UNL survey finds Nebraska ag land values up 5%
For the fifth consecutive year, the average all-land value of agricultural land in Nebraska increased, reaching $4,015 per acre in the 12-month period ending Feb. 1, 2024, according to the final report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 2023-2024 Farm Real Estate Market Survey.
This marks a 5% increase over the prior year and is the highest non-inflation-adjusted statewide land value in the history of the survey. Based on 2024 market values, Nebraska's estimated total value of agricultural land and buildings rose to approximately $179.2 billion.
The survey’s final report was published June 28 by the university’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, which is based in the Department of Agricultural Economics. It provides current point-in-time estimates of agricultural land values and cash rental rates, broken down regionally across a variety of land types and classes.
Purchases for farm expansion, current livestock prices, and 1031 tax exchanges were identified in the report as the major economic forces that guided the higher market value of land across the state. According to survey results, the amount of land offerings for sale and non-farmer investor interest in land also contributed to higher values.
Inflation pressure continuing from the prior year led many operations to consider investing in assets like land or agricultural equipment, according to Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension. He co-authored the survey and report with Jeffrey Stokes, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.
“Federal Reserve policies to combat inflation have increased borrowing and financing expenses. Higher interest rates influence the cost of short-term lending for annual operating loans and long-term purchases such as farm real estate,” Jansen said. “Rising interest rates might affect the agricultural real estate market without additional profitability to offset the increasing financing expenses.”
“Market participants utilized higher returns on livestock when acquiring different grades of land,” he said, adding that higher long-term interest rates may help moderate Nebraska land values in the future.
Grassland tillable and non-tillable land across the state experienced the highest one-year changes in value, up 7% and 8%, respectively. The value of gravity-irrigated cropland rose by 3%, center pivot-irrigated cropland gained 4%, and the statewide value of dryland cropland rose between 3% and 5%.
The average size of land parcels sold in Nebraska in 2023 was 245 acres, at an average sale price of $4,532 per acre. The highest prices were in the northeast and eastern parts of the state, at $9,341 and $9,723 per acre. The lowest prices per acre were reported in the northwest and north regions, at $1,093 and $1,439 per acre, respectively.
The survey found that cash rental rates for cropland in the state were moderating compared to the prior year, rising between 3% and 5%. Pasture rental rates increased between about 5% and 10% per acre. Cow-calf and stocker monthly rental rates also increased in each of the state’s eight regional districts.
The Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report is the final product of an annual survey of land professionals, including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, and agricultural bankers. Results from the survey are divided by land class and agricultural statistic district. Land values and rental rates presented in the report are averages of survey participants’ responses by district. Actual land values and rental rates may vary depending on the quality of the parcel and local market for an area. Preliminary land values and rental rates are subject to change as additional surveys are returned.
The full report is available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/realeaste.
RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATES NEW FEEDLOT RESEARCH, TEACHING, EXTENSION CENTER
The University of Nebraska held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday marking the completion of a feedlot research, teaching and extension center. The new facility, located at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska, will pave the way for world-class research projects and teaching and extension opportunities in a commercial-scale, state-of-the-art feedlot.
The facility will be named the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center in honor of the late John Klosterman and his wife, Beth, of David City, Nebraska. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is expected to formally approve the facility’s name in August.
Beth Klosterman is a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee, and both she and John have been longtime supporters of both the university and its Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Klosterman family represents five generations of cattle feeding in Nebraska.
“Our dad was proud to be part of Nebraska’s agriculture industry and passionate about connecting with others who shared his commitment to advancing livestock production and natural resources stewardship,” said Meg Klosterman Kester, who along with her brother, Jack, spoke on behalf of the Klosterman family during the ribbon cutting. “Our dad knew the power of collaboration, and he would be so proud to be part of the incredible group celebrating the opening of the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center here today. As a family, we are very proud and thankful for the example our parents provided and the legacy they have created.”
The $7.2 million facility received $5.5 million in private support through the University of Nebraska Foundation. In addition to the Klostermans, other lead donors to the project include JBS USA, Greater Omaha Packing Co. Inc., Farm Credit Services of America and Dennis and Glenda Boesiger.
“The Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center will support the university’s land-grant mission and advancement of our state’s largest industry — agriculture,” Rodney Bennett, chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, said. “This public-private partnership that led to the facility will allow faculty and students to take part in groundbreaking beef research, and at the same time allow producers and industry partners to see how new and emerging technologies perform in a commercial scale feedlot. The university is so grateful for the generous contributions of private donors, including the leadership of John and Beth Klosterman, that have made today possible.”
The new facility is among the largest research feedlots in the world and is designed to present unique opportunities for teaching, outreach and public-private partnerships. The center includes commercial-scale open air and covered pens, allowing researchers to improve the performance and environmental impact of cattle in varied settings. It also boasts a 240-head individual animal feeding facility that will allow researchers to use precision techniques to evaluate the outcomes of various feeding protocols, measure emissions and study application of precision feeding technology already on the market.
The center allows for expanded research of the impact of low-stress animal handling and increased emphasis on animal welfare, with state-of-the-art equipment donated by Daniels Manufacturing and Arrowquip, two leading animal handling equipment companies. An enclosed classroom will give students hands-on experience and allow for training opportunities for Nebraska’s beef industry workforce.
The facility will also serve as an innovation laboratory, which industry partners, ag-tech startups, producers and others can use as a proving ground for new products, said Mike Boehm, Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR and NU vice president. Numerous industry partners have already made in-kind donations of equipment, and in the future, the center will provide opportunities for ag-tech companies, equipment manufacturers and other companies to test new products in a commercial-scale facility, as well as for cattle feeders to observe how these products work.
“The Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center is another example of where ag innovation meets Nebraska’s growing bioeconomy,” Boehm said. “The center is designed to inspire students, faculty, cattle feeders, industry partners and startups to ask what is possible. It’s designed to spur collaboration, pressure-test ideas and ultimately put new products in the hands of producers. It’s designed to continue Nebraska’s legacy of innovation when it comes to beef research. It’s designed to ensure that what happens next in beef production happens first in Nebraska.”
The new center will be a key component of the university’s Beef Innovation Hub, which aims to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement of beef production, economic vitality and natural resources stewardship through innovative research, education and extension.
Cattle will arrive in the facility later this summer, with research projects, classes, tours and other learning opportunities to be offered shortly after.
Gifts to the project support Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to raise $3 billion from 150,000 unique benefactors to support the University of Nebraska.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to John and Beth Klosterman and the many other donors who generously supported the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and chief executive officer of the University of Nebraska Foundation. “This state-of-the-art facility will support the Nebraska beef industry, a cornerstone of our state’s economy, by paving the way for world-class research, providing hands-on training for students and giving beef industry partners a testbed for new and emerging technologies.”
Additional philanthropic support came from the Terry Klopfenstein Fund, which included gifts from 53 alumni, colleagues and industry partners who knew and worked with the late Terry Klopfenstein. Klopfenstein was a longtime leader of the university’s ruminant nutrition program and a pioneer in using byproducts from the ethanol and sweetener industries to supplement cattle feeding. One of the buildings in the complex will be named the Terry Klopfenstein Feed Technology Center, pending formal approval.
Also providing funds was the August N. Christenson ARDC Excellence Fund, made possible by a planned gift from the late August Christenson, who grew up on his family’s farm in Saunders County and dedicated his career to the Standard Chemical Manufacturing Co., a livestock feed and supply firm in Omaha.
Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Awards Student Teacher Scholarship to Future Agriculture Educators
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded 10 scholarships to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education Teaching Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).
“Classrooms and FFA chapters will benefit from the passion reflected in this year’s applications,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “It is an honor to support these future teachers who will develop strong leaders to ensure a bright future for Nebraska agriculture.”
Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship during his or her student teaching semester at the university. Applicants shared why they wanted to be an agricultural education teacher, professional goals for the future, and what the scholarship would mean to them.
“With 218 schools offering high school agricultural education programs and FFA chapters, demand for teachers has never been stronger,” said Matt Kreifels, associate professor of practice in agricultural education at UNL. “These teachers serve a vital role in agriculture by introducing and recruiting talented students to the industry. We thank the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for supporting these future teachers. Through this scholarship program, and with Farm Bureau helping to promote the profession of agricultural education, UNL has seen an increase in the number of students entering this profession. Nebraska Farm Bureau, its members, and the Foundation are supporting the future of Nebraska agriculture by investing in these young teachers.”
The 10 recipients of the scholarships are Tharyn Barker, Lancaster County; Vickie Ference, Valley County; Kate Holcomb, Custer County; Emily Ideus, Lancaster County; Rylie Krause, York; Sydney Linse, Keya Paha County; Abigail Lutjelusche, Colfax County; Taryn Miller, Buffalo County; Connor Scholz, Hall County; Madison Stracke, Holt County.
NeFB Northeast Region Member Appreciation Social
Join Nebraska Farm Bureau for a Member Appreciation Social at the Beaumont Event Center in Wayne, NE. Contact Jason Kvols for more information... 402-360-0112.
New program connects Nebraska pasture owners with livestock producers
A new program has launched to help connect Nebraska pasture owners with livestock producers.
The Nebraska Grazing Exchange, created by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR), works by having land owners fill out information about what pasture land they have available and then it’s added to an interactive map for others to see.
NeDNR said all information on the website is voluntary.
The concept of connecting pasture owners with livestock producers has been a beneficial tool in other states already, including North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
NeDNR said other states that have implemented the idea have used the same platform, which means that a user of Nebraska Grazing Exchange will be able to see offerings in other states as well.
ENTER NDA’S POPULAR POULTRY PHOTO CONTEST BY THE JULY 15 DEADLINE
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) Poultry Photo Contest is currently accepting entries from poultry-raising 4-H and FFA members. Current 4-H and FFA members can submit up to four photos that they have taken during the year to be featured in NDA’s 2025 poultry calendar. Official contest rules and entry forms are available at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/. Entries must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/NDAPhotoContest by the July 15 deadline.
“Caring for poultry is a daily responsibility that is time consuming, frequently difficult, and almost always rewarding,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “4-H and FFA members work hard to keep their birds safe and healthy throughout the year. By featuring photos of their prized poultry in a calendar for all to see, our Poultry Photo Contest is one way to reward these students for their work and dedication to their flocks.”
NDA employees judge photo contest entries based on originality, composition, and photographic skills. Winners of NDA’s Poultry Photo Contest will be announced this fall. In addition to being featured in a calendar, NDA will use winning photos throughout the year in promotional materials and on social media.
This contest also gives NDA the opportunity to share information on biosecurity measures that poultry owners can use to keep their flocks healthy and prevent the spread of diseases. Bird owners in Nebraska should always practice sound biosecurity measures to help prevent diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Virulent/Exotic Newcastle Disease. Visit nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ for more information about protecting poultry flocks. If a disease outbreak is suspected, poultry owners can call their local veterinarian or NDA at 402-471-2351.
Flooding is challenging agricultural producers financially
There is little doubt that agricultural producers who experience flooding are affected financially, and Beth Doran, Iowa State University extension beef specialist, encourages affected livestock producers to contact their local Farm Service Agency office immediately.
"FSA offices are gathering information pertaining to flood damage,” she said. "This includes any livestock losses, forage/grazing losses, or damaged pastures due to recent flooding.”
In addition to writing down losses, Doran said producers should take pictures of damage or dead animals to verify the losses.
"This information will help determine what programs may be available in the county and what documentation and certification will be required when applying for indemnification or assistance," she said.
Crop producers also should contact FSA to report crop acres affected by recent flooding. This reporting assists FSA in determining which programs might be available. Be prepared to provide the section/township and a detailed description of the damages, such as number of acres under water/flooded, damage to fences, and silt or debris. Photos of fields and crops also are encouraged.
For more flood information and resources, see the Iowa Beef Center flood resources page https://iowabeefcenter.org/floodresources.html and this ISU extension flood page https://www.extension.iastate.edu/disasterrecovery/flooding.
ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Team webinar on July 17 to focus On Feeding Red Seaweed To Mitigate Methane Production in the Dairy Cow
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues Wednesday, July 17, from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Dr. Ranga Appuhamy will discuss feeding how red seaweed, particularly Asparagopsis taxiformis, has been shown to decrease enteric methane (CH4) emissions from cattle by up to 90% in experimental settings. However, adapting it as a methane mitigation strategy for commercial farms entails multiple challenges related to mass production, palatability, and milk safety.
Dr. Ranga Appuhamy, an accomplished Assistant Professor at Iowa State University with a background in Animal Science, Dairy Science, and Agriculture. Ranga Appuhamy, assistant professor in animal science, is the recipient of the 2023 Early Achievement in Teaching Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. He teaches a large undergraduate animal nutrition class, advises undergraduate students, and is involved in training undergraduates in research under the Honors and Science with Practice programs.
Producers, dairy consultants, and industry representatives are encouraged to attend the free webinar from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on July 17 by registering at least one hour prior to the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/SEAWEED
For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Dr. Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.
Pillen Commends SCOTUS Overturn of Chevron Doctrine
Today, Governor Jim Pillen commended the 6-3 decision from the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the Chevron deference doctrine, which broadly required courts to defer to a federal regulatory agency’s own interpretation of laws passed by the people’s representatives in Congress. Conservative legal scholars and critics of unaccountable federal overreach have for decades called for Chevron to be overturned.
“Today is a great day for Nebraska and for the Constitution,” said Gov. Pillen. “Our farmers, ranchers, ethanol producers, manufacturers, food producers, and thousands of other workers and business owners have long suffered under excessive regulations issued by an unchecked federal administrative agency. I commend the conservatives on the Supreme Court for restoring lawmaking power to our democratically accountable branch of government, instead of unelected bureaucrats. Here in Nebraska, we are reining in excessive government regulations with our own ‘Cleaning out the Closets’ initiative, and I am happy to see deregulatory progress at the federal level.”
Congressman Flood Applauds SCOTUS Decision Overruling Chevron
Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision overruling the 1984 precedent in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council also known as “Chevron.”
“Overruling Chevron is a major win for protecting the integrity of the legislative powers of Congress. Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution gives the legislative branch the sole power to make the country’s laws. The 1984 court’s decision in Chevron had effectively allowed federal agencies to create rules that went beyond the laws enacted by Congress. Today’s decision protects the separation of powers in our federal government, helps ensure that federal agencies do not overstep their authority, and brings America closer to the vision our Founders had in mind when they wrote our Constitution.”
Smith Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Overturning Chevron
Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the Supreme Court overturned precedent from the 1984 case Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council which favored the regulatory power of federal agencies.
"The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of government accountability and the right of the American people to check abusive overreach in the Executive Branch. Under the Chrevron doctrine, out-of-touch agencies in Washington such as the EPA have extended their reach into the lives and livelihoods of Americans with unconstitutional statutory force. This decision rightfully reaffirms the legislative authority of Congress, whose members are more appropriately accountable to citizens, and reflects the Judiciary Branch’s constitutional duty to interpret the law.”
Fischer Statement on Supreme Court’s Chevron Doctrine Ruling
Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court overturning the 1984 Chevron Doctrine:
“This decision is a major victory for the Constitution and the American system of government. The will of Congress—and the will of people Congress represents—has been far too subject to the whims of Washington’s bureaucracy. I applaud this groundbreaking restoration of power to the legislative branch and the American people,” said Senator Fischer.
Cattle Producers Celebrate Supreme Court Decision to Rein in Administrative Overreach
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision in the case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo—a decision that reins in the legal concept of Chevron deference and reduces overreaching regulations from federal agencies that lack congressional authority.
“Our elected officials in Congress should be making our laws, not unelected bureaucrats at federal agencies,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele, a Wyoming cattle rancher. “Cattle producers have experienced numerous instances of federal agencies enacting overreaching regulations on our farms and ranches, exceeding their authority granted by Congress. I am glad the Supreme Court is reining in these federal agencies and putting power back in the hands of those elected to represent us in Washington.”
While the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo does not directly involve cattle production, the case challenged a legal concept known as Chevron deference, which gives federal agencies the authority to interpret statues they consider vague. Chevron deference takes its name from the Supreme Court case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council where the court decided that as long as Congress has not directly spoken on an issue and legal statutes are open to interpretation, courts should defer to federal agencies. Federal agencies have frequently used Chevron deference to implement a number of regulations without specific legislation being passed by Congress.
“In the last four decades, Congress has ceded authority to unelected federal bureaucrats who make the regulations that impact farmers and ranchers every day,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “Long-term, this decision will impact almost every regulation that NCBA has worked on. The decision puts Congress back in the driver’s seat for crafting policy, reins in the administrative state, and strengthens accountability by ensuring that the people we elect are the ones crafting our nation’s laws.”
NCBA previously joined other national agricultural and business organizations in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court arguing for the overruling of Chevron deference.
Farmers Will Benefit from Restored Balance of Power
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the benefits to farmers of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that strikes down Chevron deference. Chevron deference instructed courts to defer to federal agencies’ arguments about the scope of their own authority. In essence, it multiplied the power of federal agencies and undermined the principles of separation of powers.
“Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Supreme Court for recognizing the damage Chevron deference has caused to the federal government’s balance of power. For decades, Congress has passed vague laws and left it to federal agencies and the courts to figure out how to implement them. AFBF has been a leading voice on this issue and has argued on behalf of farmers who are caught in a regulatory back and forth when administrations change the rules based on political priorities instead of relying on the legislative process. We are pleased the Court heard those concerns.
“The Constitution built a system of checks and balances among three branches of government, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The legislative branch creates the laws, the executive branch enforces the laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws. Chevron deference created a super-branch of government. The Supreme Court restored balance with today’s decision.”
U.S. Red Meat Symposium Provides Deep Dive into Mexican Market
With U.S. red meat exports reaching record levels in Mexico, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) held the inaugural U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City June 13-14 to examine its economic and political climate, highlight the market’s continued growth potential and explore emerging opportunities for U.S. red meat. USMEF Chair Randy Spronk and Secretary/Treasurer Dave Bruntz participated, along with key USMEF staff from Mexico and the Denver headquarters, to emphasize the industry’s commitment to this critical market.
“Mexico is a very important customer for us, especially with its potential for undervalued cuts,” says Spronk. “The turnout for this symposium was outstanding, we even had to limit the number of importers who could attend. I expect it will become a recurring event for the industry.”
An important component of the symposium was the face-to-face networking opportunities for U.S. suppliers and Mexican importers, including product displays and samplings. Also featured were influential speakers who offered assessments on U.S.-Mexico trade relations, Mexico’s agricultural production and digital trends in the meat industry.
“There’s uncertainty on exporters’ minds related to the recent presidential election, while importers were asking about our cattle cycle,” says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “But mostly, buyers and sellers were talking about demand. Some may see Mexico as a mature market, but it is still a growing market. As reflected by the market tours, presentations and trade discussions these past two days, there are new and emerging opportunities here for our products."
Jonn Slette, the director of USDA’s Agricultural Trade Office in Mexico City, also sees Mexico as a growth market.
“I would say that Mexico is still a developing market. Over 60% of Mexicans are still at or below the poverty line and as they move into the middle class, that’s where our growth is going to be,” says Slette.
Funding support for the symposium was provided by the National Pork Board, the Beef Checkoff Program, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, Nebraska Beef Council and USDA’s Market Access Program.
Growth Energy Files Motion to Intervene in AFPM’s Case against EPA on Cellulosic Biofuel
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, filed a motion yesterday to intervene in a case brought by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The case aims to force EPA to lower the 2023 cellulosic biofuel blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), despite EPA showing that doing so is unwarranted. If successful, AFPM’s challenge would have disruptive effects on the entire biofuel industry, which is why Growth Energy is seeking to intervene on EPA’s behalf.
“For all of its high-minded rhetoric about protecting consumers, AFPM's petition is really just another attempt by the refining community to undermine the RFS and shirk its clear obligations to comply," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "Contrary to their argument, the RFS was never designed to merely look back and reflect the existing market for biofuels—it was designed to look forward and expand that market, as the text of the relevant statutes and legislative history make plainly clear. AFPM’s challenge aims to kneecap the RFS by reducing it to a mere accounting function and undercut Congress' intent to spur growth and displace fossil fuels.
“Consumers, the environment, and the entire biofuels industry would be harmed if AFPM has its way,” she added. “That's why Growth Energy is seeking to intervene. We look forward to working with EPA to support their original denial of AFPM's waiver request and ensure the RFS continues to work the way Congress intended.”
Thompson, Boozman Statement on FY 2023 SNAP Error Rate
House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR), released the following statement on the FY 2023 SNAP Payment Error Rate:
"While SNAP is a critical nutrition program for households in need, any level of erroneous payments is a misuse of taxpayer dollars. Today we learned that, with more than $10 billion in overpayments in 2023, the level of erroneous payments remains shockingly high. We are far removed from the pandemic, and it should no longer be used as a crutch.
States must get a better handle on the administration of SNAP, but USDA is the ultimate arbiter of this program. Secretary Vilsack needs to step up to the plate and stop making excuses for states that carelessly mishandle taxpayer dollars. USDA must intensify their oversight of states and stop distancing themselves from the administration of SNAP.
House and Senate Republicans stand ready to ensure the next farm bill takes steps to mitigate these occurrences, restore program integrity, and hold states accountable for exploiting the generosity of the American taxpayer."
USTR Makes Strong Case During USCMA Trade Dispute Hearing
Officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative hammered arguments made by Mexican representatives this week during oral arguments over Mexico’s ban on imports of genetically modified corn used in some food products.
The ban was issued in early 2023. USTR filed a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over the issue in August of that year after the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and state corn groups spent months pushing for action.
“The science overwhelmingly shows that genetically modified corn is safe for consumers and does not harm native plants,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “U.S. officials did an excellent job of making their case, and more importantly they successfully argued that the Mexican government does not have the scientific evidence to support its actions or claims.”
During the hearing, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday in Mexico City, U.S. officials made several convincing arguments, according to Wolle, including that Mexico did not conduct a risk assessment to support its claims and the documentation they provided was over 20 years old and lacked scientific rigor. They also argued that Mexico’s regulatory agencies have previously determined that genetically modified corn is safe for use and this abrupt deviation from those determinations is a way to restrict trade and target imports.
The panel hearing the case is expected to render a decision toward the end of November.
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