agri-pulse.com
A wrap up of today's top news stories in the world of Ag
The Trump administration announced a trade agreement with the United Kingdom. Farm groups celebrated the victory. The nation's corn growers want Trump to focus on market access to India.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig disagree on using reconciliation to approve a portion of farm programs. Craig says she can deliver votes for a full five year farm bill.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told farm broadcasters the department's downsizing plan would be released next week. Rollins said President Trump would soon be announcing new global trade agreements.
Agriculture leaders shared their goals for a new farm bill and updated tax policy with the nation's farm broadcasters this afternoon in Washington.
President Trump's proposed budget for 2026 points to continued downsizing of some government agencies and programs. One Maine Democrat says SNAP funds are off limits for upgrading farm programs.
Farm policy makers on Capitol Hill are searching for options in a challenging legislative landscape to update portions of farm policy. NCBA's Ethan Lane says they're pleased with an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico to keep a dangerous pest south of the border.
Budget Reconciliation will apparently be a vehicle of change for farm and nutrition programs. Next week's markup could bring changes to the farm safety net, crop insurance and nutrition programs.
Land O' Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford chairs the Business Roundtable Immigration Committee. Ford says tax reform, a farm bill and adequate farm workers are top priorities.
Today the EPA announced a waiver for E-15 blended fuel for the Summer driving season. Renewable fuel supporters welcome the news but still hope for a legislative fix this year.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is keeping an eye on USDA downsizing saying farmers must not suffer a loss of service. The Modern Ag Alliance celebrates a victory this week in North Dakota.
Chinese spokespersons today suggested no negotiations are underway between the two nations. A federal appeals court denied environmental groups petition for EPA CAFO regulations.
President Trump's Tariff war is impacting the bottom line of soybean farmers. ASA CEO Steve Censky hopes near term pain leads to long term gains for the industry.
Many farmers celebrated Earth Day by stepping up the planting pace for the 2025 crop. Agriculture and other industry groups are hoping for meaningful changes to Washington's WOTUS definition.
Vice President Vance and India Prime Minister Modi discussed trade issues between the two countries today in New Delhi.
Ag policy veteran Chuck Conner says the Trump administration needs time to see the result of trade negotiations spurred by increased tariffs. Conner sees hope from at least some farm policy reform this year.
Challenges to President Trump's tariff strategy are coming from the U.S. and around the globe. Meanwhile progress is reported from negotiations with key trading partners.
California Governor Gavin Newsome sued the Trump Administration today challenging the president's authority to impose tariffs. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said the Trump trade tactics need time to play out.
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas is this week's guest on Open Mic. Today we highlight his comments on the budget process, a new farm bill and nutrition programs.
USDA's NASS reports planting progress lags last year's pace as wheat condition declines. Some Biden era climate programs are coming to a close at USDA.
Trump optimistic on a trade deal with China. Democratic Senators want information on the downside of tariffs for the nation's farmers and ranchers.
The International Fresh Produce Association has offered its recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again Commission. The group sees opportunity to promote healthy eating.
President Donald Trump offered a 90-day pause to many tariffs he imposed on a number of global trading partners, but not China. Stock and commodity prices soared.
USTR Jamieson Greer told legislators today that President Trump's tariffs are bringing a number of nations to the negotiating table. Meanwhile Congress will consider legislation to limit the duration of trade duties on global trading partners.
Members of the National Pork Producers Council will be in Washington this week to meeting with legislators. CEO Brain Humphreys says trade and a farm bill will be high on the list of producer priorities.
Financial and commodity markets took another beating today over US trade tariffs. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven speaks to tariffs and other issues on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers.
Legislation was introduced today to rein in the president's power to impose tariffs allowing Congress to remove tariffs imposed by the administration.
As expected President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on global trading partners this afternoon at the White House. The move drew both praise and scorn from various industry groups and legislators.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is reserving judgement on President Trump's tariff plans but says legislators could override Executive Branch actions on trade.
Based on farmer surveys, the USDA forecast a larger corn crop and smaller soybean crop than a year ago.
Next week promises plenty of potential for volatility in both commodity and financial markets. The USDA's Grain Stocks and Prospective Plantings Report on Monday will be followed by tariff announcements from President Trump on Wednesday.
Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin says farmers in his state are concerned about access to global markets and what retaliation other nations may inflict on their ag products as a result of President Trump's various tariffs.
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig opposes GOP plans to cut current food assistance programs or SNAP funds to meet budget reconciliation goals.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said the Senate Finance Committee is resolved to completing work on tax policy critical to farmers, ranchers and the nation.
Proposed shipping fees by the Trump administration would support the U.S. industry but would increase transportation costs and lower prices farmers would receive for their commodities.
Budget reconciliation has been discussed as a possible path to reform some elements of farm policy. Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack is this weeks guest on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers and discusses the issue.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said farm and nutrition spending could be amended in the budget reconciliation process. Grassley supports full year E15 sales and says either Congress or the EPA should raise RVO's for biodiesel.
The Fed kept interest rates unchanged as FMOC Chair Jerome Powell highlighted "uncertainty" surrounding the nation's economy. USDA restores some market reporting for crops and livestock.
National Agriculture Day brings needed financial relief to farmers across the nation. Agri-Pulse spoke with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on the nation's farm and fuel policy.
It was a packed house at the National Press Club today for the Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Policy Summit. Industry experts weighed in on challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry. More coverage at www.agri-pulse.com
Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell introduces legislation to preserve farmland helping manage the tax burden if land is sold to an active farmer.
Facing a government shutdown, Senate Democrats prefer a short term spending bill to that of the GOP. Trump ordered to reinstate workers and E-15 legislation creates winners and losers.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced sweeping changes today on environmental regulations including coal-fired power plants, electric vehicles and WOTUS guidance.
A war of words intensifies between the U.S. and Canada over trade tariffs. Testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee paints a challenging picture for the farm economy.
More than 300 organizations sent a letter to ag, food and health leaders supporting sound science to be used in the MAHA Commission. Commodity market watchers are anticipating the USDA's Supply/Demand Report tomorrow.
Agri-Pulse offers a special edition of Newsmakers featuring key agriculture leaders from this week's Commodity Classic in Denver.
One global market analyst says developing countries have come of age and must now allow equal access to U.S. agriculture products.
The fear of retaliation from global customers is weighing on farmer sentiment as producers fear lost export markets will further depress prices.
President Trump's tariffs cast a somber tone over the trade show floor at Commodity Classic in Denver today.
President Trump tells farmers to prepare to produce more ag products for domestic markets as more tariffs start tomorrow.
USDA Chief Economist is featured on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. In a preview of this week's podcast, Meyer discusses the good and the bad of the farm economy and hope for better egg prices.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins tells Agri-Pulse the department intends to meet or beat the Congressional deadline to distribute economic and disaster assistance payments approved by legislators last year.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed the NASDA Winter Conference today discussing DOGE, tariffs and the USDA's new efforts toward limiting the impact of Avian Influenza.
Renewable fuels advocates are appealing to Washington for opportunities to grow the industry. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says debate on tax reform can't begin without budget numbers.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith supports government efficiency, but not at all costs. Smith is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers.
The Senate is a step closer to providing funds for the Trump administration for mass deportations and border security. The USDA continues to review funding under the Inflation Reduction Act after releasing $20-million dollars to farmers with conservation program contracts.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley supports legislation to allow year round sales of E-15 blended fuel. Grassley supports the idea of moving the Food for Peace Program to the USDA.
Iowa 4th District Congressman Randy Feenstra believes next month's continuing resolution bill is the next opportunity to carry year around E-15 legislation into law. He believes a farm bill will be done this year but admits spending is the biggest issue.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses serving the agriculture industry at USDA and cooperating with other cabinet members to grow opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Rollins says DOGE downsizing may actually improve local service to the ag community.
South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. Johnson discusses changes to SNAP work requirements to meet budget savings.
President Trump rolls out plans to use additional tariffs to balance U.S. trade. Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are confirmed to serve in the Trump Cabinet
The House budget plan calls for $230 billion dollars in agriculture spending cuts over the next 10 years. Soybean farmers support legislation that would maintain international food assistance programs.
Agriculture leaders took their turn to discuss the farm economy in testimony before the House Agriculture Committee today. The Hunger Caucus was introduced again today in Washington.
Uncertainty surrounds President Trump's plan for downsizing the federal workforce, tariffs on trading partners and future of U.S. food aid programs.
This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features former USDA Secretaries. Dan Glickman takes issue with DOGE budget cuts and downsizing. Mike Johannes has concerns with President Trump's HHS nominee.
Mexico concedes challenges to genetically modified corn imports. Congress is challenged to cut the budget and still provide an adequate safety net for farmers, ranchers and those who are food insecure.
A number of agriculture leaders testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee today. Chairman John Boozman said the message was similar from nearly every witness.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one step closer to a Senate vote to become the lead of Health and Human Services. In the absence of action on Capitol Hill, states are appealing to the Supreme Court to overturn California's Proposition 12 rule.
Tariffs are still in the headlines as discussions are still taking place between the White House and North American trading partners. Senate committees are holding meetings to consider Trump Cabinet nominees.
Farmers fear trade retaliation from White House tariffs but respect President Trump's attempts to balance trade. Chemical manufactures respectfully disagree with RFK Jr.'s accusations against pesticides this week.
The threat of tariffs is pushing fertilizer prices higher in advance of Spring planting. Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will continue his work in promoting agriculture and combatting food insecurity.
RFK Jr. says he wants to help farmers move to regenerative ag. Smithfield IPO falls short of company expectations.
Texas Senator John Cornyn wants a new farm bill and tax reform but knows a crowded congressional agenda in Washington may force farmers and ranchers to wait a little longer this year.
The leaders of the House Agriculture committee shared their thoughts on developing a new farm bill at today's American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio.
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.
