Agri-Pulse DriveTime

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. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said today that the USDA will announce a tariff assistance package for farmers next week. The Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP food assistance from states that do not comply with requests for information on those who receive assistance. The administration says the information is needed to spot fraud. 

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will hold a three-day listening session this week on the USMCA ahead of the review of the North American trade agreement next year. The ag industry awaits word from the Trump USDA on an aide package. Corn exports continue to exceed last year's pace meanwhile soybean sales lag. 

The American Farm Bureau says the Thanksgiving meal is more affordable this year. Meanwhile the farm share of the food dollar continues to shrink. Millions of tables will feature turkey at Thanksgiving, but two lucky birds were spared after being trained for a career of public relations. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says the Trump administration can still take further action to lower food prices. Grassley says the USMCA trade agreement has been a boon for the U.S. economy.

The USDA's NASS offered its final crop production report of the year. Cattle placements in October were the lowest since 1996. Outbreaks of bird flu increased dramatically over the past 30 days. Congressional leaders called on USDA to immediately restore full avian influenza surveillance in light of recent outbreaks. 

Lower tariffs on imported beef from Brazil shouldn't influence cattle prices for producers but could lower some beef costs for consumers in the meat case. Cold weather is in store for next week and Old Man Winter may be challenging for some along the coasts. 

End of year financials are sobering for some farmers in some regions of the country. Commodity presidents Caleb Ragland of the American Soybean Association and Jed Bower of the National Corn Growers Association discuss challenges.  USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce discusses farm assistance. 

The Senate Finance Committee approved Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Ag Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. NCBA's Ethan Lane says the EPA's new WOTUS rule will be harder to change in future administrations. China purchased U.S. soybeans this week, but not because of the price.

Harvesting of U.S. corn and soybeans is nearing completion despite weather challenges this week. Crops in the Southern Hemisphere are advancing with good yield prospects. China has purchased more soybeans from the U.S. at prices higher than Brazilian supplies. 

The Trump Environmental Protection Agency released a proposal to redefine waters of the United States to better conform with an earlier Supreme Court Ruling. The proposal will see a 45 day comment period. The USDA is opening enrollment for a second phase of its Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley doesn't expect Congress to dictate how USDA offers financial assistance to farmers this year. Grassley told reporters he hopes China keeps their word on soybean purchases. Commodity prices fall after record yields are forecast for this year. 

A new analysis from the Institute for Feed Education and Research shows a greater reliance on Chinese feed supplements. The U.S. and Mexican governments announced the opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility. An Indiana dairy farmer is the new chair of the National Milk Producers Federation. 

The House of Representatives could vote to approve legislation that would end the government shutdown. Even if the language is approved there is no specific timetable when SNAP funds will be restored.  Last week China signed trade deals with Brazil for 20 billion tons of ag products worth over $10-billion dollars. 

As Washington wrangles with ending the longest government shutdown in the nation's history, the nation's food banks and charitable organizations are struggling to assist families in need. USDA has no reports to suggest China is buying U.S. commodities. A wealth of data is due Friday at noon eastern. 

Compromise legislation to reopen the government is still under negotiations on Capitol Hill. The proposed language includes provisions to extend farm and food programs. The Trump administration was back at the Supreme Court attempting to keep food aid funds frozen while the government is shut down. 

Senate GOP leadership rejected a Democratic proposal to open the government. The EPA frustrated the renewable fuel industry with a SRE announcement today. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar shares thoughts on the SCOTUS tariff hearing this week. 

The nation's wheat growers wrapped up meetings this week in Texas. New NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer and President Pat Clements discuss key issues from the joint meeting. Trump administration officials defend U.S. tariffs following oral arguments yesterday before the SCOTUS. 

Randy Russell with the Russell Group believes the political winds of compromise will come soon to Capitol Hill.  Brian Kuehl with Farmers For Free Trade says Congress should become more involved in U.S. trade policy. 

Negotiations are said to be underway between Democrat and Republican leaders in Washington to end the government shutdown. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley admits to finger pointing and Brazil's president says he will speak to President Trump soon if trade negotiations to end tariffs don't start soon. 

The Trump administration will comply with court rulings and partially fund SNAP benefits for November. Crop production estimates are increasing for Brazilian farmers next year and traders say the harvest is nearing completion in the U.S.