STATE
Ranching industry having trouble finding support to increase demand for beef:
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is still struggling to find support for a statewide marketing program [KGOU].
The Oklahoma oil billionaire shaping Donald Trump’s bid to win on energy issues:
If the Republican candidate’s energy platform sounds like it was written specifically for fossil fuel companies, that’s because an Oklahoma oil billionaire helped craft it [StateImpact Oklahoma].
Bonds approved for disputed turnpike expansions, other road projects:
The Council of Bond Oversight on Thursday approved a bond package for turnpike expansions despite a plea from an attorney who has lodged a legal challenge before the state’s highest court [Tulsa World].
FEDERAL
TPP proponents face a tough crowd this election season:
Trade deals are rarely popular in election years but this year they seem to be extra unpopular. Mr. Trump appears opposed to most of the U.S. trade deals up to this point and both he and Secretary Clinton oppose the Trans Pacific Partnership [Marketplace].
USDA forecasts $6 billion jump in farm exports in FY2017:
U.S. agricultural exports will total $133 billion in the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, up $6 billion from the revised forecast for the current year, USDA said today in its first projection for FY 2017. After two years of declines in exports, the department said the forecasts indicate farm exports have begun to rally again [Agri-Pulse].
ELECTIONS
Trump softens stance on illegal immigrants:
After repeatedly calling for mass deportations of illegal immigrants, Donald Trump now appears to support providing a path to legal status for many if not most undocumented workers, a shift that could allay farmer fears about losing workers [Agri-Pulse].
How government can regain voters’ confidence:
The lead up to this year’s election has shown almost total agreement on at least one topic. No, make that two topics. We aren’t pleased with the candidates for president, and we’ve lost faith in our leaders and in the government they lead [Agri-Pulse].
MISCELLANEOUS
Is a granola bar ‘natural’ if there’s a pesticide in it?:
The “natural” claims haven’t vanished; they’ve just become less conspicuous—and as the claims have evolved, so has the litigation over whether they’re deceptive [Bloomberg].
Top 6 issues agriculture faced five years ago:
Farmers are faced with agricultural problems, new challenges, and opportunities every day – from feeding an expanding global population while meeting strict new emissions requirements, to producing more food on fewer acres while minimizing their environmental footprint [Western Farm Press].
