Batter Up: Is the US ready to hit a home run?

It is time for the United States to step up to the plate and ratify a free-trade agreement with South Korea. If the United States fails to act quickly, South Korea will simply go elsewhere and our livestock industry will be severely damaged.

South Korea has established itself as a trustworthy partner for US agricultural trade. For example, South Korea purchased over 130,000 tons of pork in 2009 and ranked 5th among US agricultural export customers in 2009. South Korean officials say that these figures will drop if Congress fails to ratify the trade agreement.

The US/South Korea free-trade agreement has languished in Congress since the two governments completed negotiations in 2007. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley has labeled this trade agreement as a “litmus test” for support of free trade. It appears that the Obama administration is waiting on the legislation because it is bundled in the trade battles over automobiles. Why anyone can’t look outside the box and untangle these industries is past the understanding of this farm girl.

The expansion of the US export market is the key to the success of the agricultural industry. If we fail to act now, we will put the US out in left field with only a few straw balls to be caught.