agri-pulse.com
A wrap up of today's top news stories in the world of Ag
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas says budget reconciliation legislation could be the vehicle that carries a new farm bill this year.
President Donald Trump's Agriculture Secretary Nominee Brooke Rollins was before the Senate Agriculture Committee today. Clean Fuels Alliance CEO Donnell Rehagen says the industry needs certainty from Washington.
Texas Representative Monica De La Cruz is hopeful the 119th Congress and Trump administration can secure the border and provide an adequate workforce for agriculture. Renewable fuels advocates remain hopeful for new opportunities in 2025.
Agriculture leaders at last night's Aggie Ball in Washington shared their determination to see a new farm bill in 2025. USDA Secretary Designate Brooke Rollins is ready to bring agriculture's voice to the Trump Cabinet.
Today's DriveTime features comments from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack from this week's Newsmakers. The Iowa Democrat has served 12 years at the helm of USDA.
Farmers continue to evaluate recent announcements from the Biden administration on tax breaks for biofuel feedstocks and are hopeful a second term for Donald Trump will bring new crop demand.
In the waning days of the Biden administration guidance is being offered toward guidance on tax breaks for feedstocks for renewable fuels.
One farm economist appeals to Congress to deliver the certainty of a new farm bill early in 2025. USDA offers new poultry tournament production rules.
The U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council are on a tour of Asian customers. Greg Tyler says they are being well received by customers but avian influenza and the threat of tariffs are proving obstacles to growing markets.
The USDA's January WASDE crop report lowered the 2024 corn and soybean production and carryover supplies. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says the Panama Canal is key to the U.S. economy and national security.
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced legislation today for the U.S. to purchase the Panama Canal. China's influence in the region is given as a major cause for concern.
RaboResearch speculates the impact of a renewed tariff war with China on U.S. crop farmers. The result is lower soybean acreage and prices.
The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas includes a green space to discuss technology's role in sustainable food production.
As the U.S. Congress approved the 2024 presidential election results today another world leader steps down due political unrest.
Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson has been reelected as House Speaker. Only one member of the GOP did not vote for the incumbent.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says significant snowfall and bitterly cold weather will blanket much of the nation beginning this weekend.
Members of the House of Representatives began voting at 5:00PM on a third policy proposal to avoid a government shutdown.
As Congress works for an end of year spending deal, agriculture leaders say financial assistance is critical for the nation's food security.
Agri-Pulse's Lydia Johnson offers exclusive comments from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins during her visits with legislators on Capitol Hill. E-15 waiver could "kick start" greater retail opportunities for higher ethanol blends.
Agriculture leaders across the country are anxiously waiting to see specific details of a Continuing Resolution to keep the government running to March of 2025.
Major agriculture commodity organizations are pressing legislators for economic assistance in end of year spending legislation. Agriculture leaders warn a lack of action could mean some farmers won't get operating loans in 2025.
Some crop farmers are facing painful financial realities at the end of 2024 hoping legislators can provide financial assistance for economic hardships and weather disasters and safety risk certainties in a new farm bill.
Soybean grower leaders are working to improve their bottom line with strategic investments through their checkoff program.
Food prices impact election. Taxes and tax breaks under review. Tariffs a threat to USMCA.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley discusses farm legislation on Capitol Hill.
House Ag Committee Democrats will vote next week for their party leader. Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig and California's Jim Costa will attempt to unseat Georgia's David Scott.
The USDA will begin more extensive testing for H5N1 in dairy cattle and milk and agriculture leaders in Washington continue to work for economic assistance and a new farm bill.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says Congress has no choice but to provide financial assistance to farmers who have suffered economic losses or severe weather events.
A delay in action on renewable fuel regulations by the Treasury Department is impacting demand for feedstocks for the first quarter of 2025. Recent Biden administration regulations may come under review by the 119th Congress.
The latest USDA farm income forecast suggests a very challenging bottom line for crop farmers across the country. Congressional ag leaders continue to press for economic assistance this year. -
Senator Charles Grassley has low expectations for the Lame Duck Congress this year. The Iowa legislator says GOP leaders will target tax and spending cuts as well as a new farm bill next year.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran is this week's guest on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. Moran speaks to pending ad hoc assistance for farmers and thoughts on a second turn for Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
China and Brazil have expanded trade deals to include a number of industries including agriculture. The country is also amending domestic policy that may reduce sales of used cooking oil.
Members of congress continue to set their sites on approving farm and nutrition legislation. Agri-Pulse's Lydia Johnson gathered comments from key leaders this week on Capitol Hill.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley took his turn at criticizing the Democratic farm bill proposal submitted by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow. He says the work will have to be done next year.
Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released a near 1,400 page farm bill draft today and spoke from the chamber floor to support her bipartisan plan.
President-elect Trump has yet to appoint a Secretary of Agriculture, but one possible candidate spoke to farm broadcasters meeting in Kansas City Friday, and ethanol producers are more optimistic about the Summit Carbon pipeline project with approval from North Dakota
Farm broadcasters are meeting in Kansas City and hearing from ag organizations and companies about challenges and opportunities in 2025 and today we have comments from the American Farm Bureau Federation, Farmers National Company, RCIS, USDA’s Farm Service Agency Administrator, and Rabobank
Sen. John Thune was elected Senate Majority Leader and we have reaction from newsmakers at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual meeting to that and to President-elect Trump’s choice for EPA Administrator.
A new award honors veterans who are also farmers and the first recipient is a retired Army Colonel from Indiana.
This week’s Open Mic guest is Michael McAdams, President of the Advanced Biofuels Association. After an extensive career serving on Capitol Hill, McAdams founded the ABFA in 2006. The group represents all aspects of the advanced biofuels in the nation from large refiners to major feedstock providers and new technology groups. McAdams believes government statutes for advanced biofuels are not working with taxpayer incentives to grow the industry. While the nation transitions to new leadership in Washington, a delay in the release of new regulations has the industry operating in a cloud of confusion. McAdams believes Congress needs to act in the Lame Duck Session to provide a window of time to provide clear rules for the industry to follow and meet the growing need for advanced biofuels.
Two former USDA Agriculture Secretaries discuss trade tariffs, farm policy and disaster assistance.
The Fed lowered interest rates again this afternoon. The nation continues to watch state election returns for clues to which party will control the Lower Chamber.
Arkansas Senator John Boozman says leaders have a mandate from voters to deliver a better American economy. Boozman feels the urgency to help farmers and ranchers financially to secure financing for the new crop year.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley see's little chance for a new farm bill in the Lame Duck Session of Congress. He did express hope for an extension of the blenders credit for biodiesel.
Agriculture groups are keeping an eye on state ballot initiatives as voters go to the polls tomorrow.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reports work continues on a H5N1 vaccine and responds to questions of the way the department handled investments in the Pure Prairie Poultry processor.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA will begin bulk testing milk for H5N1 and global food leaders say the issue of chronic hunger is being ignored in the U.S. elections.
A global agriculture leader supports genetic engineering and a U.S. trade advisor says market promotion funding offers tremendous return on investment.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says failure to approve a new farm bill this calendar year will force compromise on farm and nutrition programs next year. Meanwhile, the 2023 farm safety net will provide little if any assistance for farmers this year.
Some Midwest lawmakers want answers from USDA into financial assistance provided to Pure Prairie Poultry. Soybean farmers are concerned about a new herbicide registration from EPA.
The scope of reported illness from eating McDonalds Quarter Pounders has expanded. Citing new research, California's Governor is asking for quicker review of E-15 blended gasoline.
Other restaurant chains are removing onions from their menus as a precaution while food safety officials continue their investigation into illness from McDonalds Quarter Pounders.
Low river levels on the Mississippi River are limiting tow volumes and increasing freight costs for U.S. commodities in the global market.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley doesn't think Congress will pass a new five year farm bill this year. He wants a bill approved in general order with no administrative shortcuts.
The USDA continues to expand the area where residents are eligible for D-SNAP. Georgia Representative Austin Scott says his state needs time to evaluate losses before a disaster package is approved.
The European Union is one step closer to delaying its deforestation rule. Russia lowers its wheat forecast. Brazilian soybean forecasts are higher.
CRP acreage higher. Additional corn sales to Mexico. Some farms facing end of year deadline to file information with Department of Treasury.
Farm groups are calling on the White House to provide favor for domestic feedstocks under the Clean Fuels Production Credit. Some of those same groups fear the consequences of tariffs on already anemic agriculture exports.
Despite near record yields many Midwestern crop farmers will see negative returns this year. The University of Illinois forecasts the average farm will lose $30,000 this year.
The USDA's October WASDE report was largely in line with the September forecast and private analysts estimates.
Economic reports suggest the U.S. economy is bringing inflation closer to the Federal Reserve's targets. Farmers in Brazil are receiving much needed moisture to help with planting.
Hurricane Milton is spawning tornadoes in Florida in advance of expected landfall in a few hours. The storm represents the fourth major hurricane to strike the state in the last 14 months.
A meeting at the White House today provided an exchange of information between the Biden administration and a few agriculture groups invited to participate.
Hurricane Milton increased to a Category 5 storm today and is expected to make landfall late Wednesday threatening damage to areas already suffering from Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.
This week’s Open Mic guest is Mike Seyfert, President and CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association. Most in the ag industry were relieved that dockworkers were back on the job following an agreement on wages that allowed East Coast and Gulf ports to reopen last week. Seyfert says container shipments are an integral factor in meeting global customers demands for a number of U.S. agricultural products. Prior to his tenure at NGFA, Seyfert had an extensive career on Capitol Hill. He recognizes the challenges of seeing a farm bill approved by the end of the year, but says the industry needs new policy now.
Agriculture groups are relieved that Gulf and East Coast ports are back open. European regulations on deforestation may be pushed back.
As the death toll climbs from Hurricane Helene, crop damage is being measured much further west than the epicenter of the storm.
The impact of the East and Gulf Coast port strike ripples through the economy and can stymie container shipping of U.S. soybeans and soy products to global customers.
Damage estimates from last week's hurricane continue to grow across the south in the wake of the storm.
A threatened port strike at midnight has already brought financial loss to the agriculture industry from both exports and imports.
Syngenta's Mary Kay Thatcher sizes up the November elections and addresses the EPA's effort to avoid litigation over the Endanger Species Act.
Over 140 GOP members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to leadership calling for action on a new farm bill in the Lame Duck session.
The Biden administration is warned of the consequences of a major dockworkers strike and the new NASDA board approves a resolution pressing Congress for a new farm bill this year.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley wants regular order when Congress debates a new farm bill. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the U.S. government will use incentives to promote productivity and sustainability.
Rising tension in the Middle East and weather were key drivers in the commodity market to start the week. Washington is focused on the essentials before hitting the campaign trail prior to the November elections.
The House of Representatives approved a resolution to push back against the EPA's tailpipe emission standards. The vote included eight Democrats voting with members of the GOP.
In announcing the final investment of the Biden administration's Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. Vilsack says with the right mindset, he believes Congress can deliver a new farm bill.
With a long political agenda and a short calendar of sessions Congressional ag leaders are still discussing a new farm bill before the end of the calendar year.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley prefers the certainty of a new farm bill to another extension of outdated policy. Economists are anticipating the Feds next steps in managing financial policy.
