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The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Economists doubt Trump outlook that US will sell 'so much' beef to Australia
WASHINGTON/CANBERRA/CHICAGO: President Donald Trump said the US will sell "so much" beef to Australia after Canberra relaxed import restrictions on Thursday(July 24), but economists and traders said high prices and tight supplies make major American exports unlikely. Australia said it would loosen biosecurity rules for US beef. The move will not significantly increase US shipments, though, because Australia is a major beef producer and exporter whose prices are much lower, analysts said. US companies export small quantities of beef to Australian buyers. They import much more in the form of lean beef used to make hamburgers, particularly as US production has declined because of tight cattle supplies. US beef prices set records this year after ranchers slashed their herds due to drought that burned up pasturelands used for grazing. The total herd size fell to 94.2 million head as of July 1, a record low for that date, according to US Department of Agriculture data on Friday. A ban on cattle imports from Mexico because of New World screwworm, a devastating livestock pest, and steep tariffs on Brazilian beef that are set to take effect on Aug. 1 could further tighten meat supplies, and require additional imports of Australian beef. "We can't get enough beef in the US right now, so we're bringing it in from Australia and Brazil," said Dan Norcini, an independent US livestock trader. "We're not going to be selling anything significant to anyone." Last year, Australia shipped almost 400,000 metric tonnes of beef worth US$2.9 billion to the United States, with just 269 tonnes of US product moving the other way. "They have more cattle than people," said David Anderson, an agricultural economist at Texas A&M University. "That's why they export so much." US and Australian beef also taste different. Many Australians like the grass-fed beef raised there, not marbled beef from US-raised cattle that are generally fed with grain, said Jerry Klassen, chief analyst for Resilient Capital in Winnipeg. He predicted the United States will not export substantial amounts of beef to Australia in the next five years. "We just aren't in a position to export much beef to anyone, and the reality is Australia doesn't really have much need for US beef," said Karl Setzer, partner at Consus Ag. The barriers that remain to exporting significant volumes of US beef to Australia appeared to be lost on Trump this week. "We are going to sell so much to Australia because this is undeniable and irrefutable Proof that US Beef is the Safest and Best in the entire World," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "The other Countries that refuse our magnificent Beef are ON NOTICE." Trump has attempted to renegotiate trade deals with numerous countries he says have taken advantage of the United States, a characterisation many economists dispute. "For decades, Australia imposed unjustified barriers on US beef," US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement, calling Australia's decision a "major milestone in lowering trade barriers and securing market access for US farmers and ranchers." Australian officials say the relaxation of restrictions was not part of any trade negotiations but the result of a years-long assessment of US biosecurity practices. Canberra has restricted US beef imports since 2003 due to concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. Since 2019, it has allowed in meat from animals born, raised and slaughtered in the US but few suppliers were able to prove that their cattle had not been in Canada and Mexico. The US sources some of its feeder cattle from the two neighbouring countries. On Wednesday, Australia's agriculture ministry said US cattle traceability and control systems had improved enough that Australia could accept beef from cattle born in Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the United States. The decision has caused some concern in Australia, where biosecurity is seen as essential to prevent diseases and pests from ravaging the farm sector. "We need to know if (the government) is sacrificing our high biosecurity standards just so Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can obtain a meeting with US President Donald Trump," shadow agriculture minister David Littleproud said in a statement. Australia faces a 10 per cent across-the-board US tariff, as well 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium. Trump has also threatened to impose a 200 per cent tariff on pharmaceuticals. Asked whether the change would help achieve a trade deal, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said: "I'm not too sure." "We haven't done this in order to entice the Americans into a trade agreement," he said. "We think that they should do that anyway." - Reuters
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Russia suspends sunflower oil duty till end of August to boost exports
Russia, one of the world's top producers and exporters of sunflower oil, on Friday suspended floating duty rates on sunflower oil and sunflower meal until August 31 to boost exports and help local producers. The export duty was introduced in 2021 in order to protect the domestic market from price spikes and was set at 4,739 roubles ($59.61) per ton of sunflower oil in July. "At present, the domestic market is fully supplied with sunflower oil. Therefore, the suspension will not affect the availability of sunflower oil for Russians," the government said in a statement. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Russia and Ukraine produce over half of the world’s sunflower seeds and are responsible for nearly three-quarters of total sunflower oil and meal exports. IKAR consultancy head Dmitry Rylko estimated that Russia exported 4.7 million tons of sunflower oil in the 2024/25 season, which will end on August 31, compared with a record 5.3 million tons in the previous season. "We expect some revival in exports," Rylko told Reuters. He estimated that Russia will export 350,000 tons in August. IKAR forecasts this year's sunflower seed harvest at no less than a record 18 million tons. Russian lobby group Oil and Fat Union estimates that Russia is the world's leading producer of sunflower oil and the second largest exporter after Ukraine. Russia exports sunflower oil to India, Turkey, Iran, China and Egypt. It exports sunflower meal, used in animal feed, to Turkey, Belarus, China and the European Union. Russia's sunflower oil production became unprofitable in 2024 due to rising domestic prices for seeds. Several plants across Russia stopped operations as a result. Exports fell by 38 per cent in the first half of 2025, according to customs data, which does not take into account trade with sanctioned countries such as Iran. Head of the Oil and Fat Union Mikhail Maltsev said that the duty suspension for the remainder of the season will help exporters clear their stockpiles. "In the new season, we hope the market will stabilise and that procurement prices for sunflower seeds will once again make exports economically viable for processing plants," Maltsev said.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
USDA to vacate several Washington buildings, relocate staff to regional hubs
The US Department of Agriculture announced Thursday it will relocate much of its staff in the Washington, D.C., area to five regional hubs and vacate several buildings in the nation's capital, including its flagship research center. No more than 2,000 USDA employees will remain in the Washington area at the conclusion of the reorganization effort, the agency said in a news release. Advertisement The remaining 2,600 people will be relocated to hubs in Raleigh, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Indianapolis; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Salt Lake City. The USDA also said it will vacate several locations in the Washington area, including its flagship research center, the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland, and one of its headquarters buildings on the National Mall. 'American agriculture feeds, clothes and fuels this nation and the world, and it is long past time the department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers and producers we are mandated to support,' Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. 'President Trump was elected to make real change in Washington, and we are doing just that by moving our key services outside the beltway and into great American cities across the country. 'We will do so through a transparent and commonsense process that preserves USDA's critical health and public safety services the American public relies on,' she continued. 'We will do right by the great American people who we serve and with respect to the thousands of hardworking USDA employees who so nobly serve their country.' Advertisement 4 The USDA is relocating thousands of staffers based in Washington, D.C. JHVEPhoto – In a video to staff, Rollins said the plan to relocate workers was made to bring the agency's staff closer to its 'core constituents.' The USDA's plan is the latest effort by the Trump administration to reorganize and downsize the federal workforce. The agency is not making widespread cuts to its staff, although the relocation plan is part of the USDA's process of reducing its workforce, it said in the release. Advertisement 4 USDA employees will be sent to five regional hubs across the US. Wangkun Jia – It said much of its reduction was through voluntary retirements and the agency's Deferred Retirement Program. More than 15,000 workers, about 15% of its total workforce, voluntarily chose one of the two financial incentive offers to resign. The Senate Agriculture Committee's chair, Arkansas Republican Sen. John Boozman; the ranking member, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar; and the ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee, Minnesota Democrat Rep. Angie Craig, said in statements they were not consulted on the plan and called for hearings on the reorganization effort. Advertisement 4 The US Department of Agriculture is led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. AP 'The best way to serve our agriculture community is by working together, so it's disappointing USDA didn't share its plans in advance of this announcement,' Boozman said. Craig said the 'planned reorganization announced by the agriculture secretary without notice or input from Congress or key stakeholders and constituencies demonstrates that this administration failed to learn the lessons from previous similar efforts and is willfully risking the effectiveness of the agencies and programs that support America's family farmers.' The USDA also plans to reduce or close some regional offices, including consolidating the National Agricultural Statistics Service, which publishes agricultural market data, from twelve offices to five, according to a memo from the agency. 4 The staff relocations are part of the Trump administration's plan to organize and downsize the federal workforce. AP Additionally, the Forest Service will close its nine regional offices over the next year in a plan that 'will take into consideration the ongoing fire season,' the memo noted. The Agricultural Research Service's staff have already struggled with its workload after the voluntary resignations, according to employee Ethan Roberts. 'Many will not take the [relocation] offer, and we will lose even more administrative employees that are critical to the everyday functioning of the USDA and ARS,' he said. Reuters contributed to this report.
Mint
6 days ago
- Climate
- Mint
Bumper Wheat Crop Is a Mixed Blessing for US Farmers Facing Low Prices
North Dakota's wheat fields are set to deliver another bumper crop after last year's record. That's a mixed blessing for farmers like Jim Pellman, providing plenty of grain to sell but at too-low prices. Demand hasn't kept pace with the expanding supplies, leaving futures for the hard red spring wheat variety grown in the state trading below $6 a bushel. That's not enough for many growers to profit as prices for seeds, chemicals and equipment have stayed high. Pellman is taking a pragmatic view. 'From the farmer's perspective, having an above-average crop and maybe mediocre prices, at least I can survive,' he said. 'There's going to be a lot of bushels for sale.' An annual tour of wheat fields in the state — which competes with Kansas as the top US producer of the grain — was finding crop yield potential below the US Department of Agriculture's outlook for yields of 59 bushels per acre, a record level reached last year. Dozens of flour millers, bakers, crop traders and farmers fanned out this week across the state with yard sticks to estimate yield potential ahead of the harvest, which will begin as early as next month. Drought conditions in the northern half of the state impeded some fields, while relatively ample rainfall elsewhere improved prospects and muddied the boots of the crop scouts trudging through thick stands of wheat. Rainfall was also accompanied last month by tornadoes and the severe wind storm known as a derecho. Some farmers had grain storage bins get destroyed and several wheat fields had plants laying down, or lodged. The USDA declared it a disaster. 'We've got guaranteed poverty this year,' Charlie Rohde, a retired farmer, said at one of the nightly crop-tour meetings in Devils Lake. After three days of scouting, the Wheat Quality Council estimated spring wheat yields at 49 bushels per acre, compared with 54.5 a year ago. 'I thought it looked a bit better than that,' Dave Green, Wheat Quality Council executive vice president, said of the final assessment, which is still historically elevated. Pellman raises wheat along with soybeans, corn and canola in McClusky, North Dakota. Earlier this month, he was elected chairman of the US Wheat Associates and has also traveled to Asia in efforts to drum up demand. The Trump administration has announced trade deals with countries including Japan, Indonesia and Bangladesh that should result in increased purchases of American wheat. USDA data Thursday showed weekly US wheat export sales of more than 700,000 tons, the most since May, with Indonesia as the top buyer. Still, spring wheat futures remained under pressure ahead of a bumper harvest, falling more than 5% this month. Some growers may end up putting their grain in storage in the hopes that prices improve. 'There's quality wheat left from last year,' Pellman said. 'I know farmers that have wheat in the bin that are going to sit on it because it's too cheap.' This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you vegan? Nutritionist shares 11 high-protein foods to boost daily protein intake naturally
One of the most common myths about plant-based diets is that they do not provide enough protein, especially without meat, eggs, or cheese. But the truth is, there are plenty of high-protein vegetarian and vegan foods that can easily meet your daily needs when included as part of a balanced diet. In fact, plant-based protein sources come with added benefits. Here's why: They are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases over time. So whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or just cutting back on animal products, you can still fuel your body with all the protein it needs, naturally. Know how to get protein without meat.(Adobe Stock) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} High-protein foods for vegans and vegetarians {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} Here are 11 of the best protein-rich foods that can help increase your protein intake if you are a vegan, according to nutritionist and lifestyle educator Karishmma Chawla: 1. Quinoa Often called a 'super grain', quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body can't produce on its own. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of cooked quinoa (185g) offers 8.1 grams of protein. It is also gluten-free, fibre-rich, and can be enjoyed at breakfast. 2. Amaranth This ancient grain has been a staple in Indian and South American diets for centuries and for good reasons. Like quinoa, amaranth is a complete protein and provides about 9.3 grams of protein per cooked cup (246g), per USDA data. It is also rich in fibre, making it great for digestion and promoting satiety. 3. Hemp seeds {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} Tiny but nutrient-dense, hemp seeds pack 9 grams of protein in just three tablespoons (30g). They are also loaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, salads, or even homemade energy bars for a quick protein boost. 4. Healthy seeds {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Tiny but nutrient-dense, hemp seeds pack 9 grams of protein in just three tablespoons (30g). They are also loaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, salads, or even homemade energy bars for a quick protein boost. 4. Healthy seeds {{/usCountry}} Read More {{^usCountry}} Seeds like chia, sunflower and pumpkin, are small but pack a punch. Pumpkin seeds, in particular, contain a good amount of protein and are rich in magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. Along with protein, chia seeds offer fibre and omega-3s, while sunflower seeds are a solid source of vitamin E and selenium. Sprinkle them over yogurt, blend them into smoothies, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Seeds like chia, sunflower and pumpkin, are small but pack a punch. Pumpkin seeds, in particular, contain a good amount of protein and are rich in magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. Along with protein, chia seeds offer fibre and omega-3s, while sunflower seeds are a solid source of vitamin E and selenium. Sprinkle them over yogurt, blend them into smoothies, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack. {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Chia seed is one of the best sources of protein. (Adobe Stock) 5. Dry fruits Nuts like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and pistachios are packed with protein. For example, 100g of almonds provides 21.2 grams of protein. Beyond protein, nuts are also rich in healthy fats, fibre, vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, and other key minerals. They can help improve your heart health, support weight loss and even boost energy. 6. Lentils {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Lentils are a staple in many households. One cup of cooked lentils (198g) packs about 18 grams of protein and over half your recommended daily fibre intake. They are rich in iron and known to promote gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. You can enjoy them in soups, dals, or chilla. 7. Beans and chickpeas Whether they are kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas, these legumes are excellent sources of protein and fibre. They also provide iron, folate, manganese, and complex carbohydrates. A study published in Advances in Nutrition have shown that regularly eating beans and legumes can help reduce cholesterol, control blood sugar, and even lower blood pressure. They can also help you lose weight, promoting metabolic health. 8. Green vegetables {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} You might not think of greens as protein sources, but vegetables like spinach, broccoli, peas, and artichokes actually contribute more protein than most people realize. While their protein content is lower per serving than grains or legumes, they are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which makes them one of the best protein sources. 9. Brown rice with lentils Brown rice and lentils, when eaten together, form complete protein. While each is missing one or more essential amino acids, together they make up for what the other lacks. This combo is a classic example of how traditional food pairings can deliver balanced nutrition without any animal products. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner for a filling, fibre-rich meal. 10. Jowar roti with lentil {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Jowar (sorghum) roti paired with lentils is a staple in many Indian homes. It is not just filling, it offers a protein-rich meal. When paired, this simple meal offers a good balance of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. Since jowar is gluten-free, it is a safe and suitable alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Jowar is one of the best vegan protein foods. (Adobe Stock) 11. Moong dal chilla {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Looking for something quick, delicious, and protein-rich? Enter moong dal chilla, a savoury pancake made with ground green gram and veggies. It is easy to prepare, full of flavour, and makes for a perfect breakfast or light dinner option. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about protein 1. How much protein do I need per day? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (for example, 48g for someone weighing 60kg). Active people may need more, 1.2 to 2 g per kg. 2. Is paneer high in protein? Yes, paneer is a good source of protein, especially for vegetarians. Only 100 grams of paneer contains about 18 grams of protein. It is also rich in calcium and healthy fats. 3. Do oats have protein? {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} While oats are primarily known for their fibre content, they also provide a decent amount of protein. A 1/2 cup of dry oats (about 40g) contains roughly 5 grams of protein. Mix oats with milk, nuts, seeds, or yogurt to boost the protein content of your meal even more. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
