Agri-Pulse DriveTime

The USDA reports advanced crop development and improved corn and soybean crop conditions this afternoon. 

Hurricane Beryl lands in Mexico and new jobs data fuels ideas the Fed may soon lower interest rates. 

Farmer sentiment declines, barbecue prices climb and new environmental laws are set to restrict commodity exports to the European Union. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed heat standards that would require employers to develop measures to protect workers from excessive heat. 

The condition of the nation's corn crop fell again over the last week with soybean condition holding steady. Kansas Representative Tracey Mann tells Agri-Pulse Newsmakers a new farm bill is long overdue. 

A Supreme Court decision marks a significant paradigm shift in the regulatory power of federal agencies to implement legislation. 

The impact on crops and communities from heavy rains and flooding in the upper Midwest may not be known for some time and may not be over. 

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack  announced a Request for Information today regarding climate smart agriculture practices for biofuel feedstocks.

The USDA proposed new definitions under the Packers and Stockyards Act. SCOTUS could soon rule on Chevron. 

Crop condition declines again with varied weather conditions across the country. The USDA says the winter wheat harvest is 40% done, 15 points ahead of the average pace. 

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features Congresswoman Chellie Pingree who discusses the challenges of approving a new farm policy and policy obstacles that remain. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley weighs in on litigation against the Environmental Protection Agency's tailpipe emission standards and large volumes of used cooking oil imports receiving tax breaks and displacing domestic crops. 

The Environmental Protection Agency faces additional litigation from a broad range of agriculture and industry groups over its emissions standards for light and medium duty vehicles as well as heavy duty vehicles. 

The USDA's NASS reports corn planting is done and a slight decline in crop condition over the last week. A bipartisan team of senators are calling for higher 2026 RFS volumes for 2026. 

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow is this week's guest on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. The Michigan Democrat sees a challenging future for a new farm bill. 

The American Farm Bureau and the National Corn Growers Association have joined the American Petroleum Institute and some auto dealers to challenge the EPA's Tailpipe Emission Standards. 

Despite signs of stress and stability, the Fed holds interest rates steady.

Senate Ag Ranking Member John Boozman offered a Republican led version of a new farm bill today including increases for Title 1 programs as well as trade promotion and research. 

The USDA reports the nations corn and soybean crop is ahead of average in every category including 74% of corn and 72% of soybeans rated in good to excellent condition. 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. He highlights the objectives of gaining votes for the committee's proposal. 

A key Senate staff member offers evidence supporting the House Ag Committee's farm policy proposal and reasons some are calling for more "farm in the farm bill". 

The nation's pork producers have gathered in Iowa for World Pork Expo. NPPC Immediate Past President Scott Hayes reports good crowds and challenging policy issues. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley addressed challenges facing the renewable fuel industry on a call with agriculture journalists today. 

The USDA reports corn and soybean planting is nearing completion and above the five year average. Corn condition is rated 75% good to excellent. 

The overall ag trade deficit is growing, but USMEF Chair Randy Spronk sees hope on the horizon for the livestock industry.