higher. Live cattle and feeder cattle will have
expanded trading limits on Monday, so for live cattle that's
ten seventy five and feeder cattle thirteen to seventy five.
This morning' wholesale box BEF report was mixed. We saw

(11:12):
choice cuts a dollar sixteen lower to three seventy seven
seventy eight. Select cuts gained ninety six cents to three
fifty four to seventy one. Yesterday's five area average price
for live series that was reported at two forty, though it.

Speaker 5 (11:25):
Was on light volume.

Speaker 13 (11:27):
Daily slaughter on Thursday came in at one hundred and
fifteen thousand head, which expanded the week to day total
four hundred and forty seven thousand. That is six thousand
more than last week, but thirty four thousand least in
the same period last year. As you may have guessed
from the big moves in cattle today, volatility measures were
sharply higher, particularly the CME Sivall index for live and

(11:49):
feeder cattle, both of which reached new highs for the year.
In today's trade, analysts note that future fundamentals, seasonality, and
fun positioning may all be playing a role in the
recent rise in volatility.

Speaker 8 (12:01):
That's Oliver Blue Line Futures cash trade two thirty five
to two thirty seven in the South two forty two,
two forty five in the North. American Cattle News.

Speaker 1 (12:15):
This is Dairy Radio Now with Bill Baker.

Speaker 14 (12:20):
The hard but necessary family Conversations. Our guest today Wesley
tucker Field, specialist in agricultural business with the University of
Missouri Extension. We talk about a state and succession planning.
Wesley has some advice from a recent PDP dairy signal.

Speaker 15 (12:38):
I do call this the hard but necessary family conversations,
because I really feel like communicating and talking about some
of these sensitive issues. How many of you would be
excited or happy if the day after your funeral, a
caravan of livestock trailers backed up to your facilities and
loaded up all your cows to take them to the salebarn.
The local auction company was called to schedule the estate

(13:01):
and machinery sale, and the kids stopped by the realty
office on the way home from the funeral to list
the farm per sale. And all the hundreds of times
I've asked this, no one ever jumps up and says, yeah,
that's what I want my legacy to be. But the
reality is, if we don't take farm succession serious, and
if we don't plan for it and work through some
of the difficult conversations, that may be your legacy. And

(13:24):
so that's really what we want to try to avoid.
And so I think all of our producers will be
familiar with the old three legged milking stool right roadmaps
to farm and ranch transition. To make that map for
how the operation should transition from one generation to the next,
I spend quite a bit of time talking about family
business dynamics and how to separate some of those family

(13:44):
and business roles. And then we spend quite a bit
of time talking about family meetings and how to protect
not only the business through those but also the family.
The reality is, when we had the recent AG census,
we found that thirty eight percent of our producers are
now sixty five or older. It doesn't matter where I
go across the country. If I go to the Midwest
to crop producers, if I go to the North or

(14:07):
South to dairy producers, or any small town that has
small businesses like a rural hardware store or a local
feed store. Rural America is on the edge of a
massive amount of rollover of small businesses from one generation
to the next. And so we've got to get really
serious about planning and doing this properly if we want
to not only protect our operations and our families, but

(14:29):
also our rural communities scattered throughout our country. If all
you want to do is pass the land to your kids,
all you need is in the state plan. Pass your
stuff to the kids, check the box, go get a
will of trust, whatever you want to do, get your
state plan in order and you can sleep well at night.
But the reality is, if a farmer's goal is not

(14:50):
just leaving the land to the kids and letting them
fight over it or sell it, But if a farmer's
goal is actually seeing if you want one of your
kids milking cow on your family land five years or
ten years after you're gone, then a succession plan is
much much bigger than in a state plan. Yes, the

(15:10):
state planning is part of succession planning, but it's only
a piece of it, because, yes, you have to think
about the assets. You've got to think about the financial
side of it. Do I even want to retire? Does
the dairy support more than one family in this operation?
And then the elephant in the room often is who's
my business success or going to be and how I'm
going to treat them if I have one or two

(15:32):
children that want to be a part of the dairy operation,
when I have other children that don't. And just going
through farm succession with my family when my father was killed,
you know, unexpectedly quickly I realize how important this truly
is now. Family businesses, unfortunately, are hard. There's always something

(15:52):
that takes priority over our time. But unless you get
extremely intentional about communicating and put family meetings on the
calendar and say we're going to sit down and we're
going to talk about things once a month or once
a quarter or whatever. They will not happen. I love
that analogy of the airport runway. The sooner we start
having these, the longer the runway we got in, the

(16:14):
smoother the landing can be. Don't be afraid to bring
the family together and talk about things. I feel like
sometimes people are so afraid because they know there's different
thoughts and different opinions. They feel like, well, if I
let people have the opportunity to express their opinion, it's
like going through the drive through at a fast food restaurant.
Everyone gets what they ordered.

Speaker 16 (16:34):
No, it's not.

Speaker 15 (16:36):
You know, we're going to have to compromise. We're gonna
have to make some hard decisions. It is important to
let everyone have a voice and everyone to have input,
but then ultimately we have to make some of these
hard decisions about what's best for the family, invest for
the future of our dairy operation.

Speaker 14 (16:50):
And those are comments from Wesley tucker Field, specialist and
agricultural business at the University of Missouri Extension on a
recent PDP Dairy Signal that you can hear in its
entirety for free simply by going to pdpw dot org.
Our thanks to the Professional Dairy Producers for today's sponsorship
of Producer Tuesday on Dairy Radio NAW.

Speaker 17 (17:13):
It's called sterile insect technology or using sterile naval orangeworm moths,
which means any mating would produce no progeny is something
that the industry is working on in aumons, walnuts, and pistachios.
I'm Patrick Cavanaugh with the California Tree Nut Report, part
of the vastag Information Network. David Havilin is a UCA
and R farm advisor in Kern County specializing in entomology.

(17:37):
Gives us an update basic summaries.

Speaker 18 (17:39):
It's still being worked on. Is there potential maybe? Are
there still a lot of hurdles in the way for
it to be commercially relevant? Absolutely so, you know, we'll
watch and see as people continue to work on it
and see what comes of it.

Speaker 17 (17:50):
Well, think for sure it won't be as easy as
it was in the pink bullworm program in cotton, which
also used steril malls and it was very successful.

Speaker 18 (17:58):
Well, it's very different, think full warm is a situation
where you've got a pet that only attacks.

Speaker 17 (18:04):
One crop and that crop had a mandatory cloud down
during the winter which took away the host.

Speaker 18 (18:09):
It has an excellent trap and you have BT crops
that are helping you out in the process.

Speaker 17 (18:14):
Dramatically different from the nut crops, widespread acreage, multiple crops
that naval orange worm is a problem.

Speaker 18 (18:20):
No plow down, no genetically modified crops. Yeah, you can't
disc an all mender a pistatue orchard at the end
of each year to get rid of the worms. Sanitation
is difficult. So yeah, very different situation, very different expectations,
and we'll see where.

Speaker 5 (18:33):
We end up.

Speaker 17 (18:34):
That's again David hevilin UCA and R farm advisor specializing
in anymology in Kern County.

Speaker 19 (18:41):
You've probably been told that to reach a millennial farmer
you have to go digital hmm, Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest,
LinkedIn and online publication or maybe a podcast hmm, but
which one? Oh, and how receptive is this age group
to your sales pitch during non works so social time.

(19:01):
Maybe the best place to reach a farmer with a
farming solution message is when they are well quite Frankly Farming.
You know it's easy for us to find them during
the day, as most farmers are behind the wheel of
a pickup truck or farm equipment with the radio on,
listening to this station featuring the AGG Information Network News.

(19:23):
If you'd like to deliver information about your terrific product
or service, give us a call and we'll connect you
directly with our community of loyal farmer listeners. Reach real
farmers right here right now as they listen to what
is important to their farm operation. They trust us, They'll
trust you with the AG Information Network. I'm Patrick Cavanaugh.

Speaker 20 (19:43):
Welcome to Aglife. I'm Dwayne Murley with your farm News.
Usca's Secretary of Agriculture, Brook Rollins and Texas Governor Abbot
held a press conference about the next steps in the
battle against the New World screwworm. Governor Abbot says, this
is a dangerous pests that can affect everyone, not just ranchers.

Speaker 21 (20:05):
Every livestock sector at I'll throw in deer population in
addition to the cattle population. They're all at risk because
of the screw worm. This is an enormous challenge and
you need to understand the magnitude just in Texas. This
can result in billions of dollars of losses a year.
It could truly crush the cattle industry as well as

(20:28):
other livestock industry in Texas, and in doing so, it's
going to lead to a dramatic spike increase in what
people are paying in groceries when they go to the
grocery store and try to buy food.

Speaker 20 (20:42):
The UFDA estimates that a screw or outbreak could damage
Texas's economy by as much as one point eight billion
dollars due to livestock losses, treatment costs, and associated economic
ripple effects.

Speaker 21 (20:55):
The reality is this is a national and international issue.
The screw worm typically comes from South America, makes its
way up through Central America and New Mexico before reaching Texas.
It has gone through all of those geographic regions and
now is in southern part of Mexico and is nearing Texas,

(21:17):
and we are going to face these dire economic consequences.
Our industries are ranchers, people who buy groceries are going
to face these dire consequences if action is not taken
to deny the ability of the screw worm being able
to get into the.

Speaker 5 (21:34):
State of Texas.

Speaker 20 (21:35):
Rollin says, the Trump administration has a four part planned
to battle the screw worm.

Speaker 2 (21:41):
Today, we are going even further and taking the most
sweeping actions in our country's history today to stop this
pest in its tracks. First, today we are announcing USDA
will invest and build a domestic sterile fly production facility
in Edinburgh, Texas, which is situated twenty miles from the

(22:01):
southern border and complements the dispersal facility we have already
begun production on with a capacity to produce three hundred
million sterile screwworm flies per week, and that's how we
eradicate the parasite. This facility will triple our current output
and eliminate our sole reliance on Panama and Mexico for

(22:22):
sterile fly supply, putting America first. It's a tactical move
that ensures we are prepared and not just reactive, which
is to date what we have really been working through.
We will invest the federal government up to seven hundred
and fifty million dollars on this facility and plot an
insignificant investment, and it will also create about three hundred

(22:43):
jobs right here in Texas. Second, we are launching up
to one hundred million dollars in addition to the seven
hundred and fifty million to identify and deploy cutting edge
technologies that can accelerate our response. While the construction of
the facility is underway, from novel traps and lures to
model modular sterile fly units, I am calling on the

(23:06):
brightest minds in the country to build on our existing
tools and help us outpace this pest quickly and in
the most innovative way possible. Third, because of the migration
of infected wildlife over the US border, keeping in mind,
Governor and those who know this issue well know back
in the nineteen fifties and sixties, we didn't have this

(23:27):
population of wildlife in South Texas the way we do now.
But we are ramping up the hiring of USDA employed
mounted patrol officers known as the Tick Riders or the
Tick Crew. Actually went and roade the border with him
about a month or two ago, which will be the
cornerstone of our surveillance program. The Tick Riders are mounted
on horseback and will provide the first line of defense

(23:49):
against a New World screw worm outbreak along the US
Mexico border. We're also training our beagles of the Beagle
Brigade to detect screw worm infections and will be significantly
ramping up our border surveillance program with those and others.
And finally, because pests don't care where the border is,
we are working directly with Mexico, perhaps in a way

(24:11):
never seen before. My counterpart, Secretary Julio Bertige, and I
are in contact almost daily on this issue. At this point,
we are working with Mexico to boost the surveillance, training
and oversight inside Mexico to ensure real time tracking and
reaction time, while the US works to verify Mexico's reported
results and to help them improve their systems south of

(24:35):
the border.

Speaker 20 (24:35):
She went on to say the border does remain closed
to cattle imports. Thanks for being with us. You're listening
to AG Life. I'm Dwayne Merley.

Speaker 22 (24:44):
It's time for California Egg today on the AG Information Network.
I am Haley's ship. Well, we just received a note
from the Almond Board of California alerting growers to a
new almond disease red leaf blotch. First detected in Mercid
County in May of twenty twenty four, It's now present
across all major almond growing regions. The disease isn't lethal,

(25:07):
but it weakens trees by reducing canopy health, photosynthesis, and
next year's bud development. Symptoms appear from late April to
mid May, starting as small yellow spots that expand into
orange and reddish brown blotches. Leaves may curl, scorch and
drop early. Several key varieties are affected, including non parrell,

(25:29):
Independence and Monterey. Because infection occurs weeks before symptoms appear,
researchers stress preventive fungicide use. They recommend a three spray
program to keep orchards protected. Uc Cooperative Extension is also
urging growers to remove or break down infected leaf litter

(25:51):
before the next season. Scoutings should begin in early May,
with suspected cases reported promptly to UCCE Farm Advisors. For
more on this notice, you can head on over to
our website aginfo dot net.

Speaker 11 (26:05):
Farm work is tough, and so is staying safe on
a road. Every year, accidents happen when tractors and traffic
share the same space, whether you're behind the wheel of
a tractor or a car, here's what you need to remember.
Tractors move slower, be patient, don't pass on hills or curves. Farmers,
make sure your slow moving vehicles, signs and lights are
visible and everyone's sailor, especially on rule roads.

Speaker 9 (26:27):
One moment of.

Speaker 11 (26:28):
Caution can save a life. Let's work together to keep
our roads and are firm safe. This message was brought
to you by the AG Information Network.

Speaker 19 (26:36):
For over forty years, the AG Information Network has been
providing news and information for the most important industry in
the world, agriculture. The Egg Information Network gives you worldwide
updates from local producers to regional organizations, from major crops
like wheat and corn, to animal agriculture to specially crops
like apples, almonds, and cherries. We report on stories that

(26:57):
mean the most to you online at agg info dot net.
The AG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism lasting for
the next generation.

Speaker 22 (27:06):
This is California AGG today on the AG Information Network.
I am Haley Ship. For more agnews, check us out
online at aginfo dot net.

Speaker 1 (27:15):
Bob Quinn, here were some farm news this morning. Friends.
Not that there aren't enough challenges for agriculture these days,
with exports and trade being some of the biggest. Michael Schadler,
president of the Washington Apple Commission says there is plenty
of market uncertainty out there right now, but no reason
to panic.

Speaker 5 (27:33):
So it's a competitive marketplace.

Speaker 4 (27:36):
We've got to be really good considering the distance we
have to shift those apples to be able to compete.

Speaker 5 (27:41):
But we're still we still have some optimism there.

Speaker 1 (27:44):
So Shadler says he'll continue watching the trade talks very closely,
which include the two biggest and most important trading partners
and neighbors, Mexico and Canada.

Speaker 4 (27:54):
Absolutely in that proximity and not on wood. Free trade
that exists between those markets is key to that and
I don't see that changing anytime soon and hopefully not ever.
But between those two countries, fifty percent of our exports
go to those markets, you know, to around forty percent
of Mexico alone, So those really are hugely important markets
for our industry.

Speaker 1 (28:15):
But Schadler says more export markets wouldn't be a bad thing.

Speaker 5 (28:19):
You know, there's uncertainty there.

Speaker 4 (28:20):
On the one hand, we're hopeful that the negotiations that
are taking place will actually allow us to ship more markets,
that the markets will become more open, and that in
some cases the duties will decrease.

Speaker 1 (28:35):
So Chadler says we shouldn't jump to any conclusions because
things could work out just fine.

Speaker 5 (28:41):
Yeah, I hope that's the case.

Speaker 4 (28:43):
There's been some mixed messaging and kind of, like you said,
fascinating back and forth on what message is coming out
of the administration. But yeah, it's it's something that everybody's
paying close attention to right now.

Speaker 1 (28:53):
Michael Schadler, President Washington Apple Commission. This morning, Well, friends,
Canada's economy is doing better than predicted. Dennis Guy has
a report.

Speaker 23 (29:03):
Several recently released economic reports are saying that in the
first six months of this year, Canada's economy did better
than had been expected, posting around two percent growth. This
positive news has flown in the face of widespread fears
of recession over Donald Trump's tariff wars that began almost

(29:24):
immediately upon him assuming office in January. The saving grace
at this point is that in early spring of this year,
President Trump announced that America's two USMCA partners, Canada and Mexico,
would not be tariff on those goods that are compliant
under the trade Pact. While several major sectors, including steel

(29:47):
and aluminium, along with the auto sector, continue to be
pounded by punishing US import tariffs. A majority of hard
goods exported by Canada and Mexico remain unaffected by mister
Trump's import tariff tax. Mark Warner, an international trade lawyer
based in Toronto, said that while a lot of debate

(30:08):
on just how large this majority of untariffed export goods
actually is, Canada is not feeling the overall pain that
was feared would happen back in the spring.

Speaker 24 (30:20):
We're not in a bad shape. And the reason we're
not in bad shape is that in March President Trump
created an exemption for some of these tariffs for Canada
and Mexico to the extent that the goods passing the
border were compliance with the USMCA terms. There's a lot
of debate about what that percentage is, but it's over
a majority and that's important. But Canada looks in pretty
much shape. We benefit from that NAFTA exclusion.

Speaker 23 (30:40):
President Trump has been adamant that import tariffs are now
an entrenched part of US trade policy, and this seems
to be the case, with several countries already having agreed
to a blanket ten fifteen or more percent to enter
the American market. An economist at Canada's Scotia Bank, Jean

(31:01):
Frescois Perrault believes that if things go relatively well at
the USMCA scheduled for next year, Canada and Mexico might
still be in the most competitive situation relative to the
rest of the trading world.

Speaker 25 (31:15):
What's oc current on the tariff side hasn't been nearly
as aggressive as we feared it to be. Terriffs are
no good period, But at the end of the day,
we come out of this with four or five percent tariffs,
and the Europeans have got fifteen, the Britster got ten,
every other country's.

Speaker 6 (31:30):
Got more than that.

Speaker 25 (31:31):
We remain in a deeply competitive position.

Speaker 23 (31:35):
A review of the twenty twenty USMCA trade Pact is
officially scheduled to begin mid next year. Some officials believe
that initial formal discussions will begin this fall. International trade
lawyer Mark Warner thinks that at least so far, Prime
Minister Mark Kearney has been careful in taking any retaliatory

(31:56):
measures as the USMCA review is now on their rise.

Speaker 24 (32:00):
So far, the Cardi government has not responded with retaliation.
He has acted more like the economist that he is,
which is to say he understands that any counter tariffs
put on by Canada are going to be paid by Canadians,
not by Americans. My guess is, if Canada were to retaliate,
Trump just up the ANTE and I could see the
most direct way about being the ante would be to
get rid of the USMCA compliance safeguard. So far, I

(32:23):
think the government has probably played this about right, but
we'll have to see how that plays out.

Speaker 23 (32:27):
Reporting from Canada, I'm denas guy.

Speaker 1 (32:29):
Farm us this morning. You're listening to WAG Life.

Speaker 26 (32:34):
From the AGG Information Network. This is your agribusiness update.
EG Secretary Brook Rowland says the USDA will no longer
fund taxpayer dollars for solar panels on productive farmland or
allow solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries to be used
in USDA projects. Subsidized solar farms have made it more
difficult for farmers to access farmland by making it more

(32:56):
expensive and less available. Roland says our prime farm land
and should not be wasted and replaced with green new
deal subsidized solar panels. Farm credit system institutions made more
than one hundred and fifty thousand loans to young beginning
and small US producers in twenty twenty four totally thirty
three point one billion dollars, which was more than half

(33:17):
of all loans made. Farm Credit Council President Christy Seifertz
as the future of agriculture depends on the next generation,
and we're proud to deliver on this commitment to supporting young,
beginning and small producers, as the report shows. The twenty
twenty two Census of Agriculture Typology report shows that family
farms make up ninety five percent of all US farms.

(33:38):
The National agg Statistics Service report focuses on the family farm,
defined as any farm where the majority of the business
is owned by the producer or relatives. Small family farms
with income under three hundred and fifty thousand dollars per
year make up eighty five percent of all US farms,
but just thirty nine percent of the total land in farms.

Speaker 19 (33:57):
For the last forty years, the ag Information Network has
been the source of news for farmers and ranchers, Yet
we have never seen such an assault on farming and
our food supply as we do today. From fuel to fertilizer.
Farmers are facing unprecedented economic challenges. This is why agriculture
news that farmers receive comes from the AG Information Network,

(34:18):
reaching coast to coast, deep roots and farming. In decades
of reporting, the AG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism
for generations. The best place to reach a farmer with
a farming solution message is when they're well farming. It's
easy to find them during the day as most farmers
are behind the wheel of the pickup truck or farm
equipment with the radio on, listening to this station for

(34:41):
the AG Information Network of the West News. So reach
real farmers right here, right now as they listen to
what's important to their farm operation. Give us a call
and we'll connect you with our local farming community. They
trust us, so they'll trust you.

Speaker 27 (34:57):
Get the equipment and trucks you need at Richie Brothers
Los Angeles Auction August twenty eighth and twenty ninth. This
absolute unreserved auction is open to the public and registration
is free. For more details, visit rbauction dot com.

Speaker 1 (35:11):
Bob went back to wrap up ag life for today
friends well. Keeping pigs cool during the hot summer months
is a big key to their health. Riley Smith wraps.

Speaker 16 (35:19):
Us up during the hot summer months. It is highly
important for swine producers to protect their pigs from heat
stress in order to maintain their health and productivity. Mark
oberreud Egg, engineer Automated Production, said pigs are just as
susceptible to heat stress as any other animals.

Speaker 28 (35:34):
The pigs, like anybody, they just don't like the hot weather.
They really struggle if their environment's too hot and you
don't have much breeze or anything around them. But you know,
it can really affect their daily weight gain or feet conversions,
you know with finishers. But know with sows, you know
their milk production and fertility issues, you don't really affect
the sou So yeah, it's hard on them, just like

(35:55):
just like everybody.

Speaker 16 (35:56):
Obrarouter said that farmers should prioritize the fans and their
confinements and make sure they are moving enough air to
keep the pigs safe from the heat.

Speaker 28 (36:02):
Yeah, there's there's definitely some areas. There's some focus that
you know, we could look at our ventilation systems, you know,
hopefully they're designed properly, but then after that we have
to make sure they're operating correctly. And the first area
I would focus on the fans. That's what's exchanged in
the air. That's what you know, get to eat out
of the room as best you can. And so we
want to look at the fans, make sure they're they're
all turned on, you know that are supposed to be.

(36:24):
And make sure they're clean. You know, the dirty they are,
the more it's going to affect you know, the air
going through them.

Speaker 5 (36:29):
Like they should.

Speaker 28 (36:30):
Make sure the housings and cones are all intact, that
they're there for a purpose to get them, you know,
as efficient as possible. And the big thing is a
looser worn belt. Make sure they're tightened or replaced so
that pop the spending like it.

Speaker 16 (36:43):
Should, obroid said. Air inlets are also effective at moving
air through the building.

Speaker 28 (36:48):
The inlets is it is also important we have at
the air into the building you know that's through either
like tunnel curtains at the end or make sure that
curtain is all the way open it's not caught up
or something. And then some designs have air coming through
ceiling it less in the hot weather, and make sure
they're all the way open. And if you are bringing
air through in let's make sure you got added put
opening and bringing that air up into the attic as well,

(37:09):
fling air to those inlets.

Speaker 16 (37:10):
Cooling equipment is also important for maintaining swine health, especially
when it comes to sole buildings.

Speaker 28 (37:15):
You know, some systems they would have evaporative cooling. It's
part of that, especially in style units. You know, to
make sure that they're turned on and running and the
pump is is working, pumping water up and you know,
getting all the pad wet. That's using any good indicator
there for the pads. You know, you have systems working properly.
If the pads getting you know, clogged with you know,
deposits r alergy, you want to replace them. But and

(37:37):
then you know, like finishers and rooms like that love
misters and make sure those misters are working, getting you know,
water out there and getting things wet like they should be.
And then usually a time on and off so they
can get wet and then getting right again and kind
of a cycle there. But so that's that's a third area.

Speaker 16 (37:54):
Automated production offers the Edge two system which handles all
of these control applications and inclining, breeding, gestation, barrowing, nursery,
and finishing.

Speaker 28 (38:03):
Yeah, just does a lot of neat things. Nowadays, it
makes your system very automatic. It's monitoring lots of things.
If anything is not quite right, it'll alert you. It
could send emails or text, or it can trigger alarm
system and actually start calling people and make sure somebody
is aware of something that's not quite right. But it's
amazing all the stuff that's monitoring, you know, just a

(38:25):
lot of checks and balances to make sure that everything
is worthing like it should.

Speaker 16 (38:29):
For more information, visit Automated production dot com. I'm Riley
Smith reporting with that.

Speaker 1 (38:33):
Friends, about of time for today, Thanks for joining us.
Back tomorrow morning with another edition A Bad Life