Demand China purchases: China must take “concrete action” to fulfill its unmet promises to buy vast amounts of U.S. goods and services, including farm exports, under the “phase one” trade agreement, said U.S. officials. (Reuters)
Organic standards hearing: After years of prodding, the USDA will hold a listening session on its standards development activities for the National Organic Program, including recommendations from its advisory National Organic Standards Board. (OTA)
Cattle inventory down: The U.S. cattle industry is in a contractionary cycle, with 2-percent fewer head than a year ago, indicating stronger prices ahead for slaughter cattle and a decline in the beef supply at grocery stores. (farmdoc daily)
Growers try automation: Two-thirds of produce growers have invested in automation in the past three years on everything from weeding and thinning to harvesting platforms and autonomous vehicles, said a first-of-its-kind study. (Western Growers)
Grain supply tightens: The stocks-to-use ratios for corn, wheat and soybeans worldwide continue a downward trend that began a couple of years ago, pointing to a tighter supply for the commodities. (Agricultural Economic Insights)