agri-pulse.com
Audio from our weekly Newsmakers show, released every Friday.
Sen. John Hoeven says he thinks the farm bill will be passed in this lame duck session of Congress, Dan Basse of AgResource weighs in on the president’s meeting with Xi Jinping, and Krysta Harden of USDEC talks about the dairy industry.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
This week on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, discusses the latest committee action. We also talk with Brian Glenn, director of governmental affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, about what comes next for the farm bill.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
NASDA President and Maine Agriculture Commissioner Amanda Beal joins Tammi Arender to discuss the escalating U.S.-Canada trade dispute. Beal tells us how states like Maine, which border Canada, will be impacted. We also hear from the head of the Corn Refiners Association and the American Soybean Association and what they hope can happen in the next few months to secure more markets for their products.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers is on location in Boone, Iowa, at the Farm Progress Show. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announces the Data Modernization Plan and responds to the president's decision to temporarily allow foreign ground beef into the US duty free. We also hear from Laurie Isley of the United Soybean Board on sustainability and opportunities for soybean growers, and ADM’s Paul Scheetz on regenerative agriculture and creating value for farmers.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
U.S.-Canada trade tensions and the importance of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) — What do they mean for American farmers? That and more on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers with NGFA’s Mike Seyfert and RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
This week on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall discusses the worsening farm economy, congressional assistance, the farm bill and agricultural labor reform. Louisiana farmer and businesswoman Meryl Kennedy Farr of Kennedy Rice Mill and 4Sisters Rice shares how high costs, low commodity prices and trade uncertainty are affecting rice producers — and why women will be critical to agriculture’s future.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
This week, join host Tammi Arender for Agri-Pulse Newsmakers on location at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. We sit down one-on-one with House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson to discuss the issues shaping U.S. agriculture. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Dr. Troy Ott also join us to talk about innovation, technology and what’s ahead for farmers and the future of agriculture.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Agri-Pulse Newsmakers sits down with USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce to discuss some new flexibilities in crop insurance for producers, the "One Farmer-One File" initiative, and what producers can expect in the months ahead.We also cover Commodity Credit Corporation spending in this week’s Ag by the Numbers.Also, get to know our new Newsmakers host Tammi Arender. She shares her connection to agriculture and why she’s committed to telling the stories of farmers and ranchers.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman still wants to mark up a farm bill before the August recess. Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith joins Newsmakers to share her thoughts on the bill. Then, Julie Anna Potts with the Meat Institute explains the importance of vigilance as southern ports begin to reopen for livestock trade as well as Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling and challenges of a low cattle herd.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman says he plans to have a markup this summer on his version of the farm bill. New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Luján joins Newsmakers to discuss his thoughts on the bill and changes he'd like to see in the markup.Plus, Alan Wolff with the Peterson Institute for International Economics explains what Congress was trying to solve with the Trade Act of 1974 and what may happen after the Section 122 tariffs expire.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act was recently unveiled in the House. Longtime ag labor reform champion Rep. Dan Newhouse outlines how a closed border could generate broad Congressional support for the bill. Plus, National Sorghum Producers Chairwoman Amy France and American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger discusses the top issues for their commodities during recent meetings in Washington.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Several states are moving forward with Extended Producer Responsibility laws that shift the cost of recycling packaging from local governments to producers of consumer products. International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns explains the consequences of the policy. Plus, Troy Bredenkamp with the Renewable Fuels Association and Krista Swanson with the National Corn Growers Association outline how their sectors are being impacted by Brazil's ag production.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson introduced the Save Agriculture’s Workforce Act this week. He comes to the studio to discuss how it would significantly expand and modernize the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. Plus, USDA APHIS Undersecretary Dudley Hoskins provides an update on New World screwworm response and the factors being considered to reopen the Southern border to cattle imports.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman joins Newsmakers to discuss the farm bill discussion draft released by the Senate Agriculture Committee.Plus, Tara Smith with Torrey Advisory Group and Anne MacMillan with Invariant discuss the broader farm bill politics at play during the midterm election year and the White House's supplemental spending request to address the cost of the war in Iran, which includes $11.1 billion in additional farm aid and support for year-round sales of E15.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up!
The Senate is expected to release farm bill text soon. We asked Vermont Sen. Peter Welch what he’d like to see included, and if there will be a push to remove state SNAP cost share provisions enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Welch also discusses concerns about staffing levels at farmer-facing USDA offices.Plus, Global Farmer Network founder and CEO Mary Boote discusses how farmers around the world have responded to U.S. trade and tariff policies enacted by the Trump administration, as well as technology adoption trends from GFN members in 70+ countries in 6 continents.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: Undersecretary Brashears: NWS isn't a food safety risk; Puglia on USMCASeven cases of New World screwworm have been detected on U.S. soil. USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears says the Food Safety Inspection Service's 7,000 inspectors are “leading the animal health charge” in the fight against New World screwworm.Western Growers Association President and CEO Dave Puglia discusses the importance of renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. On the panel, Phillip Kauffman with Texas A&M University and Ron Phillips with the Animal Health Institute discuss New World screwworm.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
California agriculture operates at a scale and under conditions unlike anywhere else in the country, yet the policy decisions extend far beyond state lines. We spent the week in Sacramento for the annual Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Issues Summit West and caught up with California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross to discuss the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping California agriculture, and why the rest of the country should be paying attention to the Golden State.Plus, Ag Council of California President Emily Rooney outlines concerning plastic and packaging regulations and Chris Zanobini, president and CEO of Ag Association Management Services Inc., describes the "regulatory jenga" plaguing California agriculture.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Many row crop farmers are concerned about having access to an array of crop protection tools. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin explains the shrinking backlog of approvals, how the agency will continue to engage with the Make America Healthy Again movement, and year-round E15. Plus, Mitchell Hora with Continuum Ag outlines the testimony he gave on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit and Megan Boutwell with Stillwater Associates discusses how state low carbon fuel standards are shifting demand for ag products.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
A bill to allow year-round sales of E15 passed the full House and now awaits a vote in the Senate. Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer details the push for E15, as well as her farm bill priorities ahead of text being released in June. Plus, former Chief Ag Negotiator and current president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation Gregg Doud discusses his key takeaways from the bilateral meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tammi Arender provides an update from the field on Reservoir Farms, a new ag tech innovation hub in California.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The need for farm aid is clear, but a vehicle to move the funding remains uncertain. Georgia Republican Rep. Austin Scott explains the "differing opinions" on how the payments should go out. Scott also discusses the USMCA review, EU deforestation regulations, and his vision for leading the House Ag Committee if selected as the panel's top Republican next Congress. Plus, Callie Eideberg with the Vogel Group outlines what to watch as the Senate farm bill is developed and Robbie Minnich with the National Cotton Council discusses the benefits of the Buy American Cotton Act.Receive Newsmakers in your inbox every Friday: http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The century-old Beltsville Ag Research Center in Maryland is relocating more than 1,000 jobs and dozens of research projects as part of the USDA’s reorganization. House Ag Committee member Rep. April McClain Delaney, D-Md., joined the show to argue why the facility should remain open & why she voted "no" on the farm bill in the House last week. Plus, Anthony Reed with FGS Global explains why he sees the tentative May 13 House vote on year-round E15 as "the gas price vote of 2026," and Mike Stranz with the National Farmers Union discusses what farm bill fights will arise in the Senate.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
After overnight debate, the farm bill passed the full House on Thursday. We spoke with House Ag Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson right after the vote. Plus, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney discusses the importance of the legislative progress on the farm bill. On the panel, Anne Steckel with Ardent Strategies explains the fallout of the year-round E15 provision in farm bill negotiations and Ken Barbic with Invariant discusses proposed USDA budget cuts that passed through the House appropriations committee.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The farm bill is set for a vote in the full House next week, but first the Rules Committee must decide which of more than 300 amendments can be offered on the House floor. Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois joins the show to discuss the year-round E15 and fertilizer amendments she’s supporting and how the farm bill could fare in the lower chamber. John Newton with the American Farm Bureau Federation discusses growing concerns about fertilizer availability and affordability as the conflict in Iran continues. Ellen Hart with the Animal Health Institute explains how public and private partners are working to make animal health solutions available to prevent and treat New World screwworm.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The farm bill could get a vote on the House floor before the end of April, but House Ag Committee Vice Ranking Member Shontel Brown says revisiting new state SNAP cost-share requirements should have been a “starting point” to securing broad Democratic support. Plus, our Oliver Ward provides a report from his trip to the heart of Brazilian agriculture in Mato Grosso. Joe Glauber with the International Food Policy Research Institute also joins the show to discuss Brazil's role as a rising global soybean powerhouse and the ag impacts of the war in Iran.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Attendees gathered Monday for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll which featured 40,000 real American-raised, hand-dyed eggs and 150 baby chicks. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and American Egg Board Chairman Andy Seger share more about the tradition. Plus, Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler joins the show to discuss the Grocery Guarantee Program, right to repair, and how the SBA is streamlining loan application processes.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Wildfires burned more than 900,000 acres home to many cattle in western Nebraska. Sen. Pete Ricketts says he's concerned the disaster could delay rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd and says USDA programs should have flexibility and innovation to support producers through the disaster. Plus, Iowa farmer and American Soybean Association vice president Dave Walton shares his takeaways from the EPA's recently released biofuel blending rules and Jenna Stanton with the U.S. Cattlemen's Association discusses USDA's push for labeling transparency.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up for free!
USDA hosted a National Ag Day event where a 'Product of USA' labeling public awareness campaign was launched. North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven discusses the event, plus provides an update on additional farm aid and what he'd like to see in a farm bill: Year-round E15, and no delay to the state SNAP cost share provision. Plus, NCFC's Duane Simpson and NGFA's Mike Seyfert discuss how their sectors are being impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The farm bill was approved by the House Ag Committee and now heads to the full House for a vote. House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson says he's confident it will pass even with the so-called "poison pills," and lays out his wish list in an Iran spending bill: $15 billion in farm aid, with $10 billion for specialty crop growers. Josh Linville with StoneX and Daren Coppock with the Ag Retailers Association also discuss how the war in Iran is impacting fertilizer and fuel prices.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Luján discusses what farmers and consumers should be concerned about with the war. Luján also says nutrition issues could resurface in Senate farm bill debate. Plus, Ohio and Arizona Farm Bureau presidents Bill Patterson and John Boelts discuss specialty crops, data centers, and ag labor issues during farmer focus segments.
High beef prices have been a bipartisan concern, and a dozen Senate Democrats introduced legislation this week to break up the big four meatpackers. Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute, stopped by the studio to discuss the issue and MAHA's impact on meat demand. University of Missouri economist Seth Meyer and Brett Gibbs with Bloomberg Intelligence also discuss biofuels and what farmers should be watching as conflict in the Middle East escalates.
Thousands of farmers and agribusiness leaders gathered in San Antonio, Texas, for Commodity Classic this week as the challenging ag economy looms over producers. We ask National Sorghum Producers Chairwoman and Kansas farmer Amy France how tariffs are affecting sorghum growers, and introduce our viewers to Idaho farmer and incoming National Association of Wheat Growers president, Jamie Kress.Plus, the Environmental Protection Agency sent proposed final biofuel-blending rules for this year and next to the White House for review. Devin Mogler, president and CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association, and Scott Metzger, an Ohio farmer and American Soybean Association president, provide an update on biofuel policy.Kurt Coffey, vice president of Case IH North America and vice chair of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, also provides an update on how the equipment sector is responding to tariffs, and the demand trends he's expecting this year.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Agriculture Department is anticipating a slightly easier 2026 for U.S. ag producers, with prices for major commodities nudging higher and input and labor costs moderating. We sat down with USDA Chief Economist Justin Benavidez at USDA's annual Ag Outlook Forum to discuss the department's projections.Then, Tara Smith with Torrey Advisory Group and Laura Wood with LWP Consulting discuss what's included – and what's left out of – of the House Ag Committee's recently unveiled farm bill text, and what they'll be watching for during the markup beginning Monday, Feb. 23.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council has until Sunday to come up with a proposal to allow year-round sales of E15. We asked Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., a member of the council, about the status of those negotiations. Smith also discusses the latest push to renew the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement, which is scheduled for a six-year review in July.Plus, Jessica Schulken with The Russell Group provides an update on what she will be watching for in the House Ag Committee's farm bill text that will be released today, and Dan Basse with AgResource Company discusses the value of the USMCA for American agriculture.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Over 9,000 beef producers and industry leaders gathered in Nashville for the cattle industry's annual convention this week. We caught up with Ethan Lane from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association about the group's 2026 policy priorities, which include a focus on New World screwworm and trade. While New World screwworm has not been detected in the U.S., Steve Boren with Boehringer Ingelheim explains the threat of the flesh-eating parasite and how public-private partnerships are collaborating on prevention and preparedness efforts.Plus, Kevin Good with CattleFax forecasts when the cattle herd, now at a 74-year low, will start rebuilding. Kansas rancher Brandi Buzzard with High Bar Cattle Co. also joins the show to discuss her decision-making for 2026.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Agriculture Department has temporarily taken over management of the Food for Peace program, which drives demand for U.S. commodities used as international food aid. We spoke with Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran about the program’s history and ties to Kansas, USDA’s commitment to distribute more than 200,000 tons of food aid by March, and his confidence that legislation could pass to permanently house the program at USDA.Plus, hear more about how the Food for Peace program would be improved, by moving it from the State Department to USDA, from our panel with Kim Cooper from the North American Millers’ Association and Dalton Henry of U.S. Wheat Associates.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Additional farm aid wasn't included in a government funding package but farm groups are continuing to push for additional assistance, including $5 billion specifically for specialty crops. Rep. Josh Harder, who represents part of California's Central Valley, joins the show to discuss the concerns of his district's growers: ag labor reform, tariffs, and reforming olive oil standards.Also this week, Congress punted legislative action on year-round E15 again by creating a council of lawmakers to study the issue instead of including legislation in a government funding bill. National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower discusses the devastating news for corn farmers.The dietary guidelines released this month encourage Americans to consume less processed food. Mollie Van Lieu with the International Fresh Produce Association explains how the guidelines could increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and which nutrition issues could arise in farm bill 2.0 negotiations.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders traveled to California for the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention where the group agreed ag labor is one of the top issues they hear about. We spoke with Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman, R-Ark., and ranking member Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., in an exclusive joint interview touching on year-round E15, the future of the farm bill and ag labor reform. Plus, House Ag's chairman, Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Penn., and ranking member, Angie Craig, D-Minn., join the show to discuss a farm bill 2.0 timeline and what they'd like to see included in the bill.Plus, we connected with American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall to learn what he was hearing from members at the convention and how the current farm economy compares to the 1980s farm crisis.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Congress is back in Washington for the second session of the 119th Congress. We sat down with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., to discuss the future of year-round E15, prospects for a second budget reconciliation bill to be passed in 2026, and odds of a five-year farm bill being passed. "For me whether it's year-round E15 ... eliminating taxes on farm machinery, whether it's creating new tax incentives, whether it's redirecting tariff revenue to the farm community that is actually shouldering some of the burden," Emmer explained. "I support all of that."Plus, Callie Eideberg with The Vogel Group and Ken Barbic with Invariant discuss the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the future of a complete, five-year farm bill moving in 2026.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
It's been a big year for farm policy. President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January and quickly followed through on many of his campaign promises: an aggressive trade agenda, renewed focus on food inflation, and the use of a Republican-controlled House and Senate to enact a sweeping budget reconciliation bill that included major agriculture spending. At the same time, USDA announced a broad reorganization plan, and $42 billion in farm aid was unveiled to support the struggling farm economy and ongoing lack of export markets.On this special year-in-review episode, we revisit the most influential interviews from Agri-Pulse Newsmakers in 2025 that brought you to the heart of ag policy each week.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is nearing the end of her first year leading USDA. We sat down with two former agriculture secretaries, Dan Glickman of the Clinton administration and Mike Johanns of the George W. Bush administration, to reflect on the top issues of 2025.Tune in for a conversation on the farm economy, beef prices, and possible farm policy reforms. We also asked the leaders what advice they would offer Rollins as she looks ahead to 2026.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Trump administration unveiled a $12 billion farm aid package last week, but some lawmakers are already saying more aid is needed. Before Congress left Washington for the year, we spoke with Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman about the future of the farm bill, the potential need for more farm aid in early 2026, and if there will be a time when farmers don't need to rely on government payments.Plus, Peter Bachmann with the USA Rice Federation and Dennis Nuxoll with Western Growers join the show to discuss the market and commodity market losses rice and specialty crop growers are grappling with, and the need for an additional farm aid package in early 2026.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Trump administration unveiled a $12 billion Farm Bridge Assistance aid package to compensate farmers impacted by market and commodity market losses. House Ag Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig, D-Minn., said farmers are in need of economic support, but added "the administration has called this a bridge. Where's the bridge? This is more like a circle."Plus, Jonathan Coppess with the University of Illinois Gardner Agriculture Policy Program and Eric Gibson with Rabobank outline when farmers should receive payments and if a second farm aid package should be moved by Congress in 2026. The pair also discuss concerns about the effect repeated farm aid payments will have on the next generation of farmers.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
A new farm aid package is expected next week to help farmers facing export losses and low commodity prices. We sat down with Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden, who says “a wide variety of commodity crops” will qualify.In our extended year-in-review interview, we also cover the Trump administration’s progress on major ag priorities — tackling food inflation, advancing trade deals, and addressing meat sector consolidation. Vaden, who is overseeing the USDA reorganization, also outlines the timeline for relocating staff to five regional hubs across the country.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
China has begun purchasing U.S. soybeans following a trade deal with the United States. We asked Tanner Ehmke with the CoBank Knowledge Exchange whether the recent purchases show China can meet its commitments under the agreement. Plus, Lance Zimmerman with Rabobank discusses consumer beef demand amid an ongoing low cattle supply and the Trump administration’s increased beef import quota from Argentina.Brian Jennings with the American Coalition for Ethanol also joins the show to discuss the ongoing push for year-round E15, and Luther Markwart with the American Sugarbeet Growers Association outlines concerns about sugar dumping from Brazil. Tom Zacharias with the National Crop Insurance Services explains influential budget reconciliation crop insurance provisions growers can look forward to in 2026.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Agriculture Department will soon roll out the second stage of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. We asked Richard Fordyce, undersecretary of agriculture for farm production and conservation, about the program and when — or if — the trade aid payments previously teased by the administration will be announced.Plus, Joby Young outlines what’s included for agriculture in the deal lawmakers struck to reopen the government and Dan Halstrom with the U.S. Meat Export Federation discusses the impact of the U.S.-China trade deal for the meat industry. Emily Skor with Growth Energy also weighs in on the biofuel sector's continued push for year-round E15 and what she expects from the EPA’s Renewable Volume Obligations.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The longest government shutdown in American history is over. President Donald Trump has signed into law legislation that will fully fund USDA and the FDA through the rest of the new fiscal year. We asked Tennessee Rep. John Rose about why the new continuing resolution is important for agriculture. He also shares his thoughts on what’s at stake for agriculture in a ruling from the Supreme Court over whether the president properly used a 1977 law to impose tariffs on countries across the globe.Then, Tom Sell with Combest, Sell & Associates and Anne MacMillan with Invariant discuss when they think the remaining parts of the farm bill will pass and the measure will look like. They also talk about whether it will be harder to get other countries to lower barriers on American ag exports if the Supreme Court rules against the president.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Supreme Court heard arguments this week on President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., the top Democrat on the Senate Ag Committee, discusses attending the arguments and why she believes the court will strike down the president’s use of a 1977 law to implement his tariffs. She also outlines what’s needed to end the government shutdown and whether she’ll support farm aid for trade losses this year.Trade experts Greta Peisch of Wiley Rein and Mayur Patel of Hogan Lovells also weigh in on the case’s implications for agriculture.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
After shunning U.S. soybeans this year, China pledged to buy 25 million tons of soybeans annually for the next three years as part of the U.S.-China trade deal. We asked Minnesota Rep. Brad Finstad about the deal, his concerns about the November lapse in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, and year-round E15.Plus, Barbara Patterson of Torrey Advisory Group and Ken Barbic of Invariant discuss how the lapse in SNAP benefits for the first time in program history could affect millions of Americans who depend on the program. They also discussed the implications of the U.S.-China trade deal, which keeps China’s soybean purchases level with, or even below, recent years.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
USDA recently signed an agreement with the Department of Justice to protect farmers from high and volatile input costs. Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, joins the show to discuss the announcement and seed costs. Plus, he explains how tariffs are impacting the seed industry and ASTA's recent acquisition of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization's crop biotechnology advocacy portfolio.Plus, Jay Vroom with Vroom Leigh Agriculture and Peter Carstensen with the University of Wisconsin discuss farmers' concerns about consolidation in the inputs space and the differences between the Trump and Biden administrations' work on ag industry consolidation.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
It’s been a year of shakeup for international assistance after the abrupt closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development. We ask former Ag Secretary and current World Food Prize Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack about how the approach to international aid can be reinvented, the feasibility of moving the Food for Peace program to USDA, and whether he’s concerned President Trump’s tariff policy could affect long-term market access for U.S. farmers.Plus, 2025 World Food Prize Laureate and Embrapa Soybean researcher Mariangela Hungria joins the show to discuss her life's work advancing soil microbiology, how Brazilian farmers have embraced biologicals, and how the “Micro Green Revolution” has changed the trajectory of agriculture in Brazil.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The government is still shut down amid a congressional stalemate. Minnesota Democrat Sen. Tina Smith discusses which farmer-facing programs she's worried could be affected. She also expresses concern that the U.S. is losing export markets because of trade disruptions.Then, American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky looks back at what the first Trump administration learned from delivering two rounds of Market Facilitation Program payments, and how that experience could guide the upcoming economic aid payments ag groups are requesting. Farmers for Free Trade executive director Brian Kuehl also joins the show to discuss the group's cross-country motorcade for trade.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Harvest is underway, but there's still uncertainty about where some of those crops will go. We asked North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven if he thinks the U.S. is losing valuable global markets and how bailout trade aid payments for farmers could be funded through tariff revenue.Also on the show, Virginia Houston with the American Soybean Association and Joe Glauber from the International Food Policy Research Institute discuss what China’s recent soybean purchase from Argentina means for the U.S. and if it's concerning to not see an October World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report because of the government shutdown.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Hundreds of women gathered in Orlando for the Women in Agribusiness Summit. We spoke with Alejandra Castillo from the North American Export Grain Association about how the ag sector could be affected by port fees set to go into effect Oct. 14. We also ask Polly Ruhland with FTI Consulting about the shifting dynamic between food producers and consumers, and Maria McWhorter from Kynetec about farmers’ views of the farm economy.Sara Neagu-Reed was awarded the Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award of Excellence at the event. We discuss how her upbringing in Oakland, California, and roots in Romania have guided her career.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
China, the largest purchaser of U.S. soybeans, has yet to make a purchase from this fall's crop. We asked executive head of Terrain Ag John Newton how long the lack of purchasing could go on, if U.S. grain storage capacity can accommodate the bin-busting crop with limited export markets, and how softening interest rates may affect the farm economy.Plus, Krista Swanson from the National Corn Growers Association discusses a recent survey that shows a majority of corn farmers see an economic crisis brewing and Brandon Lipps with Caprock Strategies explains the potential far-reaching impacts of the Make America Healthy Again Commission's final report on other pieces of policy like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Make America Healthy Again Commission unveiled a final report which suggests easing some regulations on farms, increasing research on precision agriculture technology and removing restrictions on whole milk sales in schools. We asked Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall about the report and how MAHA could expand through states in the future.Then, T.A. Hawks with Monument Advocacy and Mike Stranz with the National Farmers Union discuss trade, concerns about brain drain at USDA and the prospects for emergency farm assistance as well as a skinny farm bill this fall.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Congress has returned to Washington after the August recess. House Ag Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson tells us he still wants to take committee action on “farm bill 2.0” in September and is eyeing including farm aid payments funded through tariff revenue. During our conversation, we discuss some of the top issues facing agriculture this fall: Farm income, trade, ag labor reform, the USDA reorganization plan, and his priorities in "farm bill 2.0." Then, Callie Eideberg with the Vogel Group and Tom Sell with Combest, Sell & Associates discuss the USDA’s farm income forecast, trade and the possibility of farm aid payments this fall.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Harvest is quickly approaching, but grower groups and the ag industry are on edge as China has yet to make a purchase from the fall U.S. soybean crop. At the Farm Progress Show, we asked American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland about the letter ASA sent to President Trump urging a trade deal with China and about his conversation with Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden at the show. Rabobank's Stephen Nicholson says he thinks circumstances have changed too much since the China Phase One trade agreement to secure a similar deal now.Plus, National Corn Growers Association first vice president Jed Bower says the expected record corn crop is causing a push for year-round E-15. Austin Gellings from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers discusses how equipment companies are dealing with tariffs and Robb Ewoldt with the United Soybean Board discusses diversifying uses of U.S. soy both domestically and internationally.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
China has not made any U.S. soybean purchases from this fall's crop, which has growers concerned about the relationship with the largest U.S. soybean purchaser ahead of harvest. We asked Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, about the trade landscape and what he's watching for in USDA’s quarterly ag trade outlook due out next week. Plus, we discuss how NASDA members are partners in New World screwworm eradication efforts.Then, Texas State Veterinarian Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges and Boehringer Ingelheim's Steve Boren discuss Ag Sec. Brooke Rollins' recent New World screwworm investment in Texas and the private sector's role supporting eradication and treatment efforts.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The public is anxiously awaiting the release of the second Make America Healthy Again Commission report. Cathy Burns, president and CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association, discusses the opportunities her group sees in the upcoming guidance, the need for ag labor reform and when consumers may begin to see higher produce prices caused by tariffs.Plus, Dan Basse from AgResource Company discusses USDA's bin-busting corn crop projections and China's lack of soybean purchasing this year. Becky Rasdall Vargas from the International Dairy Foods Association joins the conversation to discuss the current trade landscape and the foreign shipbuilding port fees that will go into effect this fall.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
House Ag Committee Chair "GT" Thompson wants to take action on a skinny farm bill this fall. We spoke with ranking members of both the House and Senate Ag Committees, Rep. Angie Craig and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, at the Minnesota FarmFest about their priorities within a skinny farm bill and their willingness to negotiate after nutrition program cuts in reconciliation.Plus, AFBF President Zippy Duvall discusses his group's priorities for the second Make America Healthy Again Commission Report due to be released next week, Rep. Brad Finstad defends the need to include a Prop 12 legislative fix in a skinny farm bill, and Rep. Michelle Fischbach reviews President Trump's trade negotiations so far.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
A longtime crop insurance agent and member of both the Iowa and American Soybean Association board of directors, Pat Swanson may be new to USDA but not to the many crop insurance programs farmers depend on. On Newsmakers this week, we speak with Risk Management Agency Administrator Pat Swanson about her plans to lead the agency and how her background serving on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation has prepared her for the role.Plus, hear from two former USDA undersecretaries, Robert Bonnie and Bruce Knight, for perspective on USDA's reorganization plan, which will move more than half of the 4,600 current Washington-based staff to five regional hubs across the U.S.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins released the long-awaited USDA reorganization plan this week including closure of some facilities and relocation of many staff to regional hubs across the country. We spoke with Maryland Rep. April McClain Delaney about the plan, including the closure of the Beltsville Ag Research Center in her state, as well as rural broadband deployment.Plus, Eric Steiner with OFW Law discusses what to expect in the skinny farm bill House Ag Chairman "GT" Thompson wants to move this fall, and Shirley Bloomfield from NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association explains what's needed to continue expanding broadband connectivity.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Trump administration said ag would be exempt from immigration raids, then said that "no amnesty" will be shown for those employed in agriculture. We speak with Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democratic Congresswoman representing Oregon's Willamette Valley, about the strain this uncertainty is putting on her district's producers as well as how staff reductions at the Forest Service could impact wildfire fighting abilities.Then, Rebeckah Adcock with the International Fresh Produce Association discusses her industry's trade concerns as President Trump's reciprocal tariff rate increase looms on August 1 and Michael Marsh with the National Council of Agricultural Employers discusses what he's hearing about ICE raids of agricultural businesses across the U.S.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The reconciliation bill passed by Congress this month cuts nutrition program spending by an estimated $186 billion over ten years. We spoke with Rep. Shri Thanedar, an ag committee Democrat who represents the Detroit metropolitan area, who tells us that after the cuts to SNAP, "I don't think it's going to be smooth sailing for what you call the skinny farm bill."Then, Tara Smith with Torrey Advisory Group discusses when producers will see the boost to commodity and crop insurance programs included in reconciliation and Arlan Suderman at StoneX discusses the extension of the country-specific reciprocal tariff deadline.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Sentiment in farm country has fluctuated with talk of trade wars, weakened commodity prices, as well as rising input and regulatory costs that are squeezing producers. Christy Seyfert, president and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, discusses the state of the farm economy and the benefits rural America will see from farm provisions passed in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.Then, Dan Basse, president of AgResource Company, discusses what the ag industry should brace for as President Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs could end on July 9.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Senate Republicans are still working through a few major issues as they continue trying to pass the reconciliation bill by President Trump’s July 4 deadline. Sen. Raphael Warnock, the only southern Democrat on the Senate Ag Committee, discusses how he thinks the bill’s treatment of SNAP, Medicaid and Inflation Reduction Act programs could hurt rural America.Then, Jacqlyn Schneider with FGS Global discusses how conservation funding and the broader farm bill coalition could be affected by reconciliation, and Rachel Sheffield from the Heritage Foundation discusses the more aggressive SNAP work requirements.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Senate leadership is still aiming to have the budget reconciliation bill through the Senate by July 4. Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman joins Newsmakers to outline the benefits farm country will see in the bill. He also discusses immigration, the MAHA Commission report and his optimism for passing a complete farm bill this Congress.Plus, Mike Stranz with the National Farmers Union and Tas Smith from the National Cotton Council discuss the extension of the 45Z tax credit in reconciliation, Buy American Cotton Act and MAHA Commission report.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The Senate Ag Committee released budget reconciliation text this week that includes a boost to some key farm bill programs and a less aggressive state SNAP cost share proposal than the House. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., discusses the proposal and her recent meeting with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about the Make America Healthy Again Commission report.Plus, Katie Naessens with Torrey Advisory Group and Ken Barbic with Invariant continue the discussion on reconciliation, then dive into trade and state SNAP waivers restricting soda and candy purchases.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The pork industry suffered one of the worst economic years on record in 2023. As producers now grapple with the uncertainty of tariffs, we speak with Kevin Stuckey, sow unit manager at Cooper Farms in Ohio, Chris Ford, VP corporate swine lender at Farm Credit Services of America and Oklahoma Pork Council Executive Director Kylee Deniz to get a pulse on the animal health, labor and economic challenges facing the industry.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Senate Republicans will spend the coming weeks trying to agree on changes to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. We asked Clinton and George W. Bush administration ag secretaries, Dan Glickman and Mike Johanns, about how reconciliation elements may change in the Senate and the fate of the traditional rural-urban farm bill coalition. "It looks to me like the coalition broke up," Johanns says.Glickman and Johanns also discuss the Make America Healthy Again report, President Trump's tariffs and USDA staff reductions.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
House Republicans passed their reconciliation bill by a one vote margin. The bill boosts farm programs and extends key tax breaks but cuts SNAP program spending. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson joins Newsmakers to talk about why the bill is so important for agriculture. He also discusses the impact of federal downsizing at USDA and whether farmers should be worried about the president’s trade policy.Then, Jim Richards with Cornerstone Government Affairs and Anne Simmons with The Peterson Group, Inc. discuss the specifics of reconciliation and whether comprehensive farm bills are a thing of the past.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
House Republicans advanced major pieces of their massive budget bill this week, including expanded tax benefits for farmers and small businesses. We asked Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., how those provisions could fare in the Senate. He also says he’s pushing back on Make America Healthy Again advocates who criticize pesticide use, and he talks about what he expects from the new dietary guidelines.Then, John Weber with Monument Advocacy and Sharon Bomer Lauritsen with AgTrade Strategies, LLC discuss the details of reconciliation and the recent trade deal between the U.S. and U.K.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
House Agriculture Committee members will have a lengthy markup next week to find the instructed $230 billion in budget reconciliation savings. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., explains Democrats' opposition to nutrition cuts and the scrubbing of the term "climate" at USDA.Then, former USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie discusses downsizing at the agency and Angela Rachidi from the American Enterprise Institute outlines proposed SNAP cuts in reconciliation.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Republicans on the House Ag Committee are trying to reach agreement on cuts to nutrition assistance and increases in farm bill spending. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, says Democrats will be largely opposed to SNAP cuts to fund a boost to commodity programs. “We can’t rob Peter to pay Paul,” she said.Then, Tom Sell with Combest, Sell & Associates and Gina Plata-Nino with the Food Research and Action Center discuss the political hurdles ahead with proposed cuts to the SNAP program.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says the USDA's downsizing plan due in May could include some consolidation. Recording at the White House Easter Egg Roll, we also asked her about the department's plans to address bird flu this spring, her thoughts on the timing for trade assistance and whether she’s confident Congress will provide needed funding through the Commodity Credit Corporation.Then, we speak with Emily Metz from the American Egg Board, Cathy Burns from the International Fresh Produce Association and Philip Good from the United Soybean Board to discuss the commodities on display at the event.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
Congressional Republicans are still a long way from agreeing on the giant budget reconciliation bill, but NCFC leader Chuck Conner says he sees ‘glimmers of hope’ for a boost to the farm safety net in the package. Conner also discusses the possibility for ag labor reform this Congress as well as tariffs and brain drain at USDA. Then, Dan Halstrom from the U.S. Meat Export Federation and Krista Swanson from the National Corn Growers Association discuss how tariffs are affecting their industries. Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up for free!
President Donald Trump this week temporarily paused country-specific reciprocal tariffs while those applied to China increased to 125%. We asked Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., how the move could change the U.S.' ag trading relationship with China and his thoughts on staff reductions at the Agriculture Department.Then, Tim Lust from the National Sorghum Producers and Ken Barbic with Invariant discuss the tariffs, including how long producers can wait for government payments for market loss.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
President Trump unveiled a massive tariff plan this week adding a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports, plus a higher reciprocal tariff on many U.S. trading partners. We asked Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., how the tariffs will affect producers and how farm bill elements may be incorporated into budget reconciliation.Then, the American Soybean Association's Virginia Houston and Joe Glauber from the International Food Policy Research Institute discuss which producers could be hurt the most by the tariffs and how farmers' cost of production will increase.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
After three hurricanes hit her Florida district in 13 months, Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., overviews recovery efforts and the possibility to embed USDA staff in FEMA to assist with future disasters. She also discusses the potential for including farm bill elements in budget reconciliation, saying it is “absolutely feasible.”Then, T.A. Hawks with Monument Advocacy and Mike Stranz from the National Farmers Union discuss USDA’s release of $10B in market relief payments and the potential impact of the administration’s trade policies on agriculture.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
The agriculture industry is beginning to feel shocks from retaliatory tariffs aimed at U.S. farm products. We speak with National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney about how President Trump’s aggressive trade agenda is impacting American agriculture and look ahead to NASDA’s farm bill priorities.Then, Scott Gerlt with the American Soybean Association and Roger Cryan from the American Farm Bureau Federation discuss whether farmers should be concerned about another trade war.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD
