Agri-Pulse DriveTime

Farmers fear trade retaliation from White House tariffs but respect President Trump's attempts to balance trade. Chemical manufactures respectfully disagree with RFK Jr.'s accusations against pesticides this week. 

The threat of tariffs is pushing fertilizer prices higher in advance of Spring planting.  Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will continue his work in promoting agriculture and combatting food insecurity. 

RFK Jr. says he wants to help farmers move to regenerative ag. Smithfield IPO falls short of company expectations. 

Texas Senator John Cornyn wants a new farm bill and tax reform but knows a crowded congressional agenda in Washington may force farmers and ranchers to wait a little longer this year. 

The leaders of the House Agriculture committee shared their thoughts on developing a new farm bill at today's American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio. 

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas says budget reconciliation legislation could be the vehicle that carries a new farm bill this year. 

President Donald Trump's Agriculture Secretary Nominee Brooke Rollins was before the Senate Agriculture Committee today. Clean Fuels Alliance CEO Donnell Rehagen says the industry needs certainty from Washington. 

Texas Representative Monica De La Cruz is hopeful the 119th Congress and Trump administration can secure the border and provide an adequate workforce for agriculture. Renewable fuels advocates remain hopeful for new opportunities in 2025. 

Agriculture leaders at last night's Aggie Ball in Washington shared their determination to see a new farm bill in 2025. USDA Secretary Designate Brooke Rollins is ready to bring agriculture's voice to the Trump Cabinet. 

Today's DriveTime features comments from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack from this week's Newsmakers. The Iowa Democrat has served 12 years at the helm of USDA. 

Farmers continue to evaluate recent announcements from the Biden administration on tax breaks for biofuel feedstocks and are hopeful a second term for Donald Trump will bring new crop demand. 

In the waning days of the Biden administration guidance is being offered toward guidance on tax breaks for feedstocks for renewable fuels. 

One farm economist appeals to Congress to deliver the certainty of a new farm bill early in 2025. USDA offers new poultry tournament production rules.

The U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council are on a tour of Asian customers. Greg Tyler says they are being well received by customers but avian influenza and the threat of tariffs are proving obstacles to growing markets. 

The USDA's January WASDE crop report lowered the 2024 corn and soybean production and carryover supplies. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says the Panama Canal is key to the U.S. economy and national security. 

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced legislation today for the U.S. to purchase the Panama Canal. China's influence in the region is given as a major cause for concern. 

RaboResearch speculates the impact of a renewed tariff war with China on U.S. crop farmers.  The result is lower soybean acreage and prices. 

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas includes a green space to discuss technology's role in sustainable food production. 

As the U.S. Congress approved the 2024 presidential election results today another world leader steps down due political unrest.   

 Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson has been reelected as House Speaker. Only one member of the GOP did not vote for the incumbent.  

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says significant snowfall and bitterly cold weather will blanket much of the nation beginning this weekend.  

Members of the House of Representatives began voting at 5:00PM on a third policy proposal to avoid a government shutdown. 

As Congress works for an end of year spending deal, agriculture leaders say financial assistance is critical for the nation's food security. 

Agri-Pulse's Lydia Johnson offers exclusive comments from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins during her visits with legislators on Capitol Hill. E-15 waiver could "kick start" greater retail opportunities for higher ethanol blends. 

Agriculture leaders across the country are anxiously waiting to see specific details of a Continuing Resolution to keep the government running to March of 2025.