From Washington with John Block

Food Industry Challenge

One of our nation’s priorities is to keep the food flowing but because of the coronavirus we are facing some serious disruptions. Just last Sunday, Smithfield Foods closed down its pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. That plant is no small thing. [READ MORE…]

From Washington with John Block

These Challenging Times

There isn’t a lot of happy talk in the U.S. or around the world. These are depressing times. The Coronavirus sickness and resulting deaths are all you see on tv, hear on the radio or read in the papers. [READ MORE…]

Hot Barn Report

Remember the acronym COOL, Country of Origin Labeling

Recently American ranches and feedlot owners have been under attack by the big 4 packers that manipulate cattle futures prices on the board of trade. Right now, the American beef producers are facing a 2-billion-dollar beef deficit with beef being imported form countries like Brazil – famous for tainted and spoiled beef, New Zealand, Australia and even Africa. [READ MORE…]

From Washington with John Block

Agriculture in a frozen economy

After months of uncertainty, the biofuels industry got some good news. The EPA had been granting exemptions to small refineries so they were not required to blend ethanol with petroleum fuel. A January ruling by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court put a stop to EPA’s small refinery exemption. Then we heard information from the Administration that the Justice Department might challenge that Court decision. [READ MORE…]