ROCKINGHAM – As part of the ongoing mission of the Richmond Observer to provide expansive coverage of current events, we offer the following links to allow ease of access to breaking news and/or items of immediate interest garnering attention across the state and/or nation. These particular links relate to items of agricultural interests.
1- The tariffs on Chinese goods, and the retaliatory Chinese tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, have taken effect, and farmers and others watching the industry are figuring out the impact. CBS 17
Farmers for Free Trade react to tariff war escalation SFN Today
Betting the farm: Why the heartland still believes in Trump despite plunging prices NBC News
Trump’s trade war was decades in the making Politico
Trade war uncertainty causes worry for NC farm economy (subscription) Triangle Business Journal
2- Tropical Storm Chris, now hovering off the Carolina coast, was expected to become a hurricane, but forecasters say they don’t predict it will come close enough to cause any damage. Charlotte Observer
Tropical Storm Chris: Path keeps storm near Carolinas for a while AL
3- It’s time for the farm bill conference committee to come together, and the House version’s SNAP work requirements might be the most controversial provision to hammer out. Congress could revisit immigration this month, too. Southeast Farm Press
Agri-Talk: 36-month visa could be very beneficial for agriculture Pork Business
4- President Trump announced his pick for the Supreme Court seat opening up with the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy. The Hill
5- We’re in prime sweet-corn season, and N.C. State senior and Lucama farmer Collin Blalock reports that it’s a big seller for him. The young farmer shares his story here, too. Wilson Daily Times
6- Interest rates have risen this year, and the Federal Reserve says rates will rise again. For farmers, this means taking a proactive approach to negotiating rates with their lenders is a good idea. AgWeb
Economist Mike Walden: The Fed’s interest rate hike SFN Today
7- In some communities, a Walmart store plays a bigger role in the community. The giant retailer’s lower prices can be the difference between going hungry or not for some families in some places, a study finds. CBS News
8- Hurricane Matthew recovery funds are still being dispersed, and new funding has been announced for Duplin, Pitt and Johnston counties and the City of Wilson. Goldsboro News-Argus
Editor’s note: It is the policy of the Richmond Observer to print news release material in its original format, as it was received, with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.
