Podcasts about agri pulse

The Agri-Pulse annual CEO Compensation Report based on IRS data is out suggesting top ag leader compensation was up on average over $30,000 from last year's levels.  The Interior Department and other government agencies lost a significant share of their workforce to deferred resignation programs.  

The MAHA Commission report and casts a different view of production agriculture than the first report.  Members of the National Pork Producers Association are in Washington and lobbying for new farm policy. Today is Hunger Awareness Day. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Pam Marrone, Co-founder and Executive Chair of the Invasive Species Corporation. Marrone says there are over 37,000 invasive species in the world with over 3,500 that are considered harmful. Combined, these species have cost the global economy over $1 trillion dollars. As the climate warms, Marrone says these species are migrating farther north, impacting an even larger area and bringing danger to plant and animal species as well as industries essential to rural communities. Marrone says prevention is key but greater investment in biologicals and ag research is needed to help limit the spread of these harmful pests. 

Congress has returned to Washington after the August recess. House Ag Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson tells us he still wants to take committee action on “farm bill 2.0” in September and is eyeing including farm aid payments funded through tariff revenue. During our conversation, we discuss some of the top issues facing agriculture this fall: Farm income, trade, ag labor reform, the USDA reorganization plan, and his priorities in "farm bill 2.0." Then, Callie Eideberg with the Vogel Group and Tom Sell with Combest, Sell & Associates discuss the USDA's farm income forecast, trade and the possibility of farm aid payments this fall.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

This week's Open Mic guest is Illinois 13th District Representative Nikki Budzinski.  On the sidelines of last week's Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Budzinski said she was anxious to get back to Washington to work on budget legislation and farm policy. Budzinski is aware of the looming financial challenge facing row crop farmers and anticipates large federal outlays may be necessary to prevent significant farm losses. She hopes some funding cuts to Medicade can be restored and hopes the majority side of the aisle brings a spirit of bipartisanship back to the ag committee. 

Harvest is quickly approaching, but grower groups and the ag industry are on edge as China has yet to make a purchase from the fall U.S. soybean crop. At the Farm Progress Show, we asked American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland about the letter ASA sent to President Trump urging a trade deal with China and about his conversation with Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden at the show. Rabobank's Stephen Nicholson says he thinks circumstances have changed too much since the China Phase One trade agreement to secure a similar deal now.Plus, National Corn Growers Association first vice president Jed Bower says the expected record corn crop is causing a push for year-round E-15. Austin Gellings from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers discusses how equipment companies are dealing with tariffs and Robb Ewoldt with the United Soybean Board discusses diversifying uses of U.S. soy both domestically and internationally.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

The USDA is forecasting a smaller ag trade deficit based on an increase in its export forecast. John Bode with the Corn Refiners Association refutes MAHA claims on HFCS and Dan Christenson with Pepsico says they intend to provide products consumers want to buy. 

Global demand for corn and soybeans isn't keeping up with growing supplies from Brazil and pending record crops in the U.S.  Steve Nicholson with Rabbobank says the extended outlook for farm income is grim. Rodney Weinzierl with Illinois Corn Growers says the liquid fuel debate should shift to octane. 

Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden spent the day at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. Vaden said the Trump administration is tracking low commodity prices and seeking options to assist farmers through negative balance sheets. Vaden said the discovery of New World Screw Worm in a traveler is no concern to the livestock industry. 

New World Screw Worm was detected in the U.S. in early August from an individual infected with pest larvae. Some industry officials want answers why the news was released to only a few. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Jill Bramble, President and CEO of the National 4-H Council.  Over 100 years ago the Cooperative Extension Service learned the younger generation was more eager to accept new science and technology. The growth was positive for farms and communities.  Today over 6 million young adults ages 8 to 19 are still embracing new technology to set career goals and improve the world around them.  Jill Bramble, President and CEO of the 4-H Council says a new farm bill is important to the continued success of growing the future of America through extension learning. 

There is a great disparity between cash returns for crops and livestock. Dr. John Newton with Terrain says China's absence from the export scene further complicates the commodity price outlook. Renewable fuel advocates didn't get the news they hoped for on SRE's from the EPA today. 

China has not made any U.S. soybean purchases from this fall's crop, which has growers concerned about the relationship with the largest U.S. soybean purchaser ahead of harvest. We asked Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, about the trade landscape and what he's watching for in USDA's quarterly ag trade outlook due out next week. Plus, we discuss how NASDA members are partners in New World screwworm eradication efforts.Then, Texas State Veterinarian Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges and Boehringer Ingelheim's Steve Boren discuss Ag Sec. Brooke Rollins' recent New World screwworm investment in Texas and the private sector's role supporting eradication and treatment efforts.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

Scouts on the Pro Farmer Crop tour have discovered drought and disease pressure in both corn and soybean crops. While corn yields may still achieve records, the USDA WASDE forecast appears higher than some believe is realistic. 

Agri-Pulse features articles today on how tariffs on ag inputs may lead to ever higher prices for farmers. A draft from the MAHA Commission appears to be more tolerant of advanced farming technologies. Some fear regulations on cumulative exposure may be on the horizon. 

The American Soybean Association pressed the Trump administration to bring a conclusion to the trade conflict with China and bring the top buyer back to the US market for soybean supplies. ASA President Caleb Ragland responds to challenges from the MAHA Commission. 

The USDA says corn and soybean crops continue to advance in maturity with a majority of acres in good to excellent condition.  Crop scouts on the Pro Farmer Crop Tour saw excellent yield potential in South Dakota with signs of heat stress in both Ohio and Indiana. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Duane Simpson, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Simpson brings a wealth of experience from the private sector as well as farmer and retail associations. Despite a bolstering of Title 1 policy in the Budget Reconciliation Act, Simpson sees headwinds in Washington from completing the farm bill, labor reform and a resolution to many regulations facing farmers and the ag industry. Simpson sees a need for verifiable standards for words like sustainability and phrases like "regenerative agriculture practices". 

The public is anxiously awaiting the release of the second Make America Healthy Again Commission report. Cathy Burns, president and CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association, discusses the opportunities her group sees in the upcoming guidance, the need for ag labor reform and when consumers may begin to see higher produce prices caused by tariffs.Plus, Dan Basse from AgResource Company discusses USDA's bin-busting corn crop projections and China's lack of soybean purchasing this year. Becky Rasdall Vargas from the International Dairy Foods Association joins the conversation to discuss the current trade landscape and the foreign shipbuilding port fees that will go into effect this fall.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

This week's Open Mic guest is Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council. The group recently celebrated its 65th anniversary and delegates voted to align their name with the practice of not only selling grains but also fuels and other bioproducts. LeGrand discusses some new export records, future market opportunities and the ongoing threats of global competition from countries like Brazil. He is looking forward to new trade deals and additional global market promotion dollars allotted in the recent budget reconciliation legislation.

Today's DriveTime highlights comments of this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers filmed on location at Minnesota's Farmfest 2025.  Senate Ag Ranking Member Amy Kloubuchar and House Ag Ranking Member Angie Craig comment on the USDA reorganization plan and the prospects of a "skinny" farm bill. 

President Trump fills a vacancy on the Fed Board and legislators introduce legislation to make it easier for consumers to use E-15 blended fuel. 

Commodity groups are encouraged with Luke Lindberg's confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs. Corn prices fall to the lowest mark since the fall of 2020 and the stock market rallies higher. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Laurie Wayburn, President and Co-founder of Pacific Forest Trust. Over 30 years ago PFT was created to find new economic incentives to reward private forest owners for conserving their lands and practice sustainable forestry. She discusses the important role forests play in protecting water sources, pollinators and wildlife habitat. Wayburn is concerned about staff reductions in the Forest Service and talks about pending legislation to protect more forests. The organization has conserved more than 270,000 acres and holds easements on more than 100,000 acres.

The Trump administration announced a trade deal with the European Union yesterday.  Meanwhile, talks with China continue to hold promise. US corn condition declined and soybeans improved as more of the crop moves deeper into the reproductive phase of growth. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. The Budget Reconciliation Legislation approved by Congress included significant cuts to Medicaid. Morgan says rural healthcare facilities are already financially strapped and bear the brunt of providing health care to a disproportionate share of the populous that depends on government assistance for their needs.  Morgan is hopeful legislators will find additional funds to assist rural communities who may lose hospitals, healthcare clinics and long-term care facilities unless those funds are restored. 

Agri-Pulse's Phil Brasher examines what states may benefit from additional base acres in the Budget Reconciliation Law. The Trump administration cancels loan guarantees for the Grain Belt Express. 

Members of the United Soybean Board, American Soybean Association and the U.S. Soybean Export council presented today in Brazil at a meeting of the International Oilseed Producers Association. ASA President Caleb Ragland responds to challenges raised by the MAHA Committee report. 

National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman says grower leaders made their case for legislation to approve year around sales of E-15, a new farm bill and greater access to global markets last week with legislators on Capitol Hill. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, President of Field to Market. Soon to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Field to Market is working to unite the supply chain to deliver sustainable outcomes for agriculture. The group's Fieldprint platform provides credible and measurable results of multiple crops and varied production practices. Field data from over 6 million acres is included in the platform with a new version set to be released in September. Vollmer-Sanders says farmers need innovative financing options to adopt new regenerative practices improving soil health and other benefits for the environment. 

John Bode with the Corn Refiners Association says a shift in ingredients by a major cola company would bring negative consequences for corn farmers and his industry. A possible rail industry merger is prompting concern in the ag industry on both service and fees. 

Members of the House of Representatives are set to vote on a Senate approved rescission package tonight. President Trump has nominated Julie Callahan to serve on agriculture's trade front and the Senate Ag Committee has scheduled a hearing to approve another key leader at USDA. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Peter Bachmann, President and CEO of USA Rice. A global glut of rice and unfair trade practices has put U.S. rice producers at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the globe. Bachmann says USA Rice strongly supports the Trump administration using tariffs to create market opportunities for U.S. producers. He also discusses prospects for a new farm bill.

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features comments on the farm economy and farm programs from Christy Seyfert of the Farm Credit Council and a look at the commodity market with AgResource Company founder Dan Basse. 

The Supreme Court opened the door for President Trump's plan to downsize the government. Secretary Rollins and some fellow cabinet members announce efforts to protect the nation's agriculture and EPA hears from industry on renewable fuel proposals.

President Trump's new tariffs on Japan and South Korea could challenge U.S. corn export sales. Judge Stephen Vaden was sworn in today as Deputy Secretary of USDA. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. HISA was formed as a legislative response to increased fatalities in horseracing. The body of industry leaders has been successful in establishing rules to protect both jockeys and animals. The successful evidence of their work is providing confidence for renewed  investment in the horseracing industry. Attendance at racetracks is growing and the industry is expanding, providing thousands of jobs across rural America and many urban areas. 

President Donald Trump is expected to sign budget reconciliation legislation following approval by the House of Representatives in a 218-214 vote today. The nation's economy added more jobs than expected last month. The nation's focus now is on debt and tariff wars. 

In addition to budget reconciliation legislation and better trade deals, President Trump appears to be giving attention to the nation's ag workforce issues. 

The USDA offered only slight downward adjustments in planted acreage for corn and soybeans for 2025. The Senate is working to meet President Trump's goal of July 4th for budget reconciliation legislation. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA The Rural Broadband Association. The Supreme Court confirmed the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund in a decision announced on Friday.  Bloomfield says NTCA applauds the decision as access to those funds is critical for expanding and maintaining broadband service to millions in rural America. Bloomfield says regulatory headwinds from the Trump administration are challenging previously approved work under the Biden administration. She applauds her members for providing broadband service to the nation but says there is still much work to be done. 

White House officials say it's up to President Trump to decide whether trading partners will be given additional time to resolve trade differences with the U.S. Domestic companies say China is proving slow to approve requests for exports of rare earth materials despite an agreement with Trump trade officials. 

Corn prices dropped to prices not seen since last October at just over $4.00 per bushel. Selling pressure is coming from expectations of a large planted acreage report from the USDA on Monday and a large Brazilian Safrinha crop. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Jeff Rowe, CEO of Syngenta Group. He says crop protection companies are looking to improve the health of human beings around the globe and boost agriculture's environmental footprint. In addition to their existing product portfolio, Rowe sees tremendous growth opportunities for artificial intelligence and biological products to enhance crop growth, sustainability, and nutrient efficiencies. However, U.S. regulatory headwinds may slow down access to some new products, especially compared to what's available for South American growers.

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. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. The most recent food insecurity numbers from the USDA suggest more people are food insecure today than during the Covid Pandemic. Babineaux-Fontenot says food donations and financial contributions are trending lower while more people are seeking assistance. Babineau-Fontenot strongly disagrees with GOP plans to change Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, saying the cuts could create a 9.5 billion meal shortfall in the nation. 

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.