U.S. to Use Tariff Funds to Offset High Fertilizer Prices

The Trump administration is preparing to direct tens of billions of dollars from tariffs and renegotiated trade deals toward strengthening domestic fertilizer production, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Speaking before lawmakers during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Rollins emphasized the urgency of rebuilding U.S. capacity. “‘We’ve got to invest in more infrastructure,’” she said. “‘We’ve got to reshore fertilizer back to America.’” Rollins described a recent high-level meeting with industry leaders and senior officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, focused on developing a coordinated strategy. She indicated that a formal plan could be announced soon, though new facilities may take 12 to 18 months to become operational. Agri-Pulse said the initiative reflects a broader push to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and reinforce critical agricultural supply chains. FarmWeekNow said Rollins predicted fertilizer costs would go down after the Iran war ends.

Over 300 Groups Urge Congress to Pass Farm Bill 2.0

The Farm Credit Council is among 338 agricultural groups urging swift passage of Farm Bill 2.0, recently approved with bipartisan support by the House Agriculture Committee. The coalition sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and all House members, emphasizing the need for updated policy. “Farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses have been operating under Farm Bill policies written in 2018, and the landscape has changed significantly since that time,” said Christy Seyfert, the president and CEO of the Farm Credit Council. “Economic pressures facing producers in recent years have only intensified.” She stressed that outdated policies are ill-suited for current challenges, adding that agriculture cannot rely on solutions crafted nearly a decade ago. The letter highlights broad national support for completing the legislation this year, reflecting concerns across all 50 states about economic pressures and evolving conditions in rural America.

USDA Breaks Ground on Sterile Fly Facility in Texas

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joined William H. Graham of the Army Corps of Engineers to break ground on a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base, a key step in combating the New World Screwworm. The project, a partnership between the USDA and the U.S. Army Corps, aims to expand domestic capacity to protect livestock and agriculture. “Breaking ground on this facility marks a major investment in safeguarding America’s livestock,” Rollins said, emphasizing the importance of reducing reliance on foreign production. The New World Screwworm threatens the health of our herds, the stability of rural economies, and the resilience of our supply chains.” Lawmakers, including John Cornyn (R-TX), and Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) praised the $750 million project, highlighting its role in protecting Texas’s cattle industry and rural economy. The facility is expected to strengthen U.S. biosecurity and support long-term agricultural stability.

Summer Promotion Materials Support American Lamb Sales

Spring and summer present a prime opportunity to introduce more consumers to American lamb, as seasonal shopping and outdoor cooking inspire people to try new flavors. The American Lamb Board is helping retailers and producers capitalize on this momentum with resources designed to educate first-time buyers. With farmers’ markets thriving and grills in constant use, many consumers are eager but still need guidance. The organization’s website offers accessible recipes, cooking tips, and nutrition information to build confidence in preparing lamb at home. To support promotions, the board provides branded merchandise, a forthcoming seasonal recipe brochure, and funding opportunities to expand outreach. “Take advantage of these resources to engage your customers, spark new interest, and make American Lamb a standout choice this summer,” the organization encourages. Additionally, orders placed in April include a complimentary cookbook, adding further incentive to participate in seasonal marketing efforts. For more information, visit the store at lambboard.com

Letter to USTR Emphasizes the Importance of USMCA

A bipartisan group of senators, including Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Boozman (R-AK), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), is urging continued support and improvements to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ahead of its upcoming six-year review. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the lawmakers highlighted the agreement’s importance to American agriculture. They noted that the U.S. remains the world’s largest agricultural exporter, with $176 billion in exports in 2024, and emphasized that Canada and Mexico are key markets. “The market access achieved under USMCA is a critical component of the success of American agriculture,” the senators wrote. The letter stresses that stable trade rules and integrated supply chains are essential for farmers and ranchers. It also calls for continued collaboration to strengthen the agreement and ensure long-term certainty and competitiveness for U.S. producers. “The USMCA has been a true success story for American soybean farmers,” said American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger.

Pork Producers Descend on Washington, D.C.

More than 100 pork producers from across the country traveled to Capitol Hill to warn lawmakers about the economic strain caused by California Proposition 12. Backed by new retail and USDA data, producers argued the law is driving up costs and disrupting the industry. Research from North Dakota State University’s Agricultural Risk Policy Center found pork prices tied to Proposition 12 remain significantly higher, with some cuts in pork loins rising by 32 percent, and ribs were up 22 percent. The analysis also estimates that California consumers have paid $350 million more for pork while consumption has declined. The National Pork Producers Council is backing federal legislation to address the issue, including the Farm Bill 2.0. “We need relief from a patchwork of state animal housing laws,” said NPPC President Rob Brenneman. “The mission is clear: We need Congress to exercise its authority and fix Proposition 12.”

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

There are no major reports scheduled for Tuesday. Traders and investors will be monitoring for updates as negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are expected to resume ahead of Wednesday's expiration of the two-week ceasefire.

Weather

A small disturbance in Texas continues to produce scattered showers and a front dropping through the Great Lakes will produce a few as well. But much of the country east of the Rockies will be quiet Tuesday with increasing temperatures again. A system is moving into the West, though, and will bring about some changes later this week.