Agri-Pulse DriveTime

President Trump continues to levy tariffs on trading partners. Brazil, India and China are the latest to feel pressure from the Oval Office. One country may seek help from the WTO. The U.S. continues to negotiate with Russia to end the 3 year war with Ukraine. 

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June. Corn based ethanol exports are running 19% ahead of a year ago while biodiesel exports are more than 50% behind last year's pace.  USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says top ag department officials would stay in Washington, but those who implement programs would likely be in one of five regional USDA hubs. 

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. 

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins responds to questions regarding the Trump administration's reorganization plan. Rollins says the plan will provide cost savings and better service to customers. Rollins responds to farmer pushback on the MAHA Commission. 

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst supports the Trump USDA reorganization plan.  Ernst says many of the provisions are in line with legislation she's already introduced in the Upper Chamber.  The Iowa ag leader also has legislation to limit state attempts to mandate production standards for livestock production. 

The Senate Agriculture Committee's hearing on the USDA reorganization plan drew a sharp contrast of opinion today between political leaders and Deputy Secretary Judge Stephen Vaden. The Deputy Secretary said the proposed downsizing was smaller than previous administrations and was based on legislation previously approved by Congress. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley doesn't agree with the Trump administration's release of plans to reform the USDA, but says the Executive Branch has the authority to make changes to the agency. Grassley doesn't see much chance for a new farm bill this year. 

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. 

President Trump is pessimistic on a trade deal with Canada but will hold meetings with the EU while in Scotland. The Senate Ag Committee will review the USDA Reorganization plan next week. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the first phase of a major reorganization of the agency today. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders Boozman and Klobuchar rebuked the effort and plan a hearing on the plan. 

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. 

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. 

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall held a roundtable to discuss regenerative agriculture and the MAHA Commission Report.  Marshall says there are health issues the nation can't ignore. He says consumers will have a big influence on the future of food production

President Trump announced a trade deal with Indonesia while European Union members plot American products to retaliate with tariffs if they fail to meet the new August 1 deadline. Analysts say Trump tariffs may be impacting inflation. 

President Trump threated severe tariffs on Russia today if a peace deal was not signed with Ukraine in 50 days. USDA's NASS indicated both corn and soybean condition was running at or above the five year average. 

A lawsuit over California's Proposition 12 is the latest tiff between President Trump and the Golden State. The USDA is forecasting large crops and challenges on the demand front for U.S. row crops. 

Brazil's crop agency forecasts a significant increase in crop production. U.S. corn farmers will be in Washington next week to discuss policy. 

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. 

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.