Agri-Pulse DriveTime

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.

Two federal judges ruled the Trump Administration must use contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. The Fed lowered interest rates again this week, but additional cuts this year may not be guaranteed. Halloween candy sales will exceed $3-billion dollars this year. 

Food banks across the nation are bracing for what could be an exponential increase in food demand if Washington doesn't fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by tomorrow night. Soybean farmers say they are encouraged by Trump's trade deal with China. 

Various news agencies report China purchased U.S. soybeans in advance of trade discussions between President's Trump and Xi. Analysts say the farm economy is teetering on the edge of history. Farm health insurance premiums could be moving much higher. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says Senate Democrats have an easy fix to a lack of funds for the SNAP program.  Grassley is hopeful President Trump can secure a trade deal with China, but says Trump could do more at home to help the plight of U.S. crop farmers. 

Anticipation of a trade deal with China helped crop prices move higher today. Live and feeder cattle futures were significantly lower on talk of lower beef prices for consumers. A number of hearings are scheduled this week in the Senate to consider Trump nominees as well review price increases for seed and fertilizer. 

The U.S. will begin a Section 301 trade investigation into China's purchases under the Phase One trade deal during President Trump's first term. Trump cancels all negotiations with Canada following an advertisement by the Ontario government. The Consumer Price Index was higher during September. 

 Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today said Argentina's beef import quota would be increased by at least fourfold. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said fellow legislators and industry representatives have not been able to sway President Trump's plan. 

USDA will open Farm Service Agency county offices tomorrow to assist farmers with loans and aid programs. Japanese officials are preparing a purchase package to present to President Trump next week. Agri-Pulse reports more states are considering SNAP purchase restrictions. 

The American Petroleum Institute withdraws support for legislation to allow higher sales of ethanol blended gasoline. Private crop analysts report an advanced harvest pace in the U.S. with advanced planting progress in Brazil. The Trump administration reports new efforts to assist the beef industry and lower consumer beef prices. 

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig stands opposed to President Trump's support of Argentina including importing their beef. A number of farm groups including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association spoke against Trump's plan today. 

Industry analysts say biofuels could provide an increase in demand for row crops like corn and soybeans. Kirk Kovarik with Clean Fuels Alliance America says the government shutdown is delaying EPA decisions on industry opportunities and an economic boost for farmers, rural communities and the environment. 

Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union and Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association discuss the economic challenges facing the nation's farming community and appeal to both the legislature and the administration to get back to work and take action. 

A GOP plan to reopen the government failed again today in the Upper Chamber. The American Soybean Association called on the Trump administration to resolve trade differences with China. A Brazilian crop agency is forecasting another season of record production for both corn and soybeans. 

President Trump today threatened to pull financial support for Argentina's economy and continued tariff and trade threats with China. The National Farmers Union today appealed to the White House and Congress to approve assistance for farmers. JBS USA plans a new processing plant in Iowa. 

President Trump is threatening to restrict technology exports and impose new 100% tariffs on Chinese imports following China's move to further restrict rare earth minerals. The American Farm Bureau sent letters to the Oval Office and Congress today appealing for help from the current farm economic crisis. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the government will have to reopen before an aide package for U.S. farmers can be implemented. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says says the U.S. finalized a currency swap worth $20 billion dollars today with Argentina's central bank. China took action to further restrict the export of rare earth minerals. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley and Nebraska Senator Deb Fisher have both spoken out about the need for Congress to act to support farmers on multiple fronts. Advancing E-15 legislation, addressing high input costs and opening global markets for fair trade are on their list to bring balance to crop farmers.