Agri-Pulse DriveTime

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman released draft language of a new farm bill. The Arkansas Republican hopes to see language approved and conferenced with the House version. Boozman says additional financial assistance for farmers and E15 legislation will be considered separately. 

The Senate draft of a new farm bill is expected to be released this week. Nutrition spending remains a top obstacle.  The USDA reports 68% of U.S. Corn acres and 66% of U.S. Soybean acres are rated good to excellent as most crops are emerged and some acres enter the reproductive cycle of growth. 

Weather data suggests crop damage from severe weather is running well ahead of the average. Weather patterns suggest the worst may not be over. Despite economic challenges for some Brazilian farmers, the country's overall production may not suffer as a result. 

The Fed kept interest rates steady but markets fell after a number of officials favored one or more rate increases this year. The European Union has taken a major step toward approving new genetic breeding techniques. A report on Brazil's farm economy suggests debt is increasing and foreclosures are climbing.  

A new study authored by S&P Global Energy suggest biofuels could be the catalyst to renewed profitability for farms across the nation. Research suggests crop productivity growth will exceed demand and further challenge farm income potential. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says time is limited to approve E15 legislation this year. 

Clean Fuels Alliance America applauds the Trump administration's decision on higher Renewable Volume Obligations. Add the Corn Refiners Association to the list of agriculture groups supporting a continuation of the USMCA the trade agreement.

The world is again attentive to an agreement between the U.S. and Iran that would open the Strait of Hormuz and end the military action in the Middle East. Renewable fuel groups appear pleased with the Energy Department's latest version of the 45Z-CF- Greet Model. 

Members of the agriculture industry are sharing the advantages they see from the USMCA trade agreement. Many groups are encouraged to hear ag labor legislation my soon be introduced on Capitol Hill. 

State and USDA officials continue to monitor and try to contain confirmed cases of New World screwworm in the country. Congressman Chip Roy says eradicating the pest hinges on the number of sterile flies available to release in impacted areas.  Dairy farmers are in Washington this week and hopeful for progress on an ag labor bill. 

Members of the International Fresh Produce Association are in Washington this week. Leaders are calling on legislators to resolve labor issues, provide market access for crops and restore funding for fresh produce in government feeding programs. 

The number of confirmed cases of New World screwworm continues to climb in Texas. Soybean condition declined while corn held steady last week. A new study illustrates the relationship between USMCA and consumer food prices. 

Commodity prices lost ground all week under fundamental pressure. Financial markets had their worst day since last October following today's jobs report. A new study was released this week indicating areas where women in agriculture need support. Over 8 in 10 women surveyed say they are interested in leadership either now or in the future. 

USDA and related government agencies are on task in Texas dealing with a New World screwworm case in a young calf. National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall says this is an animal health issue and work is underway to contain it. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the House Agriculture Committee today. 

The USDA is investigating a possible case of New World screwworm in South Texas. Nutrition spending may be the biggest challenge for Senators to face in writing a new farm bill. The Trump administration may be imposing new tariffs on certain trading partners. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says New World Screwworm is now just 25 miles from the Texas border. Rollins told media today she would begin regular updates on the issue. Agri-Pulse Newsmakers Host Lydia Johnson reports from the Food and Ag Issues Summit today in California. 

World Pork Expo is scheduled for this week in Iowa. Agri-Pulse founder Sara Wyant previews the Food and Ag Issues Summit set for tomorrow in California. The International Year of the Woman ACE Summit kicked off today in Arlington. 

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin discusses the backlog of pesticide reviews and Small Refinery Exemption requests left by the Biden administration. Zeldin discusses the path forward on an unbiased review of glyphosate herbicide and intent to follow the science on matter. Zeldin says EPA will implement any change Congress brings to the RFS program.  

An investigation into fertilizer price spikes is underway according to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin tells Agri-Pulse researchers will "follow the science" in its review of the safety of glyphosate without bias. The STB has unanimously accepted a revised merger application between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. 

President Trump today said Iran is "negotiating on fumes" and says he won't let the upcoming mid-term elections rush to a deal to end the conflict. Farmers can now review their base acres with the FSA for the first time since 2002. An Agri-Pulse webinar at noon central tomorrow will concentrate on industry growth and reaching historic RVO numbers. 

The nation's corn and soybean farmers are nearing completion of planting this season's crops. The planting pace and crop emergence are both at or above the average pace. The National Farmers Union is calling on the Senate for urgent and comprehensive reform to the farm safety net. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reports falling repayment rates on farm loans compared to last year. 

Kevin Warsh was sworn in today at the White House as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Warsh inherits significant domestic and global economic challenges. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today approved the Build America 250 Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service today concluded that atrazine is not likely to jeopardize endangered species or destroy critical habitat when conservation measures are incorporated into its label requirements. 

Senator's left Washington today for the Memorial Day Recess without addressing a budget reconciliation package that would have included funding for immigration reform. While questions remain about the conclusion of the war with Iran, Cuba is gaining the attention of the Trump administration. Shares of farm equipment manufacturers continue to reflect the income challenges their customers are facing. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley hasn't changed his opinion on foreign ownership of farmland and clearly understands the top concerns of farmers in his state. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins applauds the Senate Agriculture Committee's recent attention to fertilizer price and availability. 

The World Health Organization declared an Ebola disease outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. A new survey says farmer sentiment over land values are key farmer risk management and capital decision. American Farm Bureau Market Intel suggests consumers will shop the meat case for their holiday meal plans. 

President Trump postponed a military strike on Iran at the request of nations who say serious negotiations are underway. Winter wheat condition continues to fall as planting progress continues to advance for both corn and soybeans. A key leader steps down at USDA. 

This week's summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi established new lines of cooperation for trade and hopes for more deals to be announced soon. Traders anticipate the harvest pace will advance in both Brazil and Argentina and that the USDA will report a big increase in corn and soybean planting here in the U.S. 

Nebraska Representative Adrian Smith was instrumental in seeing 218 votes for year-round E15 legislation yesterday in the House of Representatives.  Smith today said the policy is a win for farmers and consumers and hopes bipartisan support will continue for the legislation in the Senate. Smith favors trade opportunities for U.S. farmers and is hoping for results with President Trump's visit to China. 

Members of the House of Representatives are scheduled to vote on legislation to approve the year-round sale of E15. Follow Agri-Pulse for updates and reaction to the vote.  The U.S. Senate approved Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Farmers and industry leaders shared their challenges with members of the Senate Agriculture Committee this afternoon. Meanwhile farmers and ethanol industry supporters spent time on Capitol Hill lobbying for an expected vote on E15 legislation tomorrow. 

President Donald Trump is expected to sign a pair of executive orders to expand beef imports and grow the domestic cattle herd, according to a White House official. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association opposes the move. The Senate Agriculture Committee will address fertilizer price and availability at a hearing tomorrow. One witness says the industry is in a crisis. 

The Trump administration has reached a settlement in an antitrust case against data-sharing company Agri Stats. The Justice Department is continuing its investigation in the beef processing industry.  The Court of International Trade ruled President Trump's tariffs on global imports is illegal. The USDA announced today the implementation of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. 

President Trump has given the European Union until July 4 to approve the trade deal approved last year. Brazilian President da Silva says the war with Iran is not over and will cause more damage than Trump imagines. Drought area in the U.S. is growing. Frost and cold temperatures could be a threat to newly emerging crops. 

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are again seeking approval from the Surface Transportation Board to merge, forming the nation's first coast to coast railroad company. President Trump is expect to host Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva for talks about shared economic and security issues. Gasoline prices are up 31-cents a gallon over the last week, that's over 50% higher than a year ago. 

Farmers indicated a more challenging outlook in the latest Ag Economy Outlook Barometer. Iowa Soybean farmer Dave Walton testified before a USTR hearing today saying trade sanctions have proven to cost farmers global markets. Walton is hopeful soybeans are included in the upcoming trade summit with President Trump and Chinese leader Xi later this month. 

A Trump cabinet official says "help is on the way" for high gasoline prices. Corn and soybean planting is advancing and wheat condition continues to slip with less than a third of winter wheat acres rated either good or excellent. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says an investigation is underway of the major beef processors potential anticompetitive conduct. 

The focus of a new farm bill now turns to the U.S. Senate. Chairman John Boozman says his committee will take up the measure later this month or in early June. Nutrition programs, pesticide labeling, and state livestock production standards are major obstacles leaders will have to navigate in search of 60 votes.

The House of Representatives approved its version of a farm bill today. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson comments on the bill. Senate Democratic Whip Richard Durbin says the upper chamber will produce a bipartisan bill. NCGA President Jed Bower is still hopeful for E15 legislation. 

Consideration of a new farm bill and amendments is back on track in the House of Representatives. House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson says science is on the side of the policy language that protects ag companies with approved pesticides from frivolous lawsuits. Thompson says E15 legislation "needs a little more time". 

The House Rules Committee continues to consider amendments to the Agriculture Committee's farm bill proposal. Follow Kim Chipman's coverage at www.agri-pulse.com. NCGA leaders say they need a farm bill and E15 legislation. ASA testified before the USTR's Section 301 hearing on international trade. 

An amendment to the House Farm Bill to allow E15 sales year-round is before the House Rules Committee. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association says it's a multi-step process to final approval. Emily Skor with Growth Energy says approval would save consumers money at the pump and grow availability in the retail space. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today announced a second round of assistance for farmers who suffered from natural disasters. Soybean farmers are hopeful the House of Representatives will approve a new farm bill next week. ASA President Scott Metzger says the economic climate has worsened since the year began. 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson believes he has the votes to approve the committee's farm bill proposal in the lower chamber. An effort to see E15 language in the bill is underway. Small refinery exemptions remain a sticking point for some in the refining industry. 

The oil industry opposes the farm bill amendment to extend year-round sales of E-15. President Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran but maintains the blockade of U.S. ports. The Iranian military has attacked cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. A respected Georgia representative has passed. 

Financial and commodity markets were largely influenced by anticipation of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump has extended the ceasefire deadline. The delay brings to question if and when a summit between the U.S. and China will take place and when the Strait of Hormuz will open allowing free trade of oil and fertilizer to resume. 

Representatives of the rice industry appealed to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to mount a trade probe into unfair trade practices in the international rice market. President Trump offered mixed messages on trade negotiations with Iran today as the ceasefire deadline draws near. The USDA reported corn and soybean planting progress above the average pace today. 

Members of the House of Representatives are expected to vote on the ag committee's farm bill proposal before the end of the month. House Agriculture Committee Vice Ranking Member Shontel Brown isn't sure many of her fellow Democrats will support the proposal. Brown says Democrats want to reconsider cuts to the SNAP programs. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley realizes the pain U.S. farmers are feeling from increased input prices due to the war with Iran. The Iowa Republican says the reason for the war is not well understood. Congressional ag leaders continue to discuss additional farm assistance this year. 

Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn tells Agri-Pulse E15 legislation may soon be released. Leaders of the National Pork Producers Council are in Washington this week lobbying for a new farm bill that includes a fix for California's Proposition 12. 

Farm groups and university analysis give evidence that the economic climate for crop farmers has become more challenging following the war with Iran.  Fuel and fertilizer prices have spiked further squeezing farm profit margins. Farmers say planting decisions may be impacted this year. 

Agriculture leaders spoke to members of the North American Agriculture Journalists today in Washington. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden updated the group on the USDA reorganization plans and investigation into farmer input prices. 

Economic reports this week showed the impact on the nation's economy from last year's government shutdown and on consumer prices from the impact of the war with Iran. Despite a challenging financial picture for crops, farmer optimism showed improvement over previous surveys.