Agri-Pulse DriveTime

One global market analyst says developing countries have come of age and must now allow equal access to U.S. agriculture products. 

The fear of retaliation from global customers is weighing on farmer sentiment as producers fear lost export markets will further depress prices. 

President Trump's tariffs cast a somber tone over the trade show floor at Commodity Classic in Denver today. 

President Trump tells farmers to prepare to produce more ag products for domestic markets as more tariffs start tomorrow. 

USDA Chief Economist is featured on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. In a preview of this week's podcast, Meyer discusses the good and the bad of the farm economy and hope for better egg prices. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins tells Agri-Pulse the department intends to meet or beat the Congressional deadline to distribute economic and disaster assistance payments approved by legislators last year. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed the NASDA Winter Conference today discussing DOGE, tariffs and the USDA's new efforts toward limiting the impact of Avian Influenza. 

Renewable fuels advocates are appealing to Washington for opportunities to grow the industry. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says debate on tax reform can't begin without budget numbers. 

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith supports government efficiency, but not at all costs. Smith is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. 

The Senate is a step closer to providing funds for the Trump administration for mass deportations and border security. The USDA continues to review funding under the Inflation Reduction Act after releasing $20-million dollars to farmers with conservation program contracts. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley supports legislation to allow year round sales of E-15 blended fuel. Grassley supports the idea of moving the Food for Peace Program to the USDA. 

Iowa 4th District Congressman Randy Feenstra believes next month's continuing resolution bill is the next opportunity to carry year around E-15 legislation into law. He believes a farm bill will be done this year but admits spending is the biggest issue. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses serving the agriculture industry at USDA and cooperating with other cabinet members to grow opportunities for farmers and ranchers.  Rollins says DOGE downsizing may actually improve local service to the ag community. 

South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers.  Johnson discusses changes to SNAP work requirements to meet budget savings. 

President Trump rolls out plans to use additional tariffs to balance U.S. trade. Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are confirmed to serve in the Trump Cabinet

The House budget plan calls for $230 billion dollars in agriculture spending cuts over the next 10 years. Soybean farmers support legislation that would maintain international food assistance programs. 

Agriculture leaders took their turn to discuss the farm economy in testimony before the House Agriculture Committee today. The Hunger Caucus was introduced again today in Washington. 

Uncertainty surrounds President Trump's plan for downsizing the federal workforce, tariffs on trading partners and future of U.S. food aid programs. 

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features former USDA Secretaries. Dan Glickman takes issue with DOGE budget cuts and downsizing. Mike Johannes has concerns with President Trump's HHS nominee. 

Mexico concedes challenges to genetically modified corn imports. Congress is challenged to cut the budget and still provide an adequate safety net for farmers, ranchers and those who are food insecure.  

A number of agriculture leaders testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee today. Chairman John Boozman said the message was similar from nearly every witness. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one step closer to a Senate vote to become the lead of Health and Human Services. In the absence of action on Capitol Hill, states are appealing to the Supreme Court to overturn California's Proposition 12 rule. 

Tariffs are still in the headlines as discussions are still taking place between the White House and North American trading partners. Senate committees are holding meetings to consider Trump Cabinet nominees. 

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.