Border Rail Crossings reopen to boost wheat trade

Dec 28, 2023

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are elated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency's recent reopening of rail crossings in El Paso and Eagle Point on December 22, 2023.

These rail corridors serve as vital conduits for wheat trade between the U.S. and Mexico, offering a reliable supply of high-quality U.S. wheat to flour millers and wheat customers in Mexico. Disruptions in this interconnected rail system can disrupt the wheat supply chain on both sides of the border.

USW and NAWG express their confidence in CBP's commitment to preventing future rail closures while maintaining border security and facilitating lawful trade. These organizations serve as advocates for wheat growers in Washington D.C. and work diligently to secure a prosperous future for the U.S. wheat industry.

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is the foremost policy representative for wheat growers in the nation's capital. NAWG collaborates with 20 state wheat grower organizations to advance the interests of the wheat industry at the national level, working closely with policymakers, Congress members, and the public.

The mission of the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is to expand international markets, enhancing the profitability of U.S. wheat producers and the value of their products for customers worldwide. USW operates in over 100 countries, supported by producer checkoff funds and cost-share funding from USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.

USW maintains 15 global offices to assist wheat buyers, millers, and government officials in understanding the quality, value, and reliability of all six U.S. wheat classes.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.