Agri-Pulse DriveTime

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. 

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall held a roundtable to discuss regenerative agriculture and the MAHA Commission Report.  Marshall says there are health issues the nation can't ignore. He says consumers will have a big influence on the future of food production

President Trump announced a trade deal with Indonesia while European Union members plot American products to retaliate with tariffs if they fail to meet the new August 1 deadline. Analysts say Trump tariffs may be impacting inflation. 

President Trump threated severe tariffs on Russia today if a peace deal was not signed with Ukraine in 50 days. USDA's NASS indicated both corn and soybean condition was running at or above the five year average. 

A lawsuit over California's Proposition 12 is the latest tiff between President Trump and the Golden State. The USDA is forecasting large crops and challenges on the demand front for U.S. row crops. 

Brazil's crop agency forecasts a significant increase in crop production. U.S. corn farmers will be in Washington next week to discuss policy. 

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features comments on the farm economy and farm programs from Christy Seyfert of the Farm Credit Council and a look at the commodity market with AgResource Company founder Dan Basse. 

The Supreme Court opened the door for President Trump's plan to downsize the government. Secretary Rollins and some fellow cabinet members announce efforts to protect the nation's agriculture and EPA hears from industry on renewable fuel proposals.

President Trump's new tariffs on Japan and South Korea could challenge U.S. corn export sales. Judge Stephen Vaden was sworn in today as Deputy Secretary of USDA. 

President Donald Trump is expected to sign budget reconciliation legislation following approval by the House of Representatives in a 218-214 vote today. The nation's economy added more jobs than expected last month. The nation's focus now is on debt and tariff wars. 

In addition to budget reconciliation legislation and better trade deals, President Trump appears to be giving attention to the nation's ag workforce issues. 

After an overnight of grueling debate Vice President J.D. Vance cast the deciding vote in approving the Senate's budget reconciliation bill.  Many ag provisions and tax breaks remain in the language. 

The USDA offered only slight downward adjustments in planted acreage for corn and soybeans for 2025. The Senate is working to meet President Trump's goal of July 4th for budget reconciliation legislation. 

Trade news today includes President Trump has ended all negotiations with Canada and the announcement of a rare earth minerals deal with China. The clock is ticking on the Senate to approve its version of the Big Beautiful reconciliation bill. 

White House officials say it's up to President Trump to decide whether trading partners will be given additional time to resolve trade differences with the U.S. Domestic companies say China is proving slow to approve requests for exports of rare earth materials despite an agreement with Trump trade officials. 

Corn prices dropped to prices not seen since last October at just over $4.00 per bushel. Selling pressure is coming from expectations of a large planted acreage report from the USDA on Monday and a large Brazilian Safrinha crop. 

Record heat presses down on the East Coast with 100 degree temperatures recorded from Maine to Florida. The Senate Parliamentarian approves a revised state cost-share plan for SNAP. 

The Supreme Court may hear a labeling case over a popular herbicide this week. Crop prices are falling as hot weather is seen as a catalyst to crop development. 

Agri-Pulse reports today that some members of Congress are growing uneasy with the pace of trade negotiations given the pending deadline posed by the Trump administration. Global fertilizer supplies are being impacted by the war between Iran and Israel. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was in Texas today to announce additional efforts to protect the U.S. from the spread of New World Screwworm. NCBA CEO Collin Woodall says the pest can be deadly for cattle but poses no threat to food safety. 

Fears of New World Screwworm drove livestock futures prices lower today. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will be joined by members of Congress for a press conference tomorrow announcing additional efforts to combat the pest.

U.S. corn and soybean condition and progress continues to advance according to USDA's latest Weekly Crop Progress Report. The Brazilian corn harvest is running behind last year's pace but scouts there see excellent crop potential. 

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.