Agri-Pulse DriveTime

Members of the National Pork Producers Council will be in Washington this week to meeting with legislators. CEO Brain Humphreys says trade and a farm bill will be high on the list of producer priorities. 

Financial and commodity markets took another beating today over US trade tariffs. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven speaks to tariffs and other issues on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers.

Legislation was introduced today to rein in the president's power to impose tariffs allowing Congress to remove tariffs imposed by the administration. 

As expected President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on global trading partners this afternoon at the White House. The move drew both praise and scorn from various industry groups and legislators.  

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is reserving judgement on President Trump's tariff plans but says legislators could override Executive Branch actions on trade. 

Based on farmer surveys, the USDA forecast a larger corn crop and smaller soybean crop than a year ago. 

Next week promises plenty of potential for volatility in both commodity and financial markets.  The USDA's Grain Stocks and Prospective Plantings Report on Monday will be followed by tariff announcements from President Trump on Wednesday. 

Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin says farmers in his state are concerned about access to global markets and what retaliation other nations may inflict on their ag products as a result of President Trump's various tariffs. 

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig opposes GOP plans to cut current food assistance programs or SNAP funds to meet budget reconciliation goals. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said the Senate Finance Committee is resolved to completing work on tax policy critical to farmers, ranchers and the nation. 

Proposed shipping fees by the Trump administration would support the U.S. industry but would increase transportation costs and lower prices farmers would receive for their commodities. 

Budget reconciliation has been discussed as a possible path to reform some elements of farm policy. Florida Congresswoman Kat Cammack is this weeks guest on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers and discusses the issue. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said farm and nutrition spending could be amended in the budget reconciliation process. Grassley supports full year E15 sales and says either Congress or the EPA should raise RVO's for biodiesel. 

The Fed kept interest rates unchanged as FMOC Chair Jerome Powell highlighted "uncertainty" surrounding the nation's economy.  USDA restores some market reporting for crops and livestock. 

National Agriculture Day brings needed financial relief to farmers across the nation.  Agri-Pulse spoke with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on the nation's farm and fuel policy. 

It was a packed house at the National Press Club today for the Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Policy Summit. Industry experts weighed in on challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry.  More coverage at www.agri-pulse.com

Kentucky U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell introduces legislation to preserve farmland helping manage the tax burden if land is sold to an active farmer. 

Facing a government shutdown, Senate Democrats prefer a short term spending bill to that of the GOP. Trump ordered to reinstate workers and E-15 legislation creates winners and losers. 

The Environmental Protection Agency announced sweeping changes today on environmental regulations including coal-fired power plants, electric vehicles and WOTUS guidance. 

A war of words intensifies between the U.S. and Canada over trade tariffs. Testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee paints a challenging picture for the farm economy. 

More than 300 organizations sent a letter to ag, food and health leaders supporting sound science to be used in the MAHA Commission. Commodity market watchers are anticipating the USDA's Supply/Demand Report tomorrow. 

Agri-Pulse offers a special edition of Newsmakers featuring key agriculture leaders from this week's Commodity Classic in Denver. 

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.