Agri-Pulse DriveTime

A farm land values survey points to lower marks in the state of Illinois. Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen isn't sure ag policy should be called a farm bill and believes Washington needs to step up to support renewable fuels. 

The USDA updated its farm income forecast indicating a sharp contrast between crop and livestock receipts. Private forecasts suggest the Ag Department's September Crop Report will continue to suggest record production for U.S. corn and soybeans. 

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst confirms reelection rumors. China continues to purchase soybeans from sources other than the U.S. Rice proves a stumbling block for trade negotiations with Japan. 

A key agriculture leader in the U.S. Senate may not seek another term. Two legislators are in Taiwan for talks and water levels on the lower Mississippi may become an issue this fall. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.