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SDFU president says USMCA has nothing for family farmers/ranchers

The president of the South Dakota Farmers Union says there’s nothing in the new deal with Canada and Mexico for U.S. family farmers and ranchers.

Doug Sombke, a crop and cattle producer says he’s happy the deal is wrapped up but was surprised that County of Origin Labeling (COOL) wasn’t even addressed because President Trump promised during his campaign to reinstate COOL.

Sombke says the new USMCA doesn’t change any benefits that are already in NAFTA, and doesn’t add any benefits. He says wheat farmers in North Dakota and Montana can till only market feed-grade wheat, not higher value food-grade wheat to Canada. And, Sombke says the agreement doesn’t offer any relief to low commodity prices that are “gravely impacted by the current trade war with China.”

Sombke’s statement left out any mention of the improvements for U.S. dairy in the new deal.