Agri-Pulse DriveTime

The Senate Finance Committee approved Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Ag Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. NCBA's Ethan Lane says the EPA's new WOTUS rule will be harder to change in future administrations. China purchased U.S. soybeans this week, but not because of the price.

Harvesting of U.S. corn and soybeans is nearing completion despite weather challenges this week. Crops in the Southern Hemisphere are advancing with good yield prospects. China has purchased more soybeans from the U.S. at prices higher than Brazilian supplies. 

The Trump Environmental Protection Agency released a proposal to redefine waters of the United States to better conform with an earlier Supreme Court Ruling. The proposal will see a 45 day comment period. The USDA is opening enrollment for a second phase of its Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley doesn't expect Congress to dictate how USDA offers financial assistance to farmers this year. Grassley told reporters he hopes China keeps their word on soybean purchases. Commodity prices fall after record yields are forecast for this year. 

A new analysis from the Institute for Feed Education and Research shows a greater reliance on Chinese feed supplements. The U.S. and Mexican governments announced the opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility. An Indiana dairy farmer is the new chair of the National Milk Producers Federation. 

The House of Representatives could vote to approve legislation that would end the government shutdown. Even if the language is approved there is no specific timetable when SNAP funds will be restored.  Last week China signed trade deals with Brazil for 20 billion tons of ag products worth over $10-billion dollars. 

As Washington wrangles with ending the longest government shutdown in the nation's history, the nation's food banks and charitable organizations are struggling to assist families in need. USDA has no reports to suggest China is buying U.S. commodities. A wealth of data is due Friday at noon eastern. 

Compromise legislation to reopen the government is still under negotiations on Capitol Hill. The proposed language includes provisions to extend farm and food programs. The Trump administration was back at the Supreme Court attempting to keep food aid funds frozen while the government is shut down. 

Senate GOP leadership rejected a Democratic proposal to open the government. The EPA frustrated the renewable fuel industry with a SRE announcement today. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar shares thoughts on the SCOTUS tariff hearing this week. 

The nation's wheat growers wrapped up meetings this week in Texas. New NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer and President Pat Clements discuss key issues from the joint meeting. Trump administration officials defend U.S. tariffs following oral arguments yesterday before the SCOTUS. 

Randy Russell with the Russell Group believes the political winds of compromise will come soon to Capitol Hill.  Brian Kuehl with Farmers For Free Trade says Congress should become more involved in U.S. trade policy. 

Negotiations are said to be underway between Democrat and Republican leaders in Washington to end the government shutdown. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley admits to finger pointing and Brazil's president says he will speak to President Trump soon if trade negotiations to end tariffs don't start soon. 

The Trump administration will comply with court rulings and partially fund SNAP benefits for November. Crop production estimates are increasing for Brazilian farmers next year and traders say the harvest is nearing completion in the U.S.

Two federal judges ruled the Trump Administration must use contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. The Fed lowered interest rates again this week, but additional cuts this year may not be guaranteed. Halloween candy sales will exceed $3-billion dollars this year. 

Food banks across the nation are bracing for what could be an exponential increase in food demand if Washington doesn't fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by tomorrow night. Soybean farmers say they are encouraged by Trump's trade deal with China. 

Various news agencies report China purchased U.S. soybeans in advance of trade discussions between President's Trump and Xi. Analysts say the farm economy is teetering on the edge of history. Farm health insurance premiums could be moving much higher. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says Senate Democrats have an easy fix to a lack of funds for the SNAP program.  Grassley is hopeful President Trump can secure a trade deal with China, but says Trump could do more at home to help the plight of U.S. crop farmers. 

Anticipation of a trade deal with China helped crop prices move higher today. Live and feeder cattle futures were significantly lower on talk of lower beef prices for consumers. A number of hearings are scheduled this week in the Senate to consider Trump nominees as well review price increases for seed and fertilizer. 

The U.S. will begin a Section 301 trade investigation into China's purchases under the Phase One trade deal during President Trump's first term. Trump cancels all negotiations with Canada following an advertisement by the Ontario government. The Consumer Price Index was higher during September. 

 Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today said Argentina's beef import quota would be increased by at least fourfold. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley said fellow legislators and industry representatives have not been able to sway President Trump's plan. 

USDA will open Farm Service Agency county offices tomorrow to assist farmers with loans and aid programs. Japanese officials are preparing a purchase package to present to President Trump next week. Agri-Pulse reports more states are considering SNAP purchase restrictions. 

The American Petroleum Institute withdraws support for legislation to allow higher sales of ethanol blended gasoline. Private crop analysts report an advanced harvest pace in the U.S. with advanced planting progress in Brazil. The Trump administration reports new efforts to assist the beef industry and lower consumer beef prices. 

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig stands opposed to President Trump's support of Argentina including importing their beef. A number of farm groups including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association spoke against Trump's plan today. 

Industry analysts say biofuels could provide an increase in demand for row crops like corn and soybeans. Kirk Kovarik with Clean Fuels Alliance America says the government shutdown is delaying EPA decisions on industry opportunities and an economic boost for farmers, rural communities and the environment. 

Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union and Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association discuss the economic challenges facing the nation's farming community and appeal to both the legislature and the administration to get back to work and take action.