An end-of-day podcast with a roundup of the day's top ag, food and energy policy headlines, pushed Monday-Friday just in time for your afternoon commute.
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Fed Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said the fed may have to take action to address interest rates that are still running higher than target levels. President Trump took aim at the four largest meatpackers today suggesting farmers should be given the right to process their own food. Meat industry officials say food safety is a concern.
Clean Fuels Alliance America joined a chorus of other members of the Fuels America Coalition in a letter to President Trump warning of plans to increase Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions for small refiners. A Brazilian crop agency expects similar soybean planted agency in the country this year.
Cattlemen across the country are speaking out against President Trump's plan to import millions of pounds of foreign beef tariff free over the next 90-days. Agriculture leaders say the plan undercuts domestic beef prices, discourages producers from expanding herds and ultimately won't save consumers money for beef in the meat case.
Delegates of the Indiana Farm Bureau Federation met to discuss policy for the coming year. President Randy Kron says the farm bill and E15 legislation were at the top of the priority list, but debate over data centers took an extended period of time. Kron says it's a challenging discussion.
U.S. corn and soybean crop condition fell again this week according to USDA's NASS. Crops are advancing to maturity in overall good growing conditions. Farm groups are calling for a resolution to trade friction between the U.S. and Canada.The Trump administration is threatening additional sanctions on Iran and countries that have economic ties to the Islamic regime. UAW employees rejected a contract offer from John Deere.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall believes the Senate will approve a farm bill and is hopeful for E15 legislation and additional financial support for farmers. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association strongly opposes President Trump's plan to import beef and sell below market prices.
A bipartisan group of agriculture leaders discussed the deepening farm crisis today and launched an online platform to gather farmer voices. Former NCGA CEO Jon Doggett says the Congress gets a failing grade. Thus far field samples this week of corn and soybeans have been underwhelming on the Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told a farm audience in South Dakota today that Republicans are looking at all options to approving a farm bill. President Trump has made his selection for a the new lead at the Food and Drug Administration. The minutes of the last Fed Reserve meeting showed a divided vote on interest rates.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains in question as President Trump said he has no plans for future negotiations with Iran and threatened Oman for reportedly seeking a deal to manage the waterway with Iran. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to rescind the "roadless rule" for the nation's forests. Canada and the U.S. are attempting to negotiate a trade deal to avoid a significant increase in tariffs.
Corn and soybean condition declined again last week according to the USDA's Weekly Crop Progress report today. Crops continue to mature at faster than the average pace. The latest update from the Chicago Fed Reserve Bank suggests land values held steady in the second quarter. Farm loans reporting repayment issues have grown this year.
Opposition continues to mount against the proposed merger between two major rail companies. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson says he believes Congress will approve a farm bill and hopes labor reform legislation sees action before the end of the year.
The Trump administration says more than 40 countries are involved in a scam to bypass U.S. tariffs. A recent report says the U.S. could have lost between $10 and $100 billion dollars. Wholesale inflation dropped last month. The Labor Department's producer price index rose 4.7% from July a year ago. The NWS Climate Prediction Center suggests the current El Nino could be the strongest since 1950.
The USDA's WASDE report today revealed increased acres for both corn and soybean crops. Corn yield per acre fell but total production was forecast above 16 billion bushels. Soybean yield was also down, but production was forecast at a record level.
The USDA's August WASDE report tomorrow may include smaller production estimates and tighter stocks than previous reports. Acreage reports could be key to the results. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley is hopeful for better results on a new farm bill after the summer recess.
The USDA reports corn and soybeans continue to mature at faster than the average pace while crop condition remains well below a year ago. House Ag Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson shares his resolve to approve a new farm bill. The FDA proposed a rule to enhance oversight of substances claimed to be "Generally Recognized As Safe".
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman told members of the ag media today that he's not done working to get a new farm bill. NCBA's Collin Woodall opposes MCOOL in the Senate farm bill proposal. Agri-Pulse Newsmakers welcomes a new host: Tammi Arunder.
The same chorus of farm groups calling for the Senate Agriculture Committee to approve a new farm bill were left hoping a compromise might still be found to advance new policy this year. GOP members lacked enough votes to approve their draft proposal. Chairman Boozman left the business meeting in recess with the policy still before the committee.
President Trump says negotiators are close to a deal that would open the Strait of Hormuz. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman offers another compromise on SNAP before tomorrow's mark-up session. The meeting could include some challenging amendments to the draft text.
An exclusive conversation with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman ahead of the consideration of a new farm bill on Thursday. With the absence of Senator Mitch McConnell the votes are even for each party as debate begins on challenging issues.
President Trump said Iran is down to its last chance to negotiate a settlement to open the Strait of Hormuz and resolve concern over its nuclear program. The American Petroleum Institute opposes the Senate E15 language in the farm bill draft. Corn condition falls and soybean condition remains stead in today's USDA report.
Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith comments on efforts to approve a new farm bill and opening the border to Mexican cattle. The Meat Institute's Julie Anna Potts praises the USDA's efforts to support the industry and protect the herd. USGBC's Ryan LeGrand sees a potential shift in global grain supply.
Government officials continue to investigate a rapidly growing number of cyclosporiasis cases reported in the United States. The outbreak is impacting consumers at restaurants and for produce prices at grocery stores. Citing a lack of cost-effective alternatives and the agency's own data, some legislators are calling on EPA to approve a popular insecticide. A leading soybean crusher is expanding capacity to meet demand.
The Fed left interest rates unchanged today despite inflation that's been above the 2 percent target for the last 60 months. Crude oil prices moved higher as the global conflict in the Strait of Hormuz flared again with attacks by Iran. Feeding America's latest update suggests food insecurity is still a major problem nationwide.
Majority Leader John Thune is considering budget reconciliation as a means to accomplish some goals for the GOP and White House, including financial assistance for farmers. Senator Charles Grassley says work is underway for a stand alone E15 bill. NACD leaders are hopeful for a new farm bill.
Corn and Soybean crops continue to mature faster than the average pace. Crop condition fell from last week for both crops. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has been released from the hospital but is still in rehabilitation and not yet able to return to Washington. USDA data suggests a slight expansion in the cattle herd.
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