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The Trump administration says more than 40 countries are involved in a scam to bypass U.S. tariffs. A recent report says the U.S. could have lost between $10 and $100 billion dollars. Wholesale inflation dropped last month. The Labor Department's producer price index rose 4.7% from July a year ago. The NWS Climate Prediction Center suggests the current El Nino could be the strongest since 1950.
The USDA's WASDE report today revealed increased acres for both corn and soybean crops. Corn yield per acre fell but total production was forecast above 16 billion bushels. Soybean yield was also down, but production was forecast at a record level.
The USDA's August WASDE report tomorrow may include smaller production estimates and tighter stocks than previous reports. Acreage reports could be key to the results. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is hopeful for better results on a new farm bill after the summer recess.
The USDA reports corn and soybeans continue to mature at faster than the average pace while crop condition remains well below a year ago. House Ag Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson shares his resolve to approve a new farm bill. The FDA proposed a rule to enhance oversight of substances claimed to be "Generally Recognized As Safe".
This week's Open Mic guest is Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. While cattle producers have seen excellent financial returns over the past several months, producers face the challenge of maintaining an infrastructure equipped for industry growth. Woodall says herd health is a primary concern for producers, and his group supports USDA efforts to protect the U.S. herd from New World screwworm. He also discusses USMCA, ag labor needs, and MCOOL in the Senate Ag Committee's farm bill draft.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman told members of the ag media today that he's not done working to get a new farm bill. NCBA's Collin Woodall opposes MCOOL in the Senate farm bill proposal. Agri-Pulse Newsmakers welcomes a new host: Tammi Arunder.
Agri-Pulse Newsmakers sits down with USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce to discuss some new flexibilities in crop insurance for producers, the "One Farmer-One File" initiative, and what producers can expect in the months ahead.We also cover Commodity Credit Corporation spending in this week's Ag by the Numbers.Also, get to know our new Newsmakers host Tammi Arender. She shares her connection to agriculture and why she's committed to telling the stories of farmers and ranchers.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The same chorus of farm groups calling for the Senate Agriculture Committee to approve a new farm bill were left hoping a compromise might still be found to advance new policy this year. GOP members lacked enough votes to approve their draft proposal. Chairman Boozman left the business meeting in recess with the policy still before the committee.
President Trump says negotiators are close to a deal that would open the Strait of Hormuz. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman offers another compromise on SNAP before tomorrow's mark-up session. The meeting could include some challenging amendments to the draft text.
An exclusive conversation with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman ahead of the consideration of a new farm bill on Thursday. With the absence of Senator Mitch McConnell the votes are even for each party as debate begins on challenging issues.
President Trump said Iran is down to its last chance to negotiate a settlement to open the Strait of Hormuz and resolve concern over its nuclear program. The American Petroleum Institute opposes the Senate E15 language in the farm bill draft. Corn condition falls and soybean condition remains stead in today's USDA report.
This week's Open Mic guest is Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council. Following a membership meeting last week LeGrand discusses the global balance sheet for grains trading and how geopolitical events are impacting global markets. LeGrand says European weather conditions may limit grain volumes in that region and says future weather events in Brazil may also impact global grain supplies. He discusses increased potential for corn-based ethanol sales and says fuel for the maritime industry could be a boon for row crop demand.
Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith comments on efforts to approve a new farm bill and opening the border to Mexican cattle. The Meat Institute's Julie Anna Potts praises the USDA's efforts to support the industry and protect the herd. USGBC's Ryan LeGrand sees a potential shift in global grain supply.
Government officials continue to investigate a rapidly growing number of cyclosporiasis cases reported in the United States. The outbreak is impacting consumers at restaurants and for produce prices at grocery stores. Citing a lack of cost-effective alternatives and the agency's own data, some legislators are calling on EPA to approve a popular insecticide. A leading soybean crusher is expanding capacity to meet demand.
The Fed left interest rates unchanged today despite inflation that's been above the 2 percent target for the last 60 months. Crude oil prices moved higher as the global conflict in the Strait of Hormuz flared again with attacks by Iran. Feeding America's latest update suggests food insecurity is still a major problem nationwide.
Majority Leader John Thune is considering budget reconciliation as a means to accomplish some goals for the GOP and White House, including financial assistance for farmers. Senator Charles Grassley says work is underway for a stand alone E15 bill. NACD leaders are hopeful for a new farm bill.
Corn and Soybean crops continue to mature faster than the average pace. Crop condition fell from last week for both crops. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has been released from the hospital but is still in rehabilitation and not yet able to return to Washington. USDA data suggests a slight expansion in the cattle herd.
This week's Open Mic guest is Duane Simpson, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. The group held their annual fly-in last week and lobbied congressional leaders to complete a new farm bill and pass ag labor reform legislation, among other issues. Simpson says farmers are stressed with high input costs and low commodity prices threatening the survival of many operations nationwide.
Legislators in House of Representative made major legislative strides on spending legislation this week before leaving for their August recess. Agri-Pulse's Olivia Bridges says Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a challenging road to secure the same objectives. The United Soybean Board has set its budget for the new fiscal year.
Farm groups are sharing mixed responses to the path for financial assistance and new farm policy. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman sees a path forward for a new farm bill prior to the August recess. Rural broadband advocates are backing new bipartisan legislation aimed at improving the accuracy of the nation's broadband maps.
Congressional leaders are dealing with separate spending packages prior to the summer break. Funding the government into the new fiscal year, the military and agriculture assistance are all issues at play. Farm and industry groups today commented on crop insurance, a possible sorghum futures contract and proposed packaging materials legislation.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says consideration of the 2026 farm bill largely depends on the return of Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell to the chamber. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says options for approving E15 legislation in the Upper Chamber are narrowing by the day.
The U.S. military continued a 10-day of strikes against Iranian targets in an attempt to see the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. The USDA reports corn condition declined but soybeans improved over the past week. Both crops trail condition ratings one year ago. A former leader of Syngenta will soon join ADM in an executive position.
This week's Open Mic guest is Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. Leaders of the group recently spent a week in Washington lobbying for Senate approval of voluntary E15 legislation. Cooper cites recent studies suggesting strong support for sales of higher ethanol blends among voters from both political parties. He also discusses opportunity for industry growth in the maritime, airline and related liquid transportation fuels arena. Cooper says RFA supports efforts by the Trump administration to balance trade with Brazil.
Many farm groups spent this week in Washington developing policy and meeting with legislators on their priorities for the balance of the legislative calendar this year. This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features Washington Republican Dan Newhouse who supports ag labor reform and additional economic assistance for specialty crop growers.
The House Budget Committee advanced a spending bill providing funds for the war with Iran and economic assistance for farmers. New market intel suggests additional losses for crop farmers in 2027. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says as farms disappear, America's food security is put at greater risk.
Global conflict in the Persian Gulf have impacted fuel and fertilizer prices for U.S. farmers. Now, conflict in the Black Sea Region between Russia and Ukraine threaten not only fuel but food for the rest of the world. Arlan Suderman with StoneX says some of the worst fears in the market are now being realized.
The war in the Middle East heighted again as the U.S. military reenforced the blockade of Iran's ports. A survey of Fed governors suggests a difference of opinion over the future of the nation's interest rate policy. The Brazilian soybean crop harvest is done with record production reported. Heat is taking its toll on U.S. pastures.
Agriculture leaders from corn and soybean groups are in Washington this week as Senators return from a two week recess. The South Carolina governor has appointed a person to fill the balance of Senator Lindsay Graham's term and is expected to be sworn in this week. Corn and soybean crops show improvement and continue to develop at better than the average pace.
This week's Open Mic guest is Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council. Like other row crop producers, cotton farmers are facing higher input costs and increased global competition. Adams says Brazilian farmers have ramped up production and taken a greater share of the Chinese market. He shares why cotton farmers are hopeful for a new farm bill this year, as well as the Buy American Cotton Act, which would encourage domestic mills to utilize American-grown cotton. Adams also discusses the industry's "Plant not Plastic" campaign which is aimed at helping consumers understand the link between synthetic clothing and the microplastics you inhale.
An escalation in the war between Ukraine and Russia helped move wheat futures higher. The situation has the potential to impact global commodity prices. Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features Cathy Burns of the International Fresh Produce Association who supports proposed revisions to H2A and warns of challenges from state food packaging regulations.
Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says the USDA's rollback on some Biden administration regulations has nothing to do with cattle producers. NCBA supports the Packers and Stockyards act and supports the work of the USDA and industry to eradicate New World screwworm in the U.S.
The National Corn Growers Association released research suggesting a significant price disparity between input costs paid by farmers in the U.S. compared to those paid by Brazilian farmers. The National Farmers Union opposes the USDA's proposed rollback of some Biden era regulations imposed under the Packers and Stockyards Act.
Farmer sentiment continues to fall according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Survey. Media reports say U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has spoken with Senate leadership. Traders with knowledge of the deals say China has purchased U.S. soybeans.
U.S. corn condition held steady while soybean condition declined slightly from last week according to USDA. Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company believes supply and demand factors may be pointing to higher commodity prices for farmers.
This week's Open Mic guest is Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. At a time when more Americans are turning more health conscious by adding fruits and vegetables to their diets, many of the nation's specialty crop growers are struggling to survive. Joyner says the volume of imports from Mexico and other countries continues to grow, depressing opportunities for domestic growers. Specialty crop growers face ongoing challenges in finding an adequate workforce and support legislative efforts to revise the nation's H-2A regulations. Joyner says specialty crop growers need better crop insurance coverage options and hope future assistance programs are more equitable for fruit and vegetable farmers.
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, agriculture leaders say farmers, ranchers and the food production system play a significant role in national security. Farm groups say farm, trade and labor policy is critical to maintaining a safe and ample food supply.
President Trump announced today that he will not renew the USMCA trade agreement in its current form. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today announced a $500 million dollar program to boost domestic fertilizer production. Yesterday's USDA crop forecast continued to support wheat futures.
The USDA's Grain Stocks report indicated no shortage of old crop supplies of corn, soybeans or wheat. The department's acreage forecast showed no reduction in corn planted area from the March Intentions while soybean acres were higher. House Ag Chair Glenn Thompson introduced legislation offering sweeping reforms to the nation's H2A Program.
Agriculture groups are anxiously anticipating an ag labor bill being introduced tomorrow. Farmers today lamented the challenges associated with a lack of an adequate workforce. Cases of New World screwworm continue to climb and crop condition of corn and soybeans decline from one week ago.
This week's Open Mic guest is Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America. Members of the groups spent last week in Washington reporting the positive impact the EPA's higher RVO numbers are already having in their industry. Later in the week, USDA finalized the Regenerative Feedstocks rule and provided an updated version of the USDA Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator. Rehagen says the industry is poised for growth and hopes future RVO guidance can provide room for continued expansion of the renewable fuels sector.
President Trump says Iran violated a ceasefire agreement by firing at a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says he may be willing to compromise on passing SNAP expenses to states with high error rates.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Monsanto and parent company Bayer today verifying the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency and the nation's existing FIFRA law. Renewable fuel representatives applaud President Trump's push for E15 legislation. RFA steps in to defend recent RVO numbers from the EPA.
President Trump says gasoline prices aren't falling fast enough and is pointing fingers at oil companies. A compromise on SNAP program spending may be the key to approving a farm bill in the Senate. A key USDA official says a decision is pending on prevented plant options with crop insurance.
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.
This week's Open Mic guest is Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Sales of dairy products in North America and around the globe have seen exponential increases over the past few decades. Harden discusses renewal of the USMCA trade agreement, proposed language in a new farm bill that would improve the outlook for dairy farmers and the International Year of the Women Farmer.
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.