China’s June Soybean Imports Drop by 21 Percent

China sharply reduced soybean imports from the United States in June, while purchases from Brazil continued to climb. Reuters said Chinese customs data showed June soybean imports from the U.S. totaled 1.27 million metric tons, down 20.6 percent from 1.6 million tons a year earlier. Imports from Brazil rose 13.7 percent to 12.08 million tons. Total soybean arrivals reached a record 13.55 million tons for the month as strong Brazilian shipments and previously delayed cargoes cleared ports. For the first six months of the year, China imported 9.31 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans, a 42.4 percent decline from the same period last year. Meanwhile, Brazilian shipments increased 9.1 percent to 34.75 million tons. The decline reflects lingering effects of trade tensions that delayed purchases of U.S. soybeans, although China resumed buying American beans following meetings between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping and continues to target agreed-upon soybean purchase targets.

Groups Applaud Glyphosate Petition Withdrawal

The American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association are applauding Bayer subsidiary Ruveon (roo-VEE-ahn) for withdrawing its request to impose new duties on imported glyphosate from China. The company dropped petitions seeking antidumping and countervailing duties after farm groups warned the move would increase crop protection costs. ASA President Scott Metzger says Ruveon listened to growers' concerns about affordability and access to herbicides, adding farmers depend on cost-effective crop protection tools to remain productive and competitive. National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower also welcomed the decision, saying rising input costs remain one of the biggest challenges facing producers. Bower says additional duties on glyphosate would have made an already difficult financial situation worse. Both organizations say they hope the decision leads to stronger communication between agricultural input suppliers and farmers while helping preserve access to affordable crop protection products.

Mexico’s New U.S. Ambassador Sees Trade Deal Late in 2026

Mexico's ambassador to the United States says the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement should be completed before the end of the year, providing greater certainty for farmers, businesses, and investors. Ambassador Roberto Lazzeri told Bloomberg that the three countries need to move quickly to preserve North America's competitive advantage. He says every delay in reaching an agreement costs the region market share and competitiveness. The USMCA governs about $2 trillion in annual trade among the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Earlier this month, the U.S. chose annual reviews over the next ten years instead of extending the agreement for another 16 years. Unless one of the three countries withdraws, the trade pact remains in effect through 2036. Lazzeri's comments come ahead of a new round of U.S.-Mexico trade talks beginning on Tuesday, July 21, in Mexico City, where U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Purdue Vet School to Expand Class Sizes by 50 Percent

Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine is planning its largest class expansion in more than a decade, aiming to increase enrollment by nearly 50 percent. The veterinary program has held steady at about 80 students per class over the past ten years, but university leaders say the expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen the college's national standing. The Journal and Courier reports that Dean Bret Marsh recently told Purdue trustees he wants the College of Veterinary Medicine to become a top-five veterinary school in the nation. The program is currently tied for 13th in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Marsh says details of the expansion are still being developed, with the university focused on ensuring it has the classrooms, clinical facilities, faculty, and administrative support needed before adding more students. The move comes as demand for veterinarians continues to grow, particularly in food animal medicine and rural communities that serve livestock producers.

New Resource to Help Farm and Ranch Transition

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is encouraging farm and ranch families to start succession planning before a crisis forces difficult decisions. NCBA has launched a new online learning module designed to help producers begin conversations about transferring ownership and management to the next generation. NCBA President Gene Copenhaver says succession planning isn't an easy topic, but it's essential for protecting a family's legacy. "I hope resources like this make it easier for cattle producers across the country to secure the future of their farms and ranches," Copenhaver says. Oklahoma State University professor Shannon Ferrell, an estate planning specialist, says every operation will eventually face a transition, making preparation critical. He says creating a succession plan now can reduce stress, maintain business continuity, and avoid placing unnecessary burdens on family members. The online resource walks producers through the succession planning process and helps families develop a plan tailored to their individual operation.

NACD Looking for New CEO

The National Association of Conservation Districts has announced Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Peters will step down September 30, ending a 20-year association with the organization, including 11 years as CEO. During Peters' tenure, NACD expanded its conservation programs and membership services while growing its annual budget to $54 million for fiscal year 2027. He also served as executive director of the National Conservation Foundation, which supports conservation education and leadership programs. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the nation's 3,000 conservation districts as NACD's CEO for the last 11 years," Peters says. "I am tremendously proud of all that we have accomplished together." NACD President Gary Blair praised Peters for championing voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts and his strong support for agriculture. Peters will remain as CEO through September and serve as a consultant through the end of the year while NACD conducts a national search for its next chief executive.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

Tuesday looks to be a quiet day with no major reports scheduled. Traders will keep an eye on Grain Belt weather as well as watch for updates regarding the wars in the Black Sea and Middle East.

Weather

A strong cold front is pushing south through the country Tuesday morning. Some showers are found along the front from Nebraska to Ohio, but as the front continues to sink south throughout the day, thunderstorms should grow from the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including heavy rain, but wind gusts are the most likely form of damage Tuesday. Tropical Storm Bertha has been named overnight, which will remain close to the Gulf Coast, but with limited impact to land.