Agri-Pulse DriveTime

The House Rules Committee continues to consider amendments to the Agriculture Committee's farm bill proposal. Follow Kim Chipman's coverage at www.agri-pulse.com. NCGA leaders say they need a farm bill and E15 legislation. ASA testified before the USTR's Section 301 hearing on international trade. 

An amendment to the House Farm Bill to allow E15 sales year-round is before the House Rules Committee. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association says it's a multi-step process to final approval. Emily Skor with Growth Energy says approval would save consumers money at the pump and grow availability in the retail space. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today announced a second round of assistance for farmers who suffered from natural disasters. Soybean farmers are hopeful the House of Representatives will approve a new farm bill next week. ASA President Scott Metzger says the economic climate has worsened since the year began. 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson believes he has the votes to approve the committee's farm bill proposal in the lower chamber. An effort to see E15 language in the bill is underway. Small refinery exemptions remain a sticking point for some in the refining industry. 

The oil industry opposes the farm bill amendment to extend year-round sales of E-15. President Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran but maintains the blockade of U.S. ports. The Iranian military has attacked cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. A respected Georgia representative has passed. 

Financial and commodity markets were largely influenced by anticipation of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump has extended the ceasefire deadline. The delay brings to question if and when a summit between the U.S. and China will take place and when the Strait of Hormuz will open allowing free trade of oil and fertilizer to resume. 

Representatives of the rice industry appealed to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to mount a trade probe into unfair trade practices in the international rice market. President Trump offered mixed messages on trade negotiations with Iran today as the ceasefire deadline draws near. The USDA reported corn and soybean planting progress above the average pace today. 

Members of the House of Representatives are expected to vote on the ag committee's farm bill proposal before the end of the month. House Agriculture Committee Vice Ranking Member Shontel Brown isn't sure many of her fellow Democrats will support the proposal. Brown says Democrats want to reconsider cuts to the SNAP programs. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley realizes the pain U.S. farmers are feeling from increased input prices due to the war with Iran. The Iowa Republican says the reason for the war is not well understood. Congressional ag leaders continue to discuss additional farm assistance this year. 

Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn tells Agri-Pulse E15 legislation may soon be released. Leaders of the National Pork Producers Council are in Washington this week lobbying for a new farm bill that includes a fix for California's Proposition 12. 

Farm groups and university analysis give evidence that the economic climate for crop farmers has become more challenging following the war with Iran.  Fuel and fertilizer prices have spiked further squeezing farm profit margins. Farmers say planting decisions may be impacted this year. 

Agriculture leaders spoke to members of the North American Agriculture Journalists today in Washington. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden updated the group on the USDA reorganization plans and investigation into farmer input prices. 

Economic reports this week showed the impact on the nation's economy from last year's government shutdown and on consumer prices from the impact of the war with Iran. Despite a challenging financial picture for crops, farmer optimism showed improvement over previous surveys. 

The USDA increased the average price expected for some commodities in today's WASDE report. Carryover estimates for corn and soybeans were left unchanged while wheat stocks grew slightly. Soybean domestic crush offset an expected drop of export sales. The EPA today proposed weakened rules governing the safe disposal of ash produced by burning coal. 

Congress returns to Washington next week facing challenging policy issues including E15, new  farm policy and additional economic assistance for farmers. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following attacks by Israel on the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The U.S. has its nominee to lead the U. N. World Food Program.

Financial and commodity markets were unsettled as the world counted down to President Trump's deadline for Iran to yield control of the Strait of Hormuz. China and Russia blocked a resolution at the United Nations to open the shipping channel. Weeks after Bridge Assistance funds have been sent to row crop producers. Specialty crop farmers are still waiting for their share of financial assistance. 

Thousands participated at the White House Egg Roll today. Emily Metz with the American Egg Board reports from the event. The Iran war is providing uncertainty for Fed Policymakers. The USDA's first weekly crop progress report indicates winter wheat condition is running behind a year ago. Brazil's soybean harvest is advancing with some corn acres challenged by dry weather. 

Emily Metz of the American Egg Board gives a preview of the White House Egg Roll on Monday and Atmospheric Scientist Eric Snodgrass outlines what could be a powerful weather anomaly during the U.S. crop growing season. 

Dry soil is a growing concern for a number of farmers approaching Spring planting. Two fertilizer producers want to keep countervailing duties on fertilizer imports. Gasoline prices continue to climb and egg prices are down significantly compared to a year ago. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Commerce Department and members of Congress are looking for a public action plan on how to stabilize fertilizer markets and reduce prices. Brazilian consultancy firm AgRual has cut its forecast for corn production and raised its outlook for soybeans. Crop analysts question if the USDA's planting survey accurately reflects farmer crop intentions resulting f...

The USDA's Prospective Plantings report today showed more corn and fewer soybean acres than traders expected. Dan Basse with AgResource Company says the totals will change and crop prices will face pressure. Legislation has been introduced to provide incentives for plant-based products. 

The USDA is set to release a March 1 Grain Stocks report and a Prospective Plantings report for the 2026 crop year. Analysts question whether fertilizer availability and price will influence final acreage. The nation's pork producers hope for the certainty of a new farm bill with a fix for California's Proposition 12 law. 

President Trump welcomed hundreds of farmers, ranchers and agriculture leaders to the White House today to offer updates on issues critical to the ag industry. Farmers were pleased to hear calls for more renewables in the fuel supply as well as efforts to expand global trade opportunities. 

Farm groups are speculating what information the Trump administration might share at a White House event tomorrow. Farm groups hope renewable energy regulations as well as updates on E15 legislation and USMCA might be included in President Trump's remarks Some analysts speculate corn acreage will fall significantly in next week's USDA acreage report. 

President Trump has rescheduled a visit to China for mid-May. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced an emergency E15 waiver for the summer driving season. Industry representatives were grateful and still hopeful the Trump administration would have additional good news for renewable fuels before the end of the month.