agri-pulse.com
An end-of-day podcast with a roundup of the day's top ag, food and energy policy headlines, pushed Monday-Friday just in time for your afternoon commute.
Rumors were wrong as the Environmental Protection Agency today proposed to increase the volume output of renewable fuels today. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels association and Kurt Kovarik with Clean Fuels Alliance America comment on the proposals and path forward.
Rumors suggest the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to announce RVO numbers for the renewable fuels Industry. Paul Winters with Clean Fuels Alliance America says the industry is united in its request for more biodiesel. The USDA's June WASDE report held few surprises for the commodity market.
What President Trump called a trade deal with China others called a framework agreement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told members of Congress the administration is pursuing negotiated agreements with 18 major trading partners.
Trade talks between the U.S. and China are reported going "very well" by administration officials. The Senate approves key positions at USDA and EPA and Trump steel tariffs could increase canned food prices.
The globe is keeping a close eye on trade talks between the U.S. and China. U.S. corn and soybean crops improve over the last week and traders offer their projections in front of the USDA WASDE report Thursday.
President Donald Trump announces trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are set for Monday in London. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wraps up her trade delegation to Italy.
Representatives of the National Pork Producers Council continue to call on Congress to approve a completely new farm bill. NPPC is pleased that the reconciliation package included needed farm program updates, but say the budget bill doesn't include everything the industry needs.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Aging held a hearing this afternoon addressing the aging farm workforce and loss of family farmers. Witnesses shared economics including labor rates, low commodity prices and foreign imports were major obstacles to farm profitability.
As promised, President Trump is raising tariffs on aluminum and steel. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley supports whole milk on school menus and the World Pork Expo opens tomorrow at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The USDA reported corn and soybean planting advanced over the past week while crop condition for both crops is well over two-thirds good to excellent. The advanced planting and crop ratings is proving bearish for commodity futures prices.
Comments from former Agriculture Secretaries Dan Glickman and Mike Johanns preview this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers as well as comments from House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig who's featured in the upcoming Agri-Pulse Open Mic. Reconciliation, tariffs and farm programs are featured topics.
The legal challenge over President Trump's authority to impose tariffs on global trading partners took another turn this afternoon. A stay will allow the U.S. to continue to collect tariffs until the appeal process plays out.
Over 300 agriculture and related groups sent a letter calling on Congress to enact the bipartisan Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act. The groups say state labeling requirements contradict EPA's scientific findings on pesticide safety.
Senator Charles Grassley supports tax provisions in the House Budget Reconciliation Act. The Iowa Republican says the Senate Ag Committee will likely have its own version of farm safety net provisions.
House Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson offers his thoughts on farm and tax provisions approved this week. National Corn Growers CEO Neil Caskey shares farmer frustration with the MAHA Commission Report.
With House approval of budget reconciliation the attention on farm programs and tax policy turns to the U.S. Senate. Farm groups are voicing their concerns over the MAHA Commission report.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley expects HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to keep his word on comments made prior to his confirmation hearings on modern ag practices. Grassley has some straightforward questions on what may be reported from the MAHA Commission.
Agriculture groups are calling on President Trump to be sure the MAHA Commission report expected to be released Thursday is based on sound scientific facts. Rumors suggest some pesticides and gene edited crops may be targeted by the report.
The budget reconciliation battle in the House of Representatives may be a precursor to bigger financial decisions lawmakers will have to face following another downgrade of the nation's economy.
Farm safety net improvements are included in the House Ag Committee's budget reconciliation proposal. NAWG CEO Chandler Goule says there is still farm bill work to be done.
Soybean and soybean oil prices fell on fears that export sales would fall without a tariff agreement with China and rumors of reduced federal support for renewable fuels by the Trump EPA.
Proposed budget reconciliation legislation would provide much needed tax benefits for small business and farmers, but would reduce overall nutrition assistance as well as shift some of the expense for SNAP benefits to states based on error rates.
The Consumer Price Index suggest grocery prices fell in April while the cost of eating out rose. The renewable fuel industry is encouraged by a potential extension of the 45Z tax credit under consideration in the tax reconciliation package.
The USDA May WASDE report indicated large crops and tighter ending stocks than traders expected. Agrochemical makers received legislative protection in another state over pesticide labels.
President Trump's trade tactics have brought the Chinese to the negotiating table. John Bode with the Corn Refiners Association applauds legislation to assist the bioeconomy.
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.