The ongoing trade war with China is threatening trade relations with Japan. Reuters reports that the start of a second round of trade talks between Japan and the United States will be delayed until after fresh tariffs imposed on China by the United States come into force on September 24th. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Trump were expected to meet during a U.N. General Assembly debate next week. Japan is trying to avoid steep tariffs on its car exports and stay away from bilateral free trade agreements, a demand by the Trump administration. Japan fears a bilateral agreement could force the nation to open sensitive markets, including agriculture, to U.S. trade. Japanese officials are calling on the Trump administration to quickly end the trade war with Japan, and in attempt to avoid a bilateral agreement, Japan is urging the U.S. to consider rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

More tariffs in the tit-for-tat trade war between the U.S. and China means more suffering for agriculture and agricultural equipment makers. Feeling the brunt of the trade war since it started with tariffs on steel and aluminum, manufacturers of agriculture equipment are eager to see a swift resolve. Just last week, a coalition of manufacturing groups and associations sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urging the Trump Administration not to move forward with this latest round of tariffs. Association of Equipment Manufacturers President Dennis Slater says the “extreme use of tariffs hurts our nation’s access to global markets” and threatens many of the 1.3 million equipment manufacturing jobs. Slater called for the administration to look for ways to improve trade with China, instead of “doubling down on tactics that only lead to continued retaliatory actions.”

The farm bill deadline at the end of the month could pass without a new farm bill or an extension. As the pace of the farm bill committee stalls, leadership says the actual deadline that would have any impact on farm country is in December, if the bill is stalled further. The committee has a deadline of September 30th to get the bill passed and on the President’s desk for signature before current law expires. However, no major breakthroughs were reported earlier this week. Senate Ag Committee leaders Pat Roberts and Debbie Stabenow told Politico that “any pain from a lapse would not really be felt until December,” suggesting the deadline may be moved back. Stabenow said: “We’re not sure we actually need an extension.” Disagreements remain regarding conservation programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is the biggest issue to resolve.

A coalition of agriculture groups plan a U.S.-Cuba ag business conference in November. The U.S.-Cuba Agriculture Business Conference, according to organizers, comes at a time when U.S. agriculture needs to expand into new markets. Cuba continues to depend on imports for 80 percent of its food supply, and the coalition says Congress is poised in the Farm Bill to allow USDA export promotion programs to be used in Cuba. Coalition chair Paul Johnson says the event “will help inform and connect the people who can work to make those things happen.” The conference offers participants a chance to meet ministers, leaders of agriculture industry, farmers, cooperatives and decision makers in Cuba’s newly formed government. The conference is planned for November 8-10 in Havana. Registration information is available at visit www.usagcoalition.com.

The United States still demands a dairy fix in the North American Free Trade Agreement, but Canada still wants to protect its dairy industry. While Canada may be ready to give some concessions on dairy market access, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his allies have strong political motivations to stand firm. A trade lawyer told Politico this week that much of the focus is on Canada’s Class 7 milk, a class created last year that has disrupted trade between the U.S. and Canada. The trade expert says those talks are “highly technical” and will take days to complete, but suggested an agreement is still possible, “even likely this week.” Talks between the U.S. and Canada are expected to continue with an overall goal to complete the agreement by the end of this month. Mexico officials are also back in Washington, DC to propel the handshake agreement between the U.S. and Mexico forward.

Garth Brooks, will take the stage in Indianapolis for a private show at this year’s 91st National FFA Convention & Expo. The youth leadership organization is dedicated to preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture, and boasts a membership of nearly 670,000 nationwide. The National FFA Convention & Expo remains one of the largest student conventions in the world, annually drawing more than 65,000 attendees. “The National FFA Convention & Expo is a celebration of our members, and what better way to celebrate by providing them the opportunity to hear a legend perform at our convention,” says Mark Poeschl, CEO of the National FFA Organization. “I’m excited to welcome Garth and his team to the National FFA Convention. I know our guests will be thrilled to experience Garth in concert!” Garth will take the stage Oct. 24 at Lucas Oil Stadium for a once in a lifetime experience for the exclusive crowd attending this year’s national FFA convention and expo.