In turnabout, Pebble Mine to be blocked: The Trump administration will block the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska, following opposition from GOP donors and within the president’s family, weeks after opening the door to the gold mine, said six people “familiar with the plans.” (Politico)
China says it will meet U.S. on trade: Chinese and U.S. officials will speak “in coming days” about trade relations, a chance to carry out the six-month review of the “phase one” agreement that took effect in February, said the Chinese Commerce Ministry, although the Trump administration refused to confirm talks were scheduled. (South China Morning Post)
Apple exports recover somewhat: Exports of U.S.-grown apples rebounded to 44.9 million bushels during the past year, compared to the trade war-reduced 38.9 million bushels of the 2018 crop; low prices reduced the overall value of the 2019 crop. (U.S. Apple)
It’s not just damage in Iowa: The U.S. corn crop could total 14.82 billion bushels and soybeans 4.36 billion bushels, notably less than USDA’s forecast of a record 15.3 billion bushels and 4.42 billion bushels respectively, according to Pro Farmer’s annual crop tour, which found “a myriad of challenges” in the Midwest that may limit production this year. (Farm Journal)
A first-generation path to farming: Zemua Baptista, the U.S.-born son of immigrants from Angola, began the journey to becoming a Black farmer in Nebraska with a telephone call to a poultry processor while he was a college freshman; three years later, he is a chicken farmer. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)