Agri-Pulse DriveTime

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. 

President Donald Trump announces trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are set for Monday in London.  Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wraps up her trade delegation to Italy. 

Representatives of the National Pork Producers Council continue to call on Congress to approve a completely new farm bill. NPPC is pleased that the reconciliation package included needed farm program updates, but say the budget bill doesn't include everything the industry needs. 

The U.S. Senate Committee on Aging held a hearing this afternoon addressing the aging farm workforce and loss of family farmers. Witnesses shared economics including labor rates, low commodity prices and foreign imports were major obstacles to farm profitability. 

As promised, President Trump is raising tariffs on aluminum and steel. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley supports whole milk on school menus and the World Pork Expo opens tomorrow at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

The USDA reported corn and soybean planting advanced over the past week while crop condition for both crops is well over two-thirds good to excellent. The advanced planting and crop ratings is proving bearish for commodity futures prices. 

Comments from former Agriculture Secretaries Dan Glickman and Mike Johanns preview this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers as well as comments from House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig who's featured in the upcoming Agri-Pulse Open Mic. Reconciliation, tariffs and farm programs are featured topics.

The legal challenge over President Trump's authority to impose tariffs on global trading partners took another turn this afternoon. A stay will allow the U.S. to continue to collect tariffs until the appeal process plays out. 

Over 300 agriculture and related groups sent a letter calling on Congress to enact the bipartisan Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act. The groups say state labeling requirements contradict EPA's scientific findings on pesticide safety. 

Senator Charles Grassley supports tax provisions in the House Budget Reconciliation Act. The Iowa Republican says the Senate Ag Committee will likely have its own version of farm safety net provisions. 

House Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson offers his thoughts on farm and tax provisions approved this week. National Corn Growers CEO Neil Caskey shares farmer frustration with the MAHA Commission Report. 

With House approval of budget reconciliation the attention on farm programs and tax policy turns to the U.S. Senate. Farm groups are voicing their concerns over the MAHA Commission report. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley expects HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to keep his word on comments made prior to his confirmation hearings on modern ag practices. Grassley has some straightforward questions on what may be reported from the MAHA Commission. 

Agriculture groups are calling on President Trump to be sure the MAHA Commission report expected to be released Thursday is based on sound scientific facts. Rumors suggest some pesticides and gene edited crops may be targeted by the report. 

The budget reconciliation battle in the House of Representatives may be a precursor to bigger financial decisions lawmakers will have to face following another downgrade of the nation's economy. 

Farm safety net improvements are included in the House Ag Committee's budget reconciliation proposal. NAWG CEO Chandler Goule says there is still farm bill work to be done. 

Soybean and soybean oil prices fell on fears that export sales would fall without a tariff agreement with China and rumors of reduced federal support for renewable fuels by the Trump EPA. 

Proposed budget reconciliation legislation would provide much needed tax benefits for small business and farmers, but would reduce overall nutrition assistance as well as shift some of the expense for SNAP benefits to states based on error rates. 

The Consumer Price Index suggest grocery prices fell in April while the cost of eating out rose. The renewable fuel industry is encouraged by a potential extension of the 45Z tax credit under consideration in the tax reconciliation package. 

The USDA May WASDE report indicated large crops and tighter ending stocks than traders expected.  Agrochemical makers received legislative protection in another state over pesticide labels. 

President Trump's trade tactics have brought the Chinese to the negotiating table. John Bode with the Corn Refiners Association applauds legislation to assist the bioeconomy. 

The Trump administration announced a trade agreement with the United Kingdom. Farm groups celebrated the victory. The nation's corn growers want Trump to focus on market access to India. 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig  disagree on using reconciliation to approve a portion of farm programs. Craig says she can deliver votes for a full five year farm bill. 

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told farm broadcasters the department's downsizing plan would be released next week. Rollins said President Trump would soon be announcing new global trade agreements. 

Agriculture leaders shared their goals for a new farm bill and updated tax policy with the nation's farm broadcasters this afternoon in Washington. 

President Trump's proposed budget for 2026 points to continued downsizing of some government agencies and programs. One Maine Democrat says SNAP funds are off limits for upgrading farm programs.

Farm policy makers on Capitol Hill are searching for options in a challenging legislative landscape to update portions of farm policy.  NCBA's Ethan Lane says they're pleased with an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico to keep a dangerous pest south of the border. 

Budget Reconciliation will apparently be a vehicle of change for farm and nutrition programs.  Next week's markup could bring changes to the farm safety net, crop insurance and nutrition programs. 

Land O' Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford chairs the Business Roundtable Immigration Committee. Ford says tax reform, a farm bill and adequate farm workers are top priorities. 

Today the EPA announced a waiver for E-15 blended fuel for the Summer driving season. Renewable fuel supporters welcome the news but still hope for a legislative fix this year. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is keeping an eye on USDA downsizing saying farmers must not suffer a loss of service. The Modern Ag Alliance celebrates a victory this week in North Dakota. 

Chinese spokespersons today suggested no negotiations are underway between the two nations. A federal appeals court denied environmental groups petition for EPA CAFO regulations. 

President Trump's Tariff war is impacting the bottom line of soybean farmers. ASA CEO Steve Censky hopes near term pain leads to long term gains for the industry. 

Many farmers celebrated Earth Day by stepping up the planting pace for the 2025 crop. Agriculture and other industry groups are hoping for meaningful changes to Washington's WOTUS definition. 

Vice President Vance and India Prime Minister Modi discussed trade issues between the two countries today in New Delhi. 

Ag policy veteran Chuck Conner says the Trump administration needs time to see the result of trade negotiations spurred by increased tariffs. Conner sees hope from at least some farm policy reform this year. 

Challenges to President Trump's tariff strategy are coming from the U.S. and around the globe. Meanwhile progress is reported from negotiations with key trading partners. 

California Governor Gavin Newsome sued the Trump Administration today challenging the president's authority to impose tariffs. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said the Trump trade tactics need time to play out. 

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas is this week's guest on Open Mic. Today we highlight his comments on the budget process, a new farm bill and nutrition programs. 

USDA's NASS reports planting progress lags last year's pace as wheat condition declines. Some Biden era climate programs are coming to a close at USDA. 

Trump optimistic on a trade deal with China. Democratic Senators want information on the downside of tariffs for the nation's farmers and ranchers. 

The International Fresh Produce Association has offered its recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again Commission. The group sees opportunity to promote healthy eating.