Agri-Pulse DriveTime

A possible delay in President Trump's visit later this month to China pressed soybean prices. USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce says signup for the USDA's Bridge Assistance Program has made excellent progress. National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower says farmers recognize the urgency of getting E15 approved. 

Two major commodity organizations are calling for fertilizer manufacturers to drop their support for countervailing duties on nutrient imports. A report this week suggests China is outspending the U.S. on public agriculture research. NOAA Climate forecasters indicate a possible shift to warm and dry weather for the Midwest growing season. 

Evidence from farm country points to ongoing financial challenges and the threat of farm losses this year. The war with Iran is pushing fuel and fertilizer prices higher and adding to economic headwinds for farmers nationwide. 

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says additional funding for the war with Iran could prove a vehicle to send more financial support for farmers and victims of wildfires. Food prices ticked up in the month of February and a new study suggests Food Is Medicine could provide a financial support for small and medium sized farms. 

The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing today focused on strengthening domestic markets for products grown in the U.S.  National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says the farm economic crisis will claim another generation of farmers if Washington doesn't act soon. 

The war with Iran and stalled shipping through the Straight of Hormuz is limiting supplies of both crude oil and fertilizer to the rest of the world. Crude prices spiked to near $120 dollars a barrel today. The American Farm Bureau today called on Washington and fertilizer suppliers to help farmers through the economic challenges they are facing. 

Domestic and global crude oil prices both settled over $90 per barrel today. A lack of shipments from the region has storage at capacity and production grinding to a halt. In Washington, legislation to allow E15 blended gasoline year-round is nearing completion. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin will keynote this year's Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit. 

Agriculture groups shared support for a new farm bill approved by the House Ag Committee realizing much work lies ahead to seeing final language approved by Congress and signed by the President. Iowa farmer Stu Swanson says row crop farmers are facing many challenges. 

Approving a stand-alone farm bill is proving to be an uphill climb. Division along party lines was evident in opening statements in the House Agriculture Committee. South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson says key issues are split along party lines. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley hopes for progress on a farm bill and E15 legislation. 

As the Middle East conflict continues, crude, diesel and gasoline prices continue to climb. In a Truth Social post, President Trump suggested political risk insurance and Navy escorts for tankers and other ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest farmer opinion survey suggests a slight improvement in their financial outlook, but still increased financial pressure compared to a year ago. 

The U.S. conflict with Iran has led to a sharp rally in crude oil prices and gasoline. Higher energy costs and the threat of a major shipping lane is leading to fears that an extended conflict could spark inflation. Renewable fuel advocates say the action is just another reason for Congress to approve legislation to sell E15 gasoline year-round. 

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.