I want to talk about a frog today, but before the frog hops up on the table – just a few words on the subject of trade.

Congress is in the midst of updating, as it does about every five years, the so-called farm bill, our nation’s comprehensive agricultural and food policy.

Vladimir Putin of Russia wants to raise the age for his citizens to receive retirement benefits.

I’m going to focus on some different issues today. Trade is in the spotlight.

The Senate got off to a resounding bipartisan start to its farm bill debate, voting 89-3 on a procedural motion for the legislation that would maintain the structure of the 2014 farm law while preserving a range of programs that are on the verge of running out of money and legalizing the production of industrial hemp. 

Farmers, ranchers, and the whole ag industry have a lot to worry about.

The French grocery chain Carrefour has announced that they will be using blockchain technology to provide complete traceability for the products they sell.

Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee are rebelling against Chairman Mike Conaway’s draft farm bill over provisions that would tighten work requirements on able-bodied adults who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Maybe it’s just my crystal ball that’s a little cloudy, but I think the future of CSP is a bit unclear as we move toward the next farm bill.