Around Washington

As Embassies Open, A Further Cuban Thaw Faces Hurdles in Congress  

Wall Street Journal

A 30-person Cuban delegation and U.S. lawmakers supportive of President Barack Obama's push to thaw relations with Cuba are expected to be among those at Monday's invite-only ceremony and reception to mark the first Cuban embassy in Washington in 54 years.

US, Cuba Reopen Embassies After 54 Years Kansas City Star

Even as the Cuban flag is hoisted in Washington, a difficult relationship between the United States and Cuba is expected to remain just that - difficult - but with the difference that the two sides are now talking more freely with each other to work through the many issues that still separate them.

Around the Country

Next UAEX Webinar will Feature Update on U.S., Global Rice Markets Delta Farm Press

The University of Arkansas will conduct the next in its series of informational webinars at 2 p.m. on July 22. The title of this webinar will be Rice Outlook: Updated U.S. Area Estimates and the 2015-16 U.S. and Global Rice Market Outlook.

Remnant Landscapes: Carolina Rice Culture from the Air Post and Courier

Carolina Gold rice was reintroduced as a crop in 2005 and now is grown by about 10 farmers in the state as well as other farmers in Texas. By 2010, the specialty crop became profitable, and now some West Coast farmers who are struggling with the implications of the water shortage are eyeing South Carolina as a possible alternative.

Tariffs and Trade

Louisiana Rice Farmers Hope to Cash in on Trade with Cuba Times-Picayune

Although trade restrictions have so far relaxed quite a bit since President Barack Obama announced the move, trade of major crops on the scale Louisiana farmers are hoping for isn't in the cards quite yet.