Podcasts about agri pulse

This week's Open Mic guest is David Newman, CEO of the National Pork Board. Pork producers are finally seeing improved returns for their animals following a long cyclical downturn in hog prices. Newman says consumer demand for protein has brought renewed interest in the nutritional value of pork cuts in the meat case. The National Pork Board's new strategic plan focuses on priorities including pork value, anticipation and adaptation to change as well as improving the lives of pigs and people. Newman says a new campaign "Taste What Pork Can Do" focuses on the priorities of the new millennial shopper.

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. 

USDA recently signed an agreement with the Department of Justice to protect farmers from high and volatile input costs. Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, joins the show to discuss the announcement and seed costs. Plus, he explains how tariffs are impacting the seed industry and ASTA's recent acquisition of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization's crop biotechnology advocacy portfolio.Plus, Jay Vroom with Vroom Leigh Agriculture and Peter Carstensen with the University of Wisconsin discuss farmers' concerns about consolidation in the inputs space and the differences between the Trump and Biden administrations' work on ag industry consolidation.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

 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. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Patrick Ewan, Chairman of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology and General Manager, Helena Products Group. This group of industry representatives continues to work for innovative products to balance the objectives of productivity growth and crop protection for the environment and consumers. Ewan shares how industry is working with the Environmental Protection Agency on regulatory reform as well as approval for new chemistries. He laments the economic challenges producers are facing and calls on leaders in Washington to respond with favorable legislation and regulations to help weather the cyclical downturn facing many crop producers. 

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. 

It's been a year of shakeup for international assistance after the abrupt closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development. We ask former Ag Secretary and current World Food Prize Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack about how the approach to international aid can be reinvented, the feasibility of moving the Food for Peace program to USDA, and whether he's concerned President Trump's tariff policy could affect long-term market access for U.S. farmers.Plus, 2025 World Food Prize Laureate and Embrapa Soybean researcher Mariangela Hungria joins the show to discuss her life's work advancing soil microbiology, how Brazilian farmers have embraced biologicals, and how the “Micro Green Revolution” has changed the trajectory of agriculture in Brazil.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

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. 

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. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO of USTelecom -The Broadband Association. Despite billions of dollars invested to close the digital divide, millions of Americans either have no service or lack a reliable connection to the internet. Spalter says the same government that supports universal connectivity maintains antiquated regulations preventing the upgrade of copper wire or installation of fiber to households in need. He also discusses permitting issues and other barriers to advancing rural connectivity.

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. 

The government is still shut down amid a congressional stalemate. Minnesota Democrat Sen. Tina Smith discusses which farmer-facing programs she's worried could be affected. She also expresses concern that the U.S. is losing export markets because of trade disruptions.Then, American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky looks back at what the first Trump administration learned from delivering two rounds of Market Facilitation Program payments, and how that experience could guide the upcoming economic aid payments ag groups are requesting. Farmers for Free Trade executive director Brian Kuehl also joins the show to discuss the group's cross-country motorcade for trade.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

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. 

Today President Trump seemed willing to embrace free North American Trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico whether in multilateral or bilateral deals. The government shutdown is impacting both conservation and nutrition programs under the USDA. 

Agri-Pulse reports today that over two hundred ag groups wrote President Trump requesting financial assistance. With no reports from the USDA traders are left with private forecasts for harvest progress and overall production. Brazilian farmers are off to a quick start planting soybeans. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Ben Kruger, Senior Vice-President at Roeslein Renewables.  The International Maritime Organization is set to vote on policy that would embrace greater use of renewable fuel in the global shipping industry. Kruger says this move would present a tremendous opportunity for the domestic renewable fuel industry and biodiesel from soybeans and other sources. Kruger says a positive vote by the IMO and steps by Washington to pursue the opportunity could bring $5 to 10 billion dollars to the rural economy. 

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says the government shut-down could impact the Trump administration's announcement of an assistance package for crop farmers. Hoeven is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers and says there are multiple reasons for Washington to support farmers. 

Harvest is underway, but there's still uncertainty about where some of those crops will go. We asked North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven if he thinks the U.S. is losing valuable global markets and how bailout trade aid payments for farmers could be funded through tariff revenue.Also on the show, Virginia Houston with the American Soybean Association and Joe Glauber from the International Food Policy Research Institute discuss what China's recent soybean purchase from Argentina means for the U.S. and if it's concerning to not see an October World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report because of the government shutdown.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

Following a meeting in the Oval Office yesterday with President Trump and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent today said an announcement is pending next week for an assistance package for crop farmers. The National Association of Wheat Growers has a new CEO and California now approves E-15 blended gasoline. 

Legislation failed again today to end the government shutdown. President Trump says he'll use tariff revenue to support farmers. Congressional leaders are working to amend policy to see funds are available for farm income support. 

The USDA's Grain Stocks report showed a greater September 1 stocks estimate of corn and wheat than traders expected.  Market watchers are looking ahead to the October WASDE report for updated production forecasts. That report and other government data hangs in the balance of a government shutdown. Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden says U.S. commodity price woes reach far beyond a single country. 

The political divide between Congressional Democrats and the White House remains as neither side appears to have offered to compromise over a Continuing Resolution to keep the government running. Traders expect the USDA's Quarterly Grain Stocks report tomorrow to show ample supplies of corn, wheat and soybeans.

This week's Open Mic guest is James Glueck, Executive Director of the Plant Based Products Council. He says the same consumer who is demanding more sustainably produced food is also showing a desire to purchase more plant-based products and USDA says the ag bioeconomy added over $489 billion dollars to the nation's economy. The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition is lobbying Congress to continue funding for the USDA's BioPreferred Program in a new farm bill as well as two key pieces of legislation on Capitol Hill. 

NCGA President Kenneth Hartman says the association is pleased with the announcement that the USDA and DOJ will be looking closer into increased input costs crop farmers are facing. Soybean growers are assisting The Anderson's expansion at the Port of Houston. 

The Annual Agriculture Outlook Forum presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse featured some of the nation's top agriculture leaders including U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Representative Tracey Mann.  As the representative of the Big First District in Kansas, Mann is concerned about the farm economy and the challenges especially crop farmers are facing now. He sees the need for financial assistance for row crop farmers but also recognizes the fiscal challenges before the nation. He is hopeful to see a farm bill approved before the end of the year but says budget and and spending issues are at the top of the list of priorities facing the nation.

This week's Open Mic guest is Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. This week nearly 300 OTA members will celebrate "Organic Week" in Washington.Dillon says consumer demand for organic products is growing at nearly twice the pace as demand for conventional food items. Consumers purchased over $70-billion dollars of organic products last year. Dillon says OTA is hopeful for legislation to prevent fraud in imported foods and an investment in infrastructure to allow the industry to expand and meet demand.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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". 

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.