Agri-Pulse DriveTime

Tension is rising between the U.S. and Iran. Nuclear talks will resume next week between the two sides as President Trump adds to the military presence in the region. The U.S. will launch biotech investigations against China. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the border will stay closed to Mexican cattle imports as active NWS cases continue to grow. 

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall encouraged House Agriculture Committee members to approve a new farm bill when they consider policy next week. Duvall called on Senate Ag leaders to do likewise.  Duvall says farmers are grateful for Bridge Assistance payments but said Congress needs to approve additional funds for struggling producers. 

The safety of glyphosate was debated at today's Senate Confirmation Hearing for Casey Means as U.S. Surgeon General. A farm lender says significant economic challenges could be ahead if Congress doesn't act to improve domestic crop consumption.  Corn growers took to their phones to share their frustration on E-15 legislation.  

USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce reports farmer participation in the Bridge Assistance Program is off to an excellent start. American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky hopes for strong RVO numbers from the EPA and additional financial assistance for producers from Congress. 

Two commodity grower leaders say Congress has the power to improve the financial outlook for corn and soybean growers.  American Soybean Association Chairman Caleb Ragland says farmers need the certainty of a new farm bill.  National Corn Growers Chairman Kenneth Hartman says Bridge Assistance is welcomed but they need the additional demand that would come from E-15.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court today ruled against the Trump administration's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on U.S. trading partners. The Justices said Congress, not the president, has the constitutional authority to levy tariffs. Following the ruling Trump said he would use a combination of statutes to replicate some of the emergency tariffs. 

The USDA sees a modest easing in crop inputs and a slight increase in some commodity prices for the coming crop year. As expected the department's analysis sees fewer acres planted to corn and larger soybean acreage for the coming year. A bipartisan Soils Caucus has been launched for the 119th Congress. 

Sources suggest the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to submit proposed biofuel blending quotas to the White House this week. The Trump administration hopes to finalize the measures by the end of March. Health and environmental groups are posing a legal challenge to the EPA's recission of the endangerment finding. The USDA's 102nd Outlook Forum begins tomorrow in Crystal City. 

Bayer announced a proposed multi-billion dollar settlement between its indirect subsidiary Monsanto and plaintiffs alleging exposure to Roundup caused cancer. The settlement was filed today in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis. The USDA today announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems. CoBank expects fewer acres planted to corn and more to soybeans in the U.S. this year. 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson released the text of Farm Bill 2.0 today. Debate on the measure is scheduled to begin Monday, February 23rd. The Chicago Fed Reserve Bank reports higher land values over the previous year but expects agriculture credit conditions to decline this year. The Supreme Court could rule later this month on President Trump's tariffs. 

Senate GOP leaders abdicated for the USMCA trade agreement this week in contrast to the Trump administrations indifference to the upcoming review of the North American deal. A Chinese news agency suggests a thawing of relations with the U.S. and an extension of the trade truce. The USDA has issued new guidance to child nutrition program directors. 

Florida officials are raising concerns about pesticide traces in bread. Industry sources share the highest samples are well below government accepted limits. The Congressional council charged with developing a renewable fuel compromise faces a February 15 deadline. 

The Ag Coalition for the U.S., Mexico, Canada Trade Agreement shared new study results of the benefits of the 2020 trade deal including half a million jobs and  $149 billion dollars in total economic output. Today's USDA's WASDE report held few surprises for traders to consider.

Food industry groups are searching for a response to the MAHA Center commercial saying "processed food kills". The Trump administration is touting recent trade deals with India, Argentina, Guatemala, and El Salvador providing increased access for U.S. agriculture products. 

Today an update on CattleCon from Nashville and a preview of this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. Approaching a new year beef producers see excellent demand, good prices and opportunity to begin building inventory. The group remains concerned about animal health, hopes for regulatory reform, and seeks greater access to global markets. 

Government assistance and higher cattle prices will help maintain net farm income this year according to the USDA's first forecast for 2026. A record crowd in Nashville greeted the HHS Secretary today at CattleCon. Agri-Pulse Newsmaker host Lydia Johnson reports from Music City. 

President  Trump spoke with Chinese leader Xi today in a move that could mean additional purchases of U.S. soybeans. A group of nearly 30 former ag leaders and executives appealed to ag leaders in Congress to take action to advert the ag economic crisis in the country. U.S., Russian and Ukrainian officials met again today following increased military activity between the two nations. 

The Treasury Department's released proposed regulations for the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit as authorized by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and amended by last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The renewable fuels industry and commodity groups welcomed the news and their intentions to weigh in during the public comment period. 

President Trump announced a trade deal with India. European Union leaders are still considering a trade agreement with the U.S. NCBA leadership adopts their policy objectives for the year ahead. EPA officials weigh in on emissions and the right to repair issue. 

Josh Linville, Vice President of Fertilizer for StoneX says the reason for high fertilizer prices for 2026 is beyond the scope of individual companies or even domestic fundamentals. Linville says China's export lapse and U.S. tariffs have challenged available supplies for producers this year. 

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her candidacy for Minnesota Governor today. The Senate Ag Committee advanced the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act and President Trump said he will announce his choice to lead the Fed Reserve next week. 

The Fed left interest rates unchanged in its first meeting of the new year. Market analysts see an increase in base acres in key crops. Higher subsidies should prove a catalyst for farmers purchasing increased protection against high input costs this year. 

Residents of Iowa were hopeful President Trump would show support for renewable fuels in his speech in Iowa today. Brazilian farmers are making early progress in harvesting what appears to be another record crop providing greater competition for U.S. supplies. 

Yet another ICE incident in Minnesota is increasing odds of a partial government shutdown. Senate Minority Leaders are demanding greater control on the Department of Homeland Security. President Trump may face a chilly reception in Iowa tomorrow following a lack of action on E15 last week in Congress. 

Congressional ag leaders continue to discuss additional financial aid for farmers to augment the Bridge Assistance forthcoming from the Trump Administration. The USDA's Cattle on Feed Report today gave no indication that beef producers are making an active effort to hold back heifers to and grow the cattle herd. 

A new study suggests a majority of the nation's corn farmers see a weakening farm economy. Study results suggest delayed machinery purchases and reduced investment in inputs for 2026 crops. Farmers and renewable fuel supporters express dismay at a new spending bill free of E15 legislation. 

Agriculture interests continue work to see financial assistance and E-15 legislation included funding bill under consideration in Congress. New economic analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation suggests the nation's ag economic crisis warrants immediate legislative action. 

A proposed spending bill introduced today does not include legislation that would allow sales of 15% ethanol blended gasoline. The National Corn Growers Association says every percent increase in ethanol blends equals 490 million bushels in demand for corn. 

Following a framework plan announced by Democrat legislators yesterday, Senate Republican leaders today discussed their own framework plan to bring additional assistance for farmers and specialty crop farmers. The Supreme Court today agreed to hear Bayer's challenge to Roundup litigation. 

House Ag Democrats today introduced the Farm and Family Relief Act. The framework plan would provide $28 billion dollars for relief to families and $29 billion dollars for farmers. The proposal would delay cost changes in food aid for low-income Americans and end President Trump's across-the-board tariffs.

The Energy Information Administration reports record daily ethanol production and increased stocks. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association says Congress is feeling pressure to act on E-15 legislation to help increase corn demand. 

Stories of financial challenges echoed from farmers across the country this week at the American Farm Bureau Federation 107th meeting in California. Losses threaten a younger generation of farmers and rural communities if the imbalance of costs and returns continues across the nation. 

The American agriculture economic crisis continues to claim family farms in the face of high input costs, low commodity prices and limited global exports. The USDA reports higher stocks of crops globally and domestically providing more pressure on farm revenue. 

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer believes legislators will address remaining policy in a new farm bill this year and says another budget reconciliation bill is possible. National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Kieffer says the Food for Peace Program should be moved from the State Department to the USDA. 

The Supreme Court could announce opinions tomorrow on President Trump's authority to levy tariffs on global trade partners. President Trump will withdraw U.S. participation in dozens of international organizations. Half of the total includes United Nation's entities. French and Greek farmers protested today in advance of a decision tomorrow by the European Commission on a free trade deal with Mercosur countries. 

The Trump administration released its new Dietary Guidelines today. The plate is gone and the pyramid is back, only inverted. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Americans should "Eat real food." Produce and meat industry officials seemed pleased with the new guidance. 

Flags have been ordered at half staff in California as the state and the agriculture community nationwide mourns the loss of Representative Doug LaMalfa.  The Energy Information Administration reports ethanol represented over 11 percent of the nation's gasoline supply in October. Trade officials say China has purchased additional soybean supplies this week. 

The CDC lowers the number of vaccines recommended for children from 17 to 11. U.S. action in Venezuela could escalate tension between the U.S. and China. Private analysts are forecasting another record soybean crop in Brazil. 

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers guest is Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman. The Arkansas Republican is grateful for the Trump administration's Bridge Assistance program, but admits additional funds may be necessary. 

U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamison Greer briefed legislators this week on the Trump administration's goals for review of the USMCA Trade Agreement. The American Farm Bureau Federation released market intelligence today on the EPA's new WOTUS definition. 

A new coalition plans to lobby for a nationally uniform regulatory approach for food labeling standards and other ingredients. AFIT wants national standards for front of pack labeling and QR code reform. Americans for Ingredient Transparency members include some of the world's largest food manufacturers and farm groups. 

House Ag Chairman Glenn Thompson said Congress should provide another $10-billion dollars in financial assistance to additional commodities growers in the face of challenging economics.  Iowa Senator Charles Grassley called on Trump administration regulators to finish their rulemaking for renewable fuels. 

The House of Representatives approved legislation to allow whole milk back in school lunchrooms. The Whole Milk for Heathy Kids Act now awaits President Trump's signature. The North American Renderers Association estimates a half billion dollars of Used Cooking Oil is stolen in the U.S. each year. 

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers guest is House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig. The Minnesota Democrat says the Trump Bridge Assistance Program is inadequate especially if there's no change in the nation's trade policy. 

USSEC CEO Jim Sutter believes the Chinese want a better trade relationship with the U.S. despite uncertainty over the specifics of the trade deal. Indiana Farm Bureau delegates are meeting this week at the same time their elected leaders are in the Hoosier Statehouse. 

U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer wasn't willing to commit on whether the Trump administration would favor a trilateral USMCA Trade Agreement or prefer a bilateral deal with both Canada and Mexico. Senate Republicans appear willing to find additional financial assistance for crop farmers. The Fed lowered interest rates today. 

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland says growers appreciate the Trump administration's efforts to provide financial assistance to farmers suffering from enormous economic headwinds. Ragland says Washington could help with favorable legislation and regulatory decisions to stimulate crop demand. 

The Trump administration announced a $12 billion dollar financial assistance package today for farmers impacted by a loss of global markets and high input costs. The USDA's WASDE report tomorrow could include revised export estimates for major commodities. 

USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says the Trump administration started from ground zero on opening trade opportunities for U.S. farmers. Vaden says the agency will announce a financial assistance package for farmers next week. The Plant Based Products Council announces new research showing favorable consumer acceptance for plant based products. 

Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association shared their review of the USMCA trade agreement in Washington this week. AgResource Company's Dan Basse believes China used the futures market to secure promised purchases of U.S. soybeans. 

Agriculture groups say China's lack of purchases of ag commodities under the Phase One trade deal is only a part of their failure to live up to previous commitments. The EIA reports record ethanol production. Land O' Lakes is teaming with Microsoft to introduce AI tools for agriculture.