Agri-Pulse DriveTime

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. 

Rumors were wrong as the Environmental Protection Agency today proposed to increase the volume output of renewable fuels today. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels association and Kurt Kovarik with Clean Fuels Alliance America comment on the proposals and path forward. 

Rumors suggest the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to announce RVO numbers for the renewable fuels Industry. Paul Winters with Clean Fuels Alliance America says the industry is united in its request for more biodiesel. The USDA's June WASDE report held few surprises for the commodity market. 

What President Trump called a trade deal with China others called a framework agreement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told members of Congress the administration is pursuing negotiated agreements with 18 major trading partners. 

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. 

The globe is keeping a close eye on trade talks between the U.S. and China. U.S. corn and soybean crops improve over the last week and traders offer their projections in front of the USDA WASDE report Thursday. 

President Donald Trump announces trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are set for Monday in London.  Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wraps up her trade delegation to Italy. 

Representatives of the National Pork Producers Council continue to call on Congress to approve a completely new farm bill. NPPC is pleased that the reconciliation package included needed farm program updates, but say the budget bill doesn't include everything the industry needs. 

The U.S. Senate Committee on Aging held a hearing this afternoon addressing the aging farm workforce and loss of family farmers. Witnesses shared economics including labor rates, low commodity prices and foreign imports were major obstacles to farm profitability. 

As promised, President Trump is raising tariffs on aluminum and steel. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley supports whole milk on school menus and the World Pork Expo opens tomorrow at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

The USDA reported corn and soybean planting advanced over the past week while crop condition for both crops is well over two-thirds good to excellent. The advanced planting and crop ratings is proving bearish for commodity futures prices. 

Comments from former Agriculture Secretaries Dan Glickman and Mike Johanns preview this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers as well as comments from House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig who's featured in the upcoming Agri-Pulse Open Mic. Reconciliation, tariffs and farm programs are featured topics.

The legal challenge over President Trump's authority to impose tariffs on global trading partners took another turn this afternoon. A stay will allow the U.S. to continue to collect tariffs until the appeal process plays out. 

Over 300 agriculture and related groups sent a letter calling on Congress to enact the bipartisan Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act. The groups say state labeling requirements contradict EPA's scientific findings on pesticide safety. 

Senator Charles Grassley supports tax provisions in the House Budget Reconciliation Act. The Iowa Republican says the Senate Ag Committee will likely have its own version of farm safety net provisions. 

House Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson offers his thoughts on farm and tax provisions approved this week. National Corn Growers CEO Neil Caskey shares farmer frustration with the MAHA Commission Report. 

With House approval of budget reconciliation the attention on farm programs and tax policy turns to the U.S. Senate. Farm groups are voicing their concerns over the MAHA Commission report. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley expects HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to keep his word on comments made prior to his confirmation hearings on modern ag practices. Grassley has some straightforward questions on what may be reported from the MAHA Commission. 

Agriculture groups are calling on President Trump to be sure the MAHA Commission report expected to be released Thursday is based on sound scientific facts. Rumors suggest some pesticides and gene edited crops may be targeted by the report. 

The budget reconciliation battle in the House of Representatives may be a precursor to bigger financial decisions lawmakers will have to face following another downgrade of the nation's economy. 

Farm safety net improvements are included in the House Ag Committee's budget reconciliation proposal. NAWG CEO Chandler Goule says there is still farm bill work to be done. 

Soybean and soybean oil prices fell on fears that export sales would fall without a tariff agreement with China and rumors of reduced federal support for renewable fuels by the Trump EPA. 

Proposed budget reconciliation legislation would provide much needed tax benefits for small business and farmers, but would reduce overall nutrition assistance as well as shift some of the expense for SNAP benefits to states based on error rates. 

The Consumer Price Index suggest grocery prices fell in April while the cost of eating out rose. The renewable fuel industry is encouraged by a potential extension of the 45Z tax credit under consideration in the tax reconciliation package. 

The USDA May WASDE report indicated large crops and tighter ending stocks than traders expected.  Agrochemical makers received legislative protection in another state over pesticide labels.