Articles by Bill Tomson

After loss of TPP, farm sector wants quick action on bilateral deals

01/25/17 1:15 PM By Bill Tomson

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2017 - It’s official. With a stroke of the pen, President Donald Trump on Monday pulled the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation trade pact that most U.S. farm groups counted on to help boost sales for producers who are struggling with...

Agri-Pulse Daybreak for January 24, 2017

01/24/17 8:45 AM By Bill Tomson

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January 24, 2017 - Activity in the hallways of USDA’s D.C. headquarters is still muted, but Trump administration officials are starting to fill up the political-appointee offices. New faces in the communications department, Rural Development and other agencies are beginning to filter in.

Trump pulls out of Trans-Pacific Partnership

01/23/17 3:00 PM By Bill Tomson

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2017 - President Donald Trump today officially pulled the U.S. out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation trade pact that the Obama administration spent years orchestrating in order to give the U.S. a new leadership role among Pacific Rim countries.

Agri-Pulse Daybreak for January 23, 2017

01/23/17 8:40 AM By Bill Tomson

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2017 - President Donald Trump only took office Friday, but he and his administration are already moving forward on some key campaign promises.

Perry makes his case to be next Energy Secretary

01/19/17 10:07 AM By Bill Tomson

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2017 – Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry promised senators today that he is capable of running the Energy Department and has changed some key beliefs since famously saying during a past presidential bid that the department should be abolished.

Commerce nominee Ross addresses concerns over Trump trade positions

01/18/17 10:39 AM By Bill Tomson

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2017 – Wilbur Ross, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Commerce Department and play a major role in international trade negotiations, spent much of a four-hour hearing today working to calm senators’ fears of losing U.S. export markets because of Trump’s aggressive trade stances.

USDA aims to steer soldiers into ag before they leave the military

01/18/17 10:24 AM By Bill Tomson

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For years, USDA made one of its missions to work with military veterans. Now the department is closing in on one of its biggest successes as the Obama administration comes to an end.

Dairy Export Council makes it official - Vilsack's in as next CEO

01/17/17 5:26 PM By Bill Tomson

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The U.S. Dairy Export Council made it official today 0 announcing that former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will take over leadership of the group on Feb. 1.

Agri-Pulse Daybreak for January 17, 2017

01/17/17 8:14 AM By Bill Tomson

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Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Sean Spicer, Mike Pence, Tom Vilsack, Michael Scuse, John Carney, Alfred Almanza, Food Safety Inspection Service, National Pork Producers Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Lights go out on CIA nominee

01/12/17 2:00 PM By Bill Tomson

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Witnesses and senators were shocked today as the main power went out at the start of a confirmation hearing for Donald Trump's CIA chief nominee.

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June 07, 2026

Agri-Pulse Open Mic: USDA Undersecretary Dr. Scott Hutchins

This week's Open Mic guest is Dr. Scott Hutchins, Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hutchins says the USDA's Proving Grounds for Network for AgTech will help farmers adopt technologies to improve production and boost efficiency. Hutchins says the USDA restructuring will streamline operations, strengthen leadership accountability and position resources closer to the ag communities USDA serves.

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06.05.2026

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: Karen Ross on California agriculture, water, MAHA, Prop 12

California agriculture operates at a scale and under conditions unlike anywhere else in the country, yet the policy decisions extend far beyond state lines. We spent the week in Sacramento for the annual Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Issues Summit West and caught up with California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross to discuss the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping California agriculture, and why the rest of the country should be paying attention to the Golden State.

Plus, Ag Council of California President Emily Rooney outlines concerning plastic and packaging regulations and Chris Zanobini, president and CEO of Ag Association Management Services Inc., describes the "regulatory jenga" plaguing California agriculture.

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