Agri-Pulse DriveTime

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says the government shut-down could impact the Trump administration's announcement of an assistance package for crop farmers. Hoeven is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers and says there are multiple reasons for Washington to support farmers. 

Following a meeting in the Oval Office yesterday with President Trump and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent today said an announcement is pending next week for an assistance package for crop farmers. The National Association of Wheat Growers has a new CEO and California now approves E-15 blended gasoline. 

Legislation failed again today to end the government shutdown. President Trump says he'll use tariff revenue to support farmers. Congressional leaders are working to amend policy to see funds are available for farm income support. 

The USDA's Grain Stocks report showed a greater September 1 stocks estimate of corn and wheat than traders expected.  Market watchers are looking ahead to the October WASDE report for updated production forecasts. That report and other government data hangs in the balance of a government shutdown. Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden says U.S. commodity price woes reach far beyond a single country. 

The political divide between Congressional Democrats and the White House remains as neither side appears to have offered to compromise over a Continuing Resolution to keep the government running. Traders expect the USDA's Quarterly Grain Stocks report tomorrow to show ample supplies of corn, wheat and soybeans.

NCGA President Kenneth Hartman says the association is pleased with the announcement that the USDA and DOJ will be looking closer into increased input costs crop farmers are facing. Soybean growers are assisting The Anderson's expansion at the Port of Houston. 

The Annual Agriculture Outlook Forum presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse featured some of the nation's top agriculture leaders including U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. 

A recent survey by the National Corn Growers Association suggests high prices may see corn farmers cutting back on fertilizer use in the coming season. American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland is frustrated the U.S. is offering financial assistance to Argentina at the same time the country is cutting commodity export taxes and displacing traditional U.S. sales to China. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley today addressed the budget impasse approaching the end of the fiscal year, the disparity in farm income between crop and livestock farmers and the continued lack of soybean export sales to China. 

The USDA reports New World Screwworm has been detected in an 8-month old cow just 70 miles south of the U.S. border.  The USDA continues a ban on Mexican cattle imports and vows to work to protect the domestic beef herd. The USDA's latest forecast suggests record returns for livestock producers and a continued decline in crop farm receipts. 

China's absence from the purchase of new crop soybeans and other commodities has been well documented. Terrain's Dr. John Newton says there's still time to reverse the trend. Newton is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. 

Without a political solution analysts suggest it could be months before China returns to the U.S. for major commodity supplies. Witnesses today called on House members to shift control of the Food for Peace Program to the USDA. 

Questions remain on whether recommendations on food ingredients and vaccines are based on scientific fact or leadership opinion. John Bode with the Corn Refiners Association says their industry will suffer consequences and consumers pay more for food. 

For a fourth time President Trump has extended the deadline to find a deal on new ownership for the video social media site TikTok. President Trump and Xi still plan to discuss a framework agreement on Friday. ASA President Caleb Ragland says farmers need open markets now. 

The U.S. and China have reached a framework deal on ownership of social media platform TikTok. There were no reports of any agreement on soybeans or other ag commodities. McDonalds has announced a $200 million dollar investment in regenerative agriculture for U.S. cattle ranchers. 

U.S. and Chinese officials will meet in Madrid this weekend. Congress faces an end of fiscal year deadline for a new budget. Democratic leaders may hold out for concessions from the majority. USDA's WASDE forecast higher corn and soybean production but markets moved higher in Chicago. 

Calls from farmers and the agriculture industry for financial assistance and a new farm bill are growing louder from across the country. Nearly 300 members of the National Farmers Union are in Washington meeting with legislators. Rob Larew says farm program supports need to be evaluated. 

The Agri-Pulse annual CEO Compensation Report based on IRS data is out suggesting top ag leader compensation was up on average over $30,000 from last year's levels.  The Interior Department and other government agencies lost a significant share of their workforce to deferred resignation programs.  

The MAHA Commission report and casts a different view of production agriculture than the first report.  Members of the National Pork Producers Association are in Washington and lobbying for new farm policy. Today is Hunger Awareness Day. 

U.S. corn and soybean crops continue to advance although condition declined again over the last week.  This season's crop forecast will be updated Friday by the USDA.  The outlook for record crops suggests prices will fall and government subsidies will be higher. 

Today's DriveTime features highlights from Lydia Johnson's interview with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson. On this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers Thompson discusses the farm economy, financial assistance for farmers and work on Farm Bill 2.0. 

A farm land values survey points to lower marks in the state of Illinois. Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen isn't sure ag policy should be called a farm bill and believes Washington needs to step up to support renewable fuels. 

The USDA updated its farm income forecast indicating a sharp contrast between crop and livestock receipts. Private forecasts suggest the Ag Department's September Crop Report will continue to suggest record production for U.S. corn and soybeans. 

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst confirms reelection rumors. China continues to purchase soybeans from sources other than the U.S. Rice proves a stumbling block for trade negotiations with Japan. 

A key agriculture leader in the U.S. Senate may not seek another term. Two legislators are in Taiwan for talks and water levels on the lower Mississippi may become an issue this fall. 

The USDA is forecasting a smaller ag trade deficit based on an increase in its export forecast. John Bode with the Corn Refiners Association refutes MAHA claims on HFCS and Dan Christenson with Pepsico says they intend to provide products consumers want to buy. 

Global demand for corn and soybeans isn't keeping up with growing supplies from Brazil and pending record crops in the U.S.  Steve Nicholson with Rabbobank says the extended outlook for farm income is grim. Rodney Weinzierl with Illinois Corn Growers says the liquid fuel debate should shift to octane. 

Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden spent the day at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. Vaden said the Trump administration is tracking low commodity prices and seeking options to assist farmers through negative balance sheets. Vaden said the discovery of New World Screw Worm in a traveler is no concern to the livestock industry. 

New World Screw Worm was detected in the U.S. in early August from an individual infected with pest larvae. Some industry officials want answers why the news was released to only a few. 

There is a great disparity between cash returns for crops and livestock. Dr. John Newton with Terrain says China's absence from the export scene further complicates the commodity price outlook. Renewable fuel advocates didn't get the news they hoped for on SRE's from the EPA today. 

Scouts on the Pro Farmer Crop tour have discovered drought and disease pressure in both corn and soybean crops. While corn yields may still achieve records, the USDA WASDE forecast appears higher than some believe is realistic. 

Agri-Pulse features articles today on how tariffs on ag inputs may lead to ever higher prices for farmers. A draft from the MAHA Commission appears to be more tolerant of advanced farming technologies. Some fear regulations on cumulative exposure may be on the horizon. 

The American Soybean Association pressed the Trump administration to bring a conclusion to the trade conflict with China and bring the top buyer back to the US market for soybean supplies. ASA President Caleb Ragland responds to challenges from the MAHA Commission. 

The USDA says corn and soybean crops continue to advance in maturity with a majority of acres in good to excellent condition.  Crop scouts on the Pro Farmer Crop Tour saw excellent yield potential in South Dakota with signs of heat stress in both Ohio and Indiana. 

Today's DriveTime highlights comments of this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers filmed on location at Minnesota's Farmfest 2025.  Senate Ag Ranking Member Amy Kloubuchar and House Ag Ranking Member Angie Craig comment on the USDA reorganization plan and the prospects of a "skinny" farm bill. 

President Trump fills a vacancy on the Fed Board and legislators introduce legislation to make it easier for consumers to use E-15 blended fuel. 

President Trump continues to levy tariffs on trading partners. Brazil, India and China are the latest to feel pressure from the Oval Office. One country may seek help from the WTO. The U.S. continues to negotiate with Russia to end the 3 year war with Ukraine. 

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June. Corn based ethanol exports are running 19% ahead of a year ago while biodiesel exports are more than 50% behind last year's pace.  USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says top ag department officials would stay in Washington, but those who implement programs would likely be in one of five regional USDA hubs. 

Commodity groups are encouraged with Luke Lindberg's confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs. Corn prices fall to the lowest mark since the fall of 2020 and the stock market rallies higher. 

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins responds to questions regarding the Trump administration's reorganization plan. Rollins says the plan will provide cost savings and better service to customers. Rollins responds to farmer pushback on the MAHA Commission. 

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst supports the Trump USDA reorganization plan.  Ernst says many of the provisions are in line with legislation she's already introduced in the Upper Chamber.  The Iowa ag leader also has legislation to limit state attempts to mandate production standards for livestock production. 

The Senate Agriculture Committee's hearing on the USDA reorganization plan drew a sharp contrast of opinion today between political leaders and Deputy Secretary Judge Stephen Vaden. The Deputy Secretary said the proposed downsizing was smaller than previous administrations and was based on legislation previously approved by Congress. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley doesn't agree with the Trump administration's release of plans to reform the USDA, but says the Executive Branch has the authority to make changes to the agency. Grassley doesn't see much chance for a new farm bill this year. 

The Trump administration announced a trade deal with the European Union yesterday.  Meanwhile, talks with China continue to hold promise. US corn condition declined and soybeans improved as more of the crop moves deeper into the reproductive phase of growth. 

President Trump is pessimistic on a trade deal with Canada but will hold meetings with the EU while in Scotland. The Senate Ag Committee will review the USDA Reorganization plan next week. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the first phase of a major reorganization of the agency today. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders Boozman and Klobuchar rebuked the effort and plan a hearing on the plan. 

Agri-Pulse's Phil Brasher examines what states may benefit from additional base acres in the Budget Reconciliation Law. The Trump administration cancels loan guarantees for the Grain Belt Express. 

Members of the United Soybean Board, American Soybean Association and the U.S. Soybean Export council presented today in Brazil at a meeting of the International Oilseed Producers Association. ASA President Caleb Ragland responds to challenges raised by the MAHA Committee report. 

National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman says grower leaders made their case for legislation to approve year around sales of E-15, a new farm bill and greater access to global markets last week with legislators on Capitol Hill. 

John Bode with the Corn Refiners Association says a shift in ingredients by a major cola company would bring negative consequences for corn farmers and his industry. A possible rail industry merger is prompting concern in the ag industry on both service and fees. 

Members of the House of Representatives are set to vote on a Senate approved rescission package tonight. President Trump has nominated Julie Callahan to serve on agriculture's trade front and the Senate Ag Committee has scheduled a hearing to approve another key leader at USDA.