Agri-Pulse DriveTime

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer believes legislators will address remaining policy in a new farm bill this year and says another budget reconciliation bill is possible. National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Kieffer says the Food for Peace Program should be moved from the State Department to the USDA. 

The Supreme Court could announce opinions tomorrow on President Trump's authority to levy tariffs on global trade partners. President Trump will withdraw U.S. participation in dozens of international organizations. Half of the total includes United Nation's entities. French and Greek farmers protested today in advance of a decision tomorrow by the European Commission on a free trade deal with Merc...

The Trump administration released its new Dietary Guidelines today. The plate is gone and the pyramid is back, only inverted. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Americans should "Eat real food." Produce and meat industry officials seemed pleased with the new guidance. 

Flags have been ordered at half staff in California as the state and the agriculture community nationwide mourns the loss of Representative Doug LaMalfa.  The Energy Information Administration reports ethanol represented over 11 percent of the nation's gasoline supply in October. Trade officials say China has purchased additional soybean supplies this week. 

The CDC lowers the number of vaccines recommended for children from 17 to 11. U.S. action in Venezuela could escalate tension between the U.S. and China. Private analysts are forecasting another record soybean crop in Brazil. 

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers guest is Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman. The Arkansas Republican is grateful for the Trump administration's Bridge Assistance program, but admits additional funds may be necessary. 

U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamison Greer briefed legislators this week on the Trump administration's goals for review of the USMCA Trade Agreement. The American Farm Bureau Federation released market intelligence today on the EPA's new WOTUS definition. 

A new coalition plans to lobby for a nationally uniform regulatory approach for food labeling standards and other ingredients. AFIT wants national standards for front of pack labeling and QR code reform. Americans for Ingredient Transparency members include some of the world's largest food manufacturers and farm groups. 

House Ag Chairman Glenn Thompson said Congress should provide another $10-billion dollars in financial assistance to additional commodities growers in the face of challenging economics.  Iowa Senator Charles Grassley called on Trump administration regulators to finish their rulemaking for renewable fuels. 

The House of Representatives approved legislation to allow whole milk back in school lunchrooms. The Whole Milk for Heathy Kids Act now awaits President Trump's signature. The North American Renderers Association estimates a half billion dollars of Used Cooking Oil is stolen in the U.S. each year. 

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers guest is House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig. The Minnesota Democrat says the Trump Bridge Assistance Program is inadequate especially if there's no change in the nation's trade policy. 

USSEC CEO Jim Sutter believes the Chinese want a better trade relationship with the U.S. despite uncertainty over the specifics of the trade deal. Indiana Farm Bureau delegates are meeting this week at the same time their elected leaders are in the Hoosier Statehouse. 

U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer wasn't willing to commit on whether the Trump administration would favor a trilateral USMCA Trade Agreement or prefer a bilateral deal with both Canada and Mexico. Senate Republicans appear willing to find additional financial assistance for crop farmers. The Fed lowered interest rates today. 

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland says growers appreciate the Trump administration's efforts to provide financial assistance to farmers suffering from enormous economic headwinds. Ragland says Washington could help with favorable legislation and regulatory decisions to stimulate crop demand. 

The Trump administration announced a $12 billion dollar financial assistance package today for farmers impacted by a loss of global markets and high input costs. The USDA's WASDE report tomorrow could include revised export estimates for major commodities. 

USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says the Trump administration started from ground zero on opening trade opportunities for U.S. farmers. Vaden says the agency will announce a financial assistance package for farmers next week. The Plant Based Products Council announces new research showing favorable consumer acceptance for plant based products. 

Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association shared their review of the USMCA trade agreement in Washington this week. AgResource Company's Dan Basse believes China used the futures market to secure promised purchases of U.S. soybeans. 

Agriculture groups say China's lack of purchases of ag commodities under the Phase One trade deal is only a part of their failure to live up to previous commitments. The EIA reports record ethanol production. Land O' Lakes is teaming with Microsoft to introduce AI tools for agriculture. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said today that the USDA will announce a tariff assistance package for farmers next week. The Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP food assistance from states that do not comply with requests for information on those who receive assistance. The administration says the information is needed to spot fraud. 

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will hold a three-day listening session this week on the USMCA ahead of the review of the North American trade agreement next year. The ag industry awaits word from the Trump USDA on an aide package. Corn exports continue to exceed last year's pace meanwhile soybean sales lag. 

The American Farm Bureau says the Thanksgiving meal is more affordable this year. Meanwhile the farm share of the food dollar continues to shrink. Millions of tables will feature turkey at Thanksgiving, but two lucky birds were spared after being trained for a career of public relations. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says the Trump administration can still take further action to lower food prices. Grassley says the USMCA trade agreement has been a boon for the U.S. economy.

The USDA's NASS offered its final crop production report of the year. Cattle placements in October were the lowest since 1996. Outbreaks of bird flu increased dramatically over the past 30 days. Congressional leaders called on USDA to immediately restore full avian influenza surveillance in light of recent outbreaks. 

Lower tariffs on imported beef from Brazil shouldn't influence cattle prices for producers but could lower some beef costs for consumers in the meat case. Cold weather is in store for next week and Old Man Winter may be challenging for some along the coasts. 

End of year financials are sobering for some farmers in some regions of the country. Commodity presidents Caleb Ragland of the American Soybean Association and Jed Bower of the National Corn Growers Association discuss challenges.  USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce discusses farm assistance.