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Monday, March 31, 2025

Just Ahead of USDA Report, FBN Data Signals Corn is King for 2025

Survey results showed U.S. farmers plan to plant more corn while cutting back on soybeans and wheat acres. For the fifth year in a row, Farmers Business Network (FBN) has published its Planting Intentions Report for major crops including corn, soybeans, and wheat. FBN’s estimates were derived from a survey of almost 1,000 U.S. farmers that represent 2 million acres of total production. These survey results were published less than a week before USDA is set to release its latest projections in the Prospective Plantings report scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2025. Grain and commodity markets are known to swing dramatically based on this report. With the tremendous uncertainty in the farm economy today, we’re proud to provide insights like these back to our farmer members who are trying to manage risk in a difficult pricing environment, said Cody Bills, director of U.S. market advisory.

Survey: Farmers Defy Market Predictions, Stick to Rotations Despite Corn Price Optimism

A survey by Farm Futures indicates that while corn prices may look better than soybean prices, they’re not hot enough to lure farmers away from their crop rotations. Ahead of Monday’s Prospective Plantings report from USDA, farmers said that on average they plan only a slight increase in corn acres and a higher increase in soybean acres. In states with the most acres dedicated to those golden kernels, planting intentions are a mixed bag, according to the survey results. Farmers prioritize agronomic considerations over market trends, with most unable or unwilling to significantly alter their crop mix. In the survey that closed March 18, half of the farmer respondents in the top 10 corn-producing states reported drops in their average planted corn acres. For Illinois and Iowa, which together grow about one-third of the corn produced in the U.S., the survey shows the market isn’t buying many acres. In Illinois, the average number of corn acres per respondent is up 6 acres to 590 acres. Iowa farmers dropped their average from 568 acres to 556, nearly level with their 2023 corn acreage.


U.S. Beef Sales to China Skid After Beijing Lets Export Registrations Lapse

U.S. beef sales to China have taken a dive, U.S. government data showed on Thursday, after Beijing allowed the expiration of registrations that had permitted exports from hundreds of American meat facilities. A tit-for-tat tariff dispute has also raised duties on U.S. meat and other goods shipped to China, making the products less attractive to Chinese buyers. The spat adds new strains to relations between the countries that had already reached historic lows in recent years. China has not renewed export registrations for U.S. beef facilities that expired on March 16, though it updated registrations for pork and poultry plants, according to traders and the U.S. Meat Export Federation trade group. As a result, U.S. exporters and Chinese buyers are reluctant to strike deals for American beef produced after that date due to uncertainty about whether it will be cleared for delivery, federation spokesperson Joe Schuele said. Nobody wants to put product at risk.

Producers Have Until April 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs

Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15, 2025 to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to eligible farmers who experience substantial declines  in crop prices or revenues for the 2025 crop year.  Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer, said Brenda Archuleta, deputy state executive director for FSA in New Mexico. If you haven’t made your program election or signed a contract, please contact your local FSA county office as soon as possible to set an appointment so you don’t miss the April 15 deadline.

Inoculation Critical for New and Old Peanut Ground

One of the most important jobs a peanut farmer can do to ensure good yields is to use inoculation for nitrogen fixation in both old ground and new. David Jordan, North Carolina State University Extension peanut specialist, emphasized that there is no substitute for successful inoculation in new peanut ground. But the practice is a must on all ground where peanuts are planted. He stressed that with longer rotations in place and some expansion to new ground, making sure inoculants perform well is very important. Correcting a nitrogen deficiency with ammonium sulfate or other sources of nitrogen is very expensive, he says. On new ground with no history of peanut production, Jordan recommended an in-furrow inoculant and a peat-based inoculant in the hopper with seed. He said this is for insurance for failure, including clogs and product issues.

Researchers Find New Way to Fight Parasitic Weeds

The trick is detailed in the journal Science, and at its heart lies a class of hormones called strigolactones. Most of the time, plant hormones do not radiate externally — they aren’t exuded. But these do, says University of California Riverside plant biologist and paper co-author David Nelson. Plants use strigolactones to attract fungi in the soil that have a beneficial relationship with plant roots. Unfortunately for farmers, parasitic weeds have learned to hijack the strigolactone signals. “These weeds are waiting for a signal to wake up,” Nelson says. “We can give them that signal at the wrong time — when there’s no food for them — so they sprout and die. It’s like flipping their own switch against them, essentially encouraging them to commit suicide.” This breakthrough allows researchers to study strigolactone synthesis in a controlled environment and potentially produce large amounts of these valuable chemicals.

Monday Watch List

Export Inspections at 10:00 a.m. CDT

Prospective Plantings Report at 11:00 a.m. CDT

Grain Stocks Report at 11:00 a.m. CDT


Weather

A storm system from the weekend will continue to push through the Gulf Coast and East on Monday, spreading showers and thunderstorms and potential for some severe weather in the Southeast. The break between systems will not last long as another is moving through the West that will bring widespread impacts to the middle of the country Monday night and especially Tuesday and Wednesday.

Friday, March 28, 2025

Ag Economists say the U.S. is Already in a Trade War

Most respondents in Farm Journal’s March Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor agree the U.S. is already in a trade war. U.S. agriculture hit a record trade deficit last year as imports soared, and President Donald Trump wants to reverse the trend. Over 90 percent of the economists surveyed think the president’s strategy of using tariffs as a negotiating tool will not be a benefit to American agriculture in the long run. One economist in the survey said food as a weapon doesn’t have a successful track record, as seen with Jimmy Carter in the 1980s. Another economist wasn’t quite as certain, saying that for it to be beneficial, tariffs depend on being short-lived and resulting in trade initiatives with market access or purchase commitments. According to the administration, when it comes to tariffs and their impact on the overall economy, the long-term gain will be worth the short-term pain.

Deere Responds to Right-to-Repair Lawsuit

Deere and Co. filed an answer to the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit alleging the tractor manufacturer holds a monopoly over its repair services. The FTC says that hold unfairly drives up costs and restricts farmers from fixing their equipment in a timely manner. Attorneys defended John Deere in federal court by repeatedly denying allegations that its “business practices are unlawful.” Manufacturing Dive says the issue over equipment repair practices has been building for years, with technological advancements that companies say are designed to make consumers’ lives easier create headaches for those looking to fix their tractors. While Deere offers a different repair tool to customers and independent repair shops, the FTC claims that version is inferior to the one available to authorized dealers, saying the tool is allegedly incapable of doing all repairs on Deere equipment. The company acknowledged the existence of two tools but denied one was inferior.

Registration is Open for World Pork Expo 2025

Registration is open for the 2025 World Pork Expo, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council. This year’s Expo will take place June 4-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. Pork producers and industry professionals from across the globe attend every year. With two full days of exhibits, education, and networking, the 2025 Expo will feature the industry’s top experts, innovative solutions, and the latest products and services designed to help pork producers succeed. It’s the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, with over 700 booths showcasing cutting-edge technology, services, and equipment across 300,000 square feet of exhibit space. There will also be a young pork advocates’ Issues Meet, which is a unique platform highlighting future industry leaders’ voices and perspectives on multiple pork production topics. Expanded educational sessions will feature practical insights from experts designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing pork producers.

Lamb Sales Highlighted at Meat Conference

The American Lamb Board attended the 2025 Annual Meat Conference sponsored by the Meat Institute. It brings together all segments of the retail meat industry to learn how to improve meat and poultry marketing, operations, and profitability. In 2024, dollar and volume sales of meat and poultry experienced growth. One exceptionally bright spot for lamb was the growth in fresh meat sales. Fresh meat had a remarkable year, with sales exceeding $73 billion, which was a 6.7 percent increase over 2023. “You see that fresh meat had a tremendous year, led by beef, but almost all proteins gained in pounds,” says Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 201 Analytics, which conducted the 2025 Power of Meat Study. “Lamb, for instance, will likely become a billion-dollar category over the next year.” Many consumers in the study indicated a desire to create more premium meals at home, another bright spot for American lamb.

University of Minnesota, USDA to Study Bird Flu in Dairy Cattle

Researchers from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine received a $1.5 million cooperative agreement grant from USDA to work on collaborative projects on avian influenza. The goals are better understanding of disease transmission and mitigating the impacts of the disease on dairy herds and the broader agriculture industry. The presence of bird flu in U.S. dairy cattle was first confirmed in early 2024, renewing urgent concerns for animal and farmworker health and the dairy supply chain. The virus has been far less lethal to cows than it is for poultry. However, researchers say the growing recognition of interspecies transmission underscores the necessity for immediate scientific investigation. There have been 68 confirmed cases in humans with one death. The collaboration among research teams will include experts in virology, epidemiology, microbiology, veterinary medicine, and agricultural biosecurity. Nine projects funded under the grant will contribute to safeguarding human and animal health.

Ethanol Production Hits Two-Month Low

The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output in the U.S. dropped to its lowest level in almost two months during the week ending on March 21. The agency said production fell to an average of 1.053 million barrels a day during those seven days. That’s down from 1.105 million barrels a day during the prior week and the lowest since the seven days ending on January 24. Midwest output averaged 1.002 million barrels a day, down from 1.057 million the week prior. The EIA says that’s the entirety of the weekly losses, as three regions saw no change in their production. Gulf Coast output was steady at 19,000 barrels a day, Rocky Mountain production was unchanged at 11,000 barrels a day, and West Coast output was 10,000 barrels a day. East Coast production was the only gainer, reaching 11,000 barrels a day from 9,000 a day a week earlier.

Friday Watch List

Personal Consumption Expenditure at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Consumer Sentiment at 9 a.m. CDT

CFTC Commitment of Traders at 2:30 p.m. CDT


Weather

A multiphase storm system will move through the country over the weekend, with the first phase occurring on Friday. A mix of freezing rain and snow along the Canadian border and scattered thunderstorms across the Midwest and Southeastern Plains are occurring Friday. Winds may be breezy in the Plains, but strong, damaging winds are not expected with this storm.

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Groups Call for Shipping Exemptions

Groups like the National Corn Growers Association are asking the Trump administration to grant exemptions on bulk shipments for America’s commodity groups as it considers implementing fees on Chinese vessels. The goal is to level the playing field between U.S. and Chinese shipbuilders. “Adding further financial strain through higher transportation costs will bring instability for our members, particularly those who depend on global export markets to remain competitive,” says NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. The Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office also seeking an exemption for agricultural exports from both newly proposed fees on Chinese vessels and graduated sourcing requirements for U.S.-built and flagged vessels. The group wants the exemptions in place until U.S. ship production can meet the requirements to keep U.S. agriculture competitive in the global market. “Efficient and reliable export transportation is critical to agricultural viability,” says RFA President Geoff Cooper.

NCBA Outlines Trade Priorities in Hearing

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association member Robby Kirkland testified before the House Ways and Means Committee about the association’s trade priorities. He spoke at a hearing titled “American Trade Negotiation Priorities” and highlighted the benefits of past trade agreements for U.S. cattle producers and the need for greater access to foreign markets. “Unfortunately, the previous administration stepped back from market access negotiations while our competitors negotiated robust trade agreements and gained advantages in overseas markets,” he said. “It’s past time to re-engage in trade talks to secure preferential and expanded access with our allies in the United Kingdom and key markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.” He also told the committee that any country granted access to the U.S. doesn’t put America’s consumers and cattle herds at risk. “There’s a major concern with countries like Brazil and Paraguay, who have a history of Foot-and-Mouth Infection,” he said.

NACD Applauds New NRCS Chief

The National Association of Conservation Districts applauds the appointment of Aubrey Bettencourt to serve as Chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Bettencourt will lead NRCS staff and conservation programs that provide critical resources and technical assistance to America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to invest in their operations to improve working lands conservation, increase the competitiveness of American agriculture, and improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitats. “Our country’s 3,000 local conservation districts play a vital role in the effective administration of NRCS conservation programs, and they stand ready to work closely with Chief Bettencourt to serve our producers and champion the effectiveness of voluntary, locally led conservation,” says National Association of Conservation Districts President Gary Blair. “Her experience in farming, conservation, and government programs will enable her to be highly effective.” Bettencourt is a third-generation farmer and recently worked for an irrigation technology firm.

USDA Delivers on Rural Energy Commitments

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the agency would release previously obligated funding under the Rural Energy for America Program, Empowering Rural America, and Powering Affordable Clean Energy programs. Recipients will have 30 days to review and voluntarily revise their project plans to align with the “Unleashing American Energy Executive Order.” This process gives rural electric providers and small businesses the opportunity to refocus their projects on expanding American energy production while eliminating DEI and climate mandates embedded in previous proposals. Respondents will be asked to answer several questions and provide a short narrative description of any proposed changes. “This allows us to tackle America’s energy emergence and allows energy providers and small businesses to realign their projects with that mission,” Rollins said. The broader guidance reflects a shift away from the Green New Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act and toward investments that prioritize the needs of rural communities.

Common Sense Butterfly Conservation Efforts Yielding Results

The Texas Department of Agriculture announced good news about monarch butterfly conservation. The eastern monarch butterfly population nearly doubled in 2025, according to the latest World Wildlife Fund survey. The survey shows that the population wintering in central Mexico’s forest occupied 4.42 acres, up from 2.22 acres the previous winter. “This is exactly the kind of result we can achieve when we focus on real solutions instead of heavy-handed mandates,” said Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller. “Texans have always been good stewards of the land, and farmers, ranchers, and private landowners are crucial in preserving monarch habitat without excessive government overreach.” He added that there’s a need for policies to empower conservation partnerships rather than penalize the people already making a difference. The monarch butterfly survey is a key indicator of the species’ population health. Scientists say improved weather conditions along their migration routes are a key to the population growth.

Beef Advocacy Strengthened with New Trailblazers

After a competitive application process, ten new Trailblazers have been selected for the program’s fourth cohort of beef community spokespeople. The Trailblazers program was developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. It takes advocacy to an unprecedented level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths. Current participants collaborate with a collection of 40 previous Trailblazers to promote community, mentorship, and connection and continue creating opportunities to elevate voices at the grassroots level. “We are entering our fourth year of the Trailblazers program and continue to see an overwhelming response of interest and an increased number of applications from beef community members,” said Chandler Mulvaney, director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development at NCBA. Trailblazers receive in-depth training to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews, and understand how to build confidence in beef-related practices when talking to consumers.

Thursday Watch List

Initial Jobless Claims at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Q4 GDP second revision at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Weekly Export Sales at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Buenos Aires Grain Exchange Weekly Argentina Crop Report at 12 p.m. CDT

Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report at 2 p.m. CDT

Weekly Slaughter at 2 p.m. CDT


Weather

Streaks of showers and thunderstorms will continue to build across the middle of the country on Thursday, which could lead to small areas of heavy rain and a few severe wind and hail reports. A bigger system is moving through the Pacific Northwest and Canadian Prairies with more widespread precipitation.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Farmers Concerned About Proposed USTR Shipping Rules

The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office launched an investigation into China’s efforts to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. After an investigation, the USTR released proposed actions, including assessing fees up to $1.5 million on ships arriving at U.S. ports if the ships are Chinese-built, operated or flagged. A comment period is open for the proposal, and farmers say imposing fees will only increase costs for U.S. farmers importing inputs like seed and fertilizer and getting crops to market overseas. The American Soybean Association estimated the cost of a $1 million fee on soybean exports. For ships loaded with 70,000 metric tons of soybeans, vessels going from the Pacific Northwest to China would see a cost increase from $11.90 per bushel to $12.29 a bushel. Farmers also point out that U.S. competitors like Brazil and Argentina will not be subject to those same regulations and have a distinct advantage.

Democrats Ask USDA About Food Bank Funding Cancelation

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee, led 25 colleagues in pressing the USDA for information about previously approved funding for food banks and other emergency providers. USDA’s taking away funds from the Emergency Food Assistance Program hurts hungry Americans who already face high grocery prices and hurts American farmers getting squeezed by tariffs and other cuts to domestic markets. “Canceling these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy,” the senators said in a letter to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This major shift in a program utilized by emergency food providers in every state in the nation will have a significant and damaging impact upon the millions of people who depend on this program for critical food assistance.”

Groups Ask for Permanent Extension of Section 199A

A large number of organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agricultural cooperatives, and industry stakeholders sent a letter to Congressional leaders regarding Section 199A in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “We urge Congress to permanently extend the expiring 199A provision within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017,” they said. Section 199A has been essential in keeping co-ops and their farmer members competitive with corporations that have benefited from the permanently reduced corporate tax rate in the 2017 Act. Each year, farmer cooperatives pass roughly 95 percent of the benefits, totaling over $2 billion, directly back to farmers across rural America. The deduction has fueled job creation, economic growth, and rural investment. “However, without congressional action, Section 199A will expire at the end of 2025, leaving farmers with significantly higher tax burdens, including many who would face double-digit increases,” the letter adds. “Support families by making Section 199A permanent.”

Americans See Meat as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

Meat sales hit a record high of $104.6 billion in 2024. The pounds sold increased by 2.3 percent compared to 2023, and consumers, on average, purchase meat more than once per week. That keeps meat the largest fresh department in grocery stores. The 20th annual Power of Meat Report says almost all (98 percent) American households purchase meat, and 73 percent of Americans view meat as an overall healthy choice. Getting enough protein is important to 90 percent of Americans, and animal proteins, including eggs (83 percent), chicken (82 percent), and beef (76 percent), top the list of foods that most consumers view as protein-rich foods. “As shoppers’ definition of value has expanded to include price, quality, relevance, convenience, and experience, they’re including meat in 90 percent of home-cooked dinners and want options that suit their interests,” says Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods for The Food Industry Association.

Exports Inspections of Corn and Wheat Decline

The USDA says inspections of corn and wheat for export were down week to week while soybean assessments increased during the seven days that ended on March 20. Corn inspections that week totaled 1.46 million metric tons. The agency says that’s down from 1.69 million tons a week earlier but still ahead of the 1.26 million tons assessed during the same week in 2024. Wheat assessments were reported at 484,700 metric tons, down from just over 495,000 tons during the prior week but up from the 432,764 tons in the same week last year. The USDA says soybean inspections rose to 822,214 metric tons from almost 658,000 tons the previous week and 785,600 tons at the same point last year. Soybean inspections since the beginning of September total 39.9 million metric tons, 32.4 million metric tons of corn, and wheat since June 1 is at 16.9 million metric tons.

Groups Call for Trade De-escalation

The National Farmers Union and Coldiretti issued a joint declaration and letter to President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding trade. The groups are concerned about the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and the European Union. “Farmers on both sides of the Atlantic are feeling the stress and uncertainty from the threat of tariffs,” says NFU President Rob Larew. “Trade tensions will raise costs, disrupt supply chains, and restrict markets, causing farmers, consumers, and businesses to suffer.” The groups are asking leaders to begin negotiations as soon as possible to prevent further economic hardships for American and European farmers and communities. A statement from Coldiretti says the trade war puts all agricultural producers at risk and must be stopped before it causes further damage. Coldiretti is the leading organization representing agricultural entrepreneurs in Italy and Europe. NFU is the second-largest farm group in the U.S.

Wednesday Watch List

U.S. Durable goods orders at 7:30 a.m. CDT


Weather

A couple of streaky areas of showers are forecast for Wednesday. Some across the Southern Plains early in the day, more across the western Corn Belt later in the day. A bigger storm will move into the Pacific Northwest late in the day, which could produce severe weather.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

U.S. Rapidly Increasing Egg Imports to Combat High Prices

The U.S. has almost doubled egg imports from Brazil and is considering relaxing regulations for eggs laid by chickens raised for meat. The moves come as the Trump Administration is trying to lower record-high egg prices caused by avian influenza. Reuters says the administration is also pushing for more imports from countries like Turkey and South Korea, which usually send few eggs to the U.S., and has asked the EU to send more eggs. None of the Brazilian or broiler chicken eggs will make it to the grocery store, but they could be used in more processed foods like cake mixes, ice cream, or salad dressing, freeing up more fresh eggs for American shoppers. Ag Secretary Brook Rollins has said they’re talking about importing hundreds of millions of eggs in the short term. It’s significant enough that it will help continue to bring the prices down in the short term.  

President Signs EO to Increase Potash, Other Mineral Production

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase domestic production of critical minerals, including potash. The president directed federal agencies to compile lists of pending mineral projects and expedite their review in coordination with the National Energy Dominance Council led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The president also directed Burgum to prioritize critical mineral production on federal lands over other activities. The Interior Secretary can determine whether other minerals, such as coal, are covered by the order. A White House Official told CNBC that Trump would utilize the Defense Production Act to increase mineral production. President Joe Biden also used the DPA to boost the nation’s critical mineral output in 2022. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation will fund new production projects through a dedicated critical minerals allocation in cooperation with the Defense Department. The U.S. Geological Survey says America imported 91 percent of its potash in 2023.

Cattle on Feed Report Called “Bullish”

The U.S. Cattle on Feed Report showed the U.S. beef herd was down two percent from the previous year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head of cattle totaled 11.6 million head on March 1, 2025. Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.55 million head, 18 percent below the total in 2024.Net placements totaled 1.49 million head. Placements of cattle and calves under 600 pounds hit 295,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 275,000 head, 700-799 pounds totaled 415,000 head, 800-899 pounds reached 389,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 130,000 head and 1,000 pounds and greater were 50,000 head. Fed cattle marketings in February totaled 1.63 million head, nine percent below last year. Other disappearances totaled 60,000 head during February, seven percent above 2024. A DTN analyst says there is no doubt the report should be called “bullish.”

ASI Wants Imported Lamb to Be Included in Tariffs

The American Sheep Industry Association will continue to request that the White House and Congress include Australian and New Zealand lamb in the food and agriculture tariff plans during its annual fly-in this week. Fifty sheep industry leaders representing ASI and 16 of its state affiliates will descend on the nation’s capital Tuesday through Thursday to meet with congressional and administration officials to promote the sheep industry request. ASI says it’s crucial to find support in addressing the surge in foreign lamb and include lamb imports in the agriculture-food tariff plan expected to be announced on April 2 to ensure consumers have access to American lamb, as well as the future sustainability of the American sheep and lamb industry. ASI is also encouraged that the Trump administration is pursuing tariff action on food and agricultural imports, and the fly-in timing appears perfect for talking with officials about the topic.

Ag Industry Leaders Debut ESA Workplan Resources

CropLife America, the Ag Retailers Association, and the Distributors of Agrotechnology announced the release of a new resource designed to assist farmers and ag retailers in navigating the upcoming changes to pesticide labels. The changes are taking place under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangered Species Act Workplan. To support stakeholders, they’ve developed a decision guide that will facilitate the understanding and implementation of the updated label requirements. “Farmers and retailers play a crucial role in helping ensure pesticide products are used responsibly and effectively,” says CLA President and CEO Alexandra Dunn. “By our associations coming together to create resources, we aim to meet a need that helps stakeholders feel confident in navigating new regulations.” The groups encourage all industry participants to utilize the resource as stakeholders commit to responsible and effective pesticide use. People who want more information should go to the CLA website and click on the ESA page.

Producer Team Explores Mexican Market

A team of livestock and grain producers traveled with the U.S. Meat Export Federation to Monterrey, Mexico for a firsthand look at market conditions and to participate in a local trade show. The group also visited a broad selection of retail outlets featuring U.S. beef, pork, and lamb, ranging from traditional markets to Costco, as well as high-end grocery stores and butcher shops. David Hardin, a corn, soybean, and pork producer from Indiana, says the interactions showed that while Mexico is a well-developed market, there is still potential for growth, particularly for the higher-value products. Matthew Lucas, an Indiana grain and pork producer, says the trip gave him a close-up view of the growing competition in Mexico and the work USMEF does to defend the U.S. industry’s hard-earned position as the market’s top red meat supplier. Mexico was the top destination for American pork last year at a record 1.15 million metric tons.

Tuesday Watch List

U.S. Consumer Confidence at 8 a.m. CDT

ERS Food Price Outlook at 8 a.m. CDT


Weather

A few very small disturbances are bringing a couple of streaks of showers through parts of the Corn Belt on Tuesday. In general, amounts should be light, though there could be a couple of spots that pick up some moderate rain. More thunderstorms will develop overnight in parts of the Southern Plains.

Monday, March 24, 2025

Fertilizer Institute Applauds Action on Critical Minerals

The Fertilizer Institute thanked President Donald Trump for including Potash alongside critical minerals in an Executive Order. This designation, combined with the provisions in the EO, sets into place a framework to ensure that Potash and America’s other critical mineral resources are leveraged to create jobs and fuel American prosperity. The Order will also help ensure a stable and abundant supply of fertilizers, which are critical to maintaining the global competitiveness of U.S. farmers, strengthening rural economies, and keeping food prices in check. “This forward-looking action by the president to recognize potash as a critical mineral will help ensure U.S. farmers have access to the essential nutrients they need to grow the crops that feed our nation,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. He also said 98 percent of annual U.S. potash consumption comes from imports. Despite having natural reserves, the U.S. accounts for only 0.2 percent of global supply.

U.S. Sorghum Graded at No. 1 Certification

The U.S. Grains Council released its 2024-2025 Sorghum Quality Report, which shows that U.S. sorghum was, on average, graded above the requirements for U.S. No. 1 certification. “The Council’s mission is to develop markets, enable trade, and improve lives, and what better way to support that mission than to offer transparent reports on grain quality as a service to our partners worldwide to help them make the best purchasing decisions,” said Verity (VER-ih-tee) Ulibarri (oo-lih-BAR-ee), USGC Chair. “We hope it provides valuable information for them.” Total sorghum damage came in at 0.3 percent in the aggregate, and no heat damage was observed in samples. Kernel diameter, an indicator of maturity and resiliency, was similar to last year and the five-year average of previous reports. Also, tannins were absent from the sorghum samples for the sixth consecutive year, and starch and oil content both increased from last year’s crop.

Clean Fuels Commends USDA on Interim Rule for Climate-Smart Ag

Last week, Clean Fuels Alliance America submitted comments in support of USDA on its “Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks Interim Rule.” Clean Fuels recommends the USDA incorporate intermediate oil crops, such as winter canola, as a conservation crop rotation practice. Clean Fuels also urges the agency to ensure that the standards and requirements in the Clean-Smart Agriculture program are complementary to the requirements for other USDA programs, particularly crop insurance. “By establishing these technical guidelines, USDA is creating a novel market opportunity for U.S. farmers to distinguish their produce and bring additional revenue to rural America,” Clean Fuels wrote in its comments. Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels, says, “Biofuels are essential to farm security and prosperity. Farmers have a financial stake in employing conservation practices and expanding oilseed crops that will unleash American biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel growth.”

Argentina Cuts Soybean Forecast by One Million Tons

One of the top grain exchanges in Argentina dropped its forecast for the soybean crop by one million metric tons. The impact of a drought is becoming clearer on the 2024-2025 soybean crop. The Buenos Aires exchange now predicts the crop’s output to reach 48.6 million tons. That’s down from its prediction of 49.6 million tons published a week earlier. Argentina is the world’s largest exporter of soybean oil and meal. The lower output was due to a drought that reduced yields in the country’s northeast region. “High temperatures and the prolonged water deficit have caused heat and water stress in the Northeast Area,” the exchange said in its weekly report. “These adverse conditions have impacted plant stands and the growth of reproductive structures, reducing yield potential by 22 percent.” Reuters also says approximately 10 percent of Argentina’s total area sown with soybeans is in the northeast, totaling about 4.6 million acres.

FSA Gets New Administrator

The USDA announced Bill Beam as the next administrator of the Farm Service Agency. Beam is a Pennsylvania farmer and president of Rural Investment to Protect our Environment, or RIPE. The new administrator will work with the USDA to provide leadership and manage conservation, commodity, disaster, and farm marketing programs. Beam is the Owner and Operator of Beam Farms, Inc., a fourth-generation farmer raising corn, soy, wheat, hay, specialty crops, and beef in Elverson, Pennsylvania. He’s also a champion for conservation and a no-till producer and served as the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs at the FSA from 2018-2021. He and his staff oversaw the implementation of the farm bill programs that help farmers, ranchers, and forest stewards manage market risks, recover from disasters, and conserve and protect natural resources with the help of over 2,100 state and county FSA offices, and helped oversee the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill.

USDA Updates Public on Avian Flu Strategy

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted a stakeholder update to provide a progress report on USDA’s five-pronged strategy to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and lower egg prices. Less than a month after the plan’s rollout, USDA reports significant advancements across all five areas. “Egg prices are falling, farmers are getting some relief, and we are seeing meaningful progress in the fight against avian flu,” Rollins said. “USDA is making targeted investments and driving innovation to keep our food supply strong and affordable.” Since February 26, wholesale egg prices have dropped almost 50 percent. The New York wholesale egg price peaked at $8.53 a dozen before dropping to $4.08 as of March 19. While seasonal Easter demand may cause some fluctuations, the downward trend underscores the USDA approach is working. The five prongs of the strategy include biosecurity measures, expediting repopulation relief, reducing regulatory burdens, investing in research, and exploring import-export adjustments.

Monday Watch List

S&P U.S. Services and Manufacturing PMI at 8:45 a.m. CDT

Export Inspections at 10 a.m. CDT


Weather

A system that brought some streaks of heavier rain and thunderstorms across the Central states over the weekend is moving through the East on Monday. Some snow will move through northern areas while the Southeast sees some heavier rain.

Friday, March 21, 2025

NCBA Applauds Return of July Cattle Report

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association thanked the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service for reinstating the July Cattle Report, as well as the County Estimates for Crops and Livestock. These reports were discontinued last year but have provided critical data to farmers and ranchers for years. “The return of the July Cattle Report and County Estimates is a big win for cattle producers who utilize these reports to efficiently run their operations and make important marketing decisions,” says Tanner Beymer, NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs. “NCBA thanks USDA-NASS for bringing back these vital reports and continuing to deliver timely, accurate, and useful transparency to livestock markets across the country.” NASS also says the County Estimates for Crops and Livestock reinstatement is effective for the 2024 crop season for corn, cotton, peanuts, rice, sorghum, and soybeans. It’s effective for the 2025 crop season for small grains like barley, oats, and wheat.

Proposed Fees on Ocean Carriers Bad for Farmers

A proposal from the U.S. Trade Representative to impose new fees on ocean carriers with ties to China could take a major toll on U.S. farmers and ranchers. Two-thirds of all agriculture exports by volume are shipped overseas, and the cost of transporting exports to international trading partners could increase dramatically. In an effort to address China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and logistics, the Trump administration has proposed a series of fees as high as $1.5 million targeting Chinese-operated vessels and Chinese-built vessels that access American ports. “Depending on the fees set, bulk agriculture exporters could face an additional $372 million to $930 million in annual transportation costs,” says an American Farm Bureau Market Intel Report. Bulk agricultural exports, particularly grain and oilseeds, are especially vulnerable. “Farmers have lost money on almost all major crops recently,” says AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “They cannot afford the extra costs these fees would impose.”

USDA Grant to Support Rio Grande Farmers

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $280 million grant agreement between the USDA and the Texas Ag Department to provide critical relief to eligible Rio Grande Valley farmers. The agreement comes as farmers and producers are being hurt by Mexico’s ongoing failure to meet its water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. “Farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley have worked for generations to feed communities across Texas, the U.S., and beyond,” Rollins said. “A lack of water has already ended sugarcane production in the Valley and is putting the future of citrus, cotton, and other crops at risk.” She also says with the grant, USDA is expediting much-needed economic relief while working with federal, state, and local leadership to push for long-term solutions that protect Texas producers. Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller says the 1944 Water Treaty Grant Agreement rollout is exactly what Texas farmers need. 

Over $1.6 Million Raised for FFA

The National FFA Organization is proud to announce that its more than one million members, alumni, and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during the tenth annual Give FFA Day. The money raised will directly support FFA and agricultural education for local FFA Chapters, state FFA associations, and the National FFA as a whole. It’s the most money raised for FFA in a single day, following more than $1.4 million donated during last year’s Give FFA Day event. Give FFA Day was created as a way to make a difference in the lives of FFA members across the country, growing the next generation of leaders who will feed, clothe, and change the world. “By contributing on Give FFA Day, supporters did more than donate,” says Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation. “They became a part of a movement that empowers the next generation of leaders in American agriculture.”

U.S. Grains Council Releases Export Quality Report

The U.S. Grains Council released the 2024-2025 Corn Export Quality Report showing the average aggregate quality of U.S. corn samples tested was better than or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors. “It’s difficult to understate transparency’s role in building trust between business partners, and the Council seeks to make detailed, accurate information about the quality of U.S. corn available to buyers around the world and facilitate international trade,” says Verity (VEHR-ih-tee) Ulibarri (oo-lih-BAR-ee), USGC Chairwoman. The report says the average test weight came in at 58.3 pounds per bushel and was higher than in 2023-2024 and the five-year average. Broken corn and foreign materials registered at 2.5 percent after moving through export channels, lower than the five-year average. All samples tested below the Food and Drug Administration’s action level for aflatoxins. The Council’s international offices will announce the results in a series of seminars for potential buyers.

EU Delays Retaliatory Tariffs

The European Union delayed its first round of retaliatory tariffs until mid-April. Supply Chain Dive says the EU originally planned to lift a suspension on previously installed retaliatory tariffs on April 1. That would have been in response to America’s 25 percent duties on steel and aluminum imports. The EU will implement a new round of countermeasures by mid-April. An EU spokesman says this delay provides additional time for more negotiations with the U.S., but pushing back the duties won’t diminish their response. The delayed duties will cover 26 billion euros worth of American exports, including bourbon. The amount of EU duties is expected to mirror the $28 billion worth of economic impact from the U.S. tariffs. Last week, U.S. President Trump threatened to place 200 percent tariffs on alcoholic goods from France and other European countries, including wine and champaign, if the EU didn’t rescind its countermeasures.

Friday Watch List

World markets retreated Friday after a lackluster session on Wall Street as investors remained uneasy over policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.


Weather

A weak storm system and cold front will move through the Midwest on Friday. Isolated showers will develop but will be light. Yet another system will move into the Pacific Northwest with more significant impacts east of the Rockies this weekend.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

FFFT Celebrates National Ag Trade Day

Farmers for Free Trade Board Chair Bob Hemesath commended the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and other ag leaders for recognizing National Ag Trade Day. It’s a day highlighting the vital role agricultural trade plays in supporting America’s farmers, strengthening rural economies, and ensuring the global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. “Trade is essential for American agriculture,” says Hemesath, a farmer from Iowa. “Farmers and ranchers depend on exports and access to new markets to sustain their businesses and keep rural communities thriving.” NASDA’s National Agriculture Trade Day, recognized by more than 15 state agriculture departments, serves as a reminder of the impact agricultural trade has on state and national economies. U.S. agriculture, food, and related industries contributed 5.5 percent to the U.S. GDP in 2023 and supported 10.4 percent of American jobs. The day reinforces the need for policies that eliminate trade barriers and foster strong international relationships. 

Bipartisan Bill Would Lower Egg Prices

Representatives Josh Riley (D-NY), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and others introduced “The Lowering Egg Prices Act.” The bipartisan bill would lower egg prices for consumers by cutting bureaucratic red tape that forces farmers to discard hundreds of millions of eggs each year. Federal regulations require farmers to refrigerate eggs immediately after they are laid. But that rule doesn’t distinguish between table eggs, which are raw products that need to be refrigerated, and breaker eggs, which are pasteurized for use in everyday grocery products like salad dressing, cake mix, and pasta. This has forced chicken farmers to throw away almost 400 million perfectly good eggs every year. The rule didn’t make sense when it was enacted and makes even less sense now when egg prices are too high. “The Lower Egg Prices Act undoes unnecessary regulations, puts hundreds of millions of eggs on the market, and lowers grocery bills,” says Riley.

Tariffs Don’t Solve Underlying Dairy Challenges

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew discussed the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada and its impact on dairy farmers. He says policymakers are focused on U.S. trade policy without solving the underlying problems in the dairy industry. “Those challenges include corporate consolidation and continued overproduction,” Larew said. “Broad dairy tariffs don’t solve these problems; they destabilize the industry, drive up costs, and create more uncertainty for American dairy farmers, processors, and rural communities.” The number of U.S. dairy farms has plummeted by 84 percent since 1992, and tariffs only add to the uncertainty, making it even harder for family farmers to stay in business. “Canada’s dairy system operates differently, but rather than undermining a system that ensures fair prices for farmers, we should be advancing policies that guarantee U.S. dairy farmers receive a fair price for their milk,” Larew added. “Family farmers always feel the tariff impact first.”

Applications Open for Trade Mission to the Dominican Republic

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, scheduled for July 13-17, 2025. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in the region must apply by April 2, 2025. “With strong economic growth and rising demand for high-quality food in the Dominican Republic, now is the ideal time for U.S. agribusinesses to expand their presence,” says FAS Administrator Daniel Whitely. “This trade mission will connect U.S. exporters with key buyers and help them forge partnerships to tap into this dynamic market.” The Dominican Republic is the largest economy in the Caribbean and the seventh-largest economy in Latin America. Consumer-oriented products represent the largest share of U.S. agricultural exports to the Dominican Republic, with growing demand across several sectors like beef, pork, poultry, dairy, and related products, as well as fresh fruits and many other sectors.

Iowa Landowners Rally Against Eminent Domain

Iowa landowners who oppose the carbon pipeline project from Summit Carbon Solutions rallied with renewed energy this week at the state capitol. The renewed energy comes after South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed a law blocking the company from using eminent domain to build its carbon-capture pipelines. Since the South Dakota governor signed the law, Summit has asked the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to suspend its pipeline permit application. The Des Moines Register says Summit Carbon Solutions intends to build a carbon sequestration pipeline extending 2,500 miles across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota to connect over 50 ethanol plants. Several dozen Iowa landowners demanded lawmakers approve House File 943, which would eliminate eminent domain as a way to build carbon dioxide pipelines on agricultural land. Summit’s communications director told the Register that it’s “unfortunate South Dakota’s laws changed the rules in the middle of the game.”

Australia’s Beef Production and Exports Set Records

Beef output and exports from Australia, the world’s second-largest meat shipper, are expected to set records this year amid increased slaughter rates for female animals. A USDA report from the agency’s office in Canberra, Australia, says production will be 2.65 million metric tons (carcass weight equivalent) in 2025, a 2.4 percent year-over-year increase and up from the prior projection of 2.56 million tons. That would be the highest level on record, topping the previous peak set in 2014. The agency says female slaughter rates are expected to remain at elevated levels, and the number of cattle on feed has risen in recent years. Grain-fed cattle tend to have higher slaughter weights than their grass-fed counterparts. About 38 percent of cattle slaughtered in Australia will be grain-fed this year. Beef exports are expected to rise 2.5 percent this year to a record 1.95 million metric tons.

Thursday Watch List

Export Sales Report at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Initial Jobless Claims at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Buenos Aires Grain Exchange -- Argentina Weekly Crop Conditions at 12 p.m. CDT

Weekly Livestock Slaughter at 2 p.m. CDT


Weather

A system that produced a blizzard, strong winds, and severe weather for the middle of the country on Wednesday is much weaker now moving through the East. However, there are still some showers and thunderstorms as well as a little snow across the north. The next system is moving into the Pacific Northwest.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

USDA Expediting Direct Help for Producers

On National Ag Day, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agency is issuing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for the 2024 crop year. ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. “Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the administration is making sure they get the support they need without delay,” Rollins said. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.” Authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, the payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. FSA will soon send out pre-filled applications. Find out the eligible commodities and payment rates at fsa.usda.gov.

NPPC Applauds Line Speed Program

The National Pork Producers Council applauded USDA’s plan to make the New Swine Inspection System increased line speed program permanent. “America’s pork producers thank Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Food Safety and Inspection Service for the needed action that will provide financial security and more stability for pork producers,” says NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from Ohio. “Without this program, some pork producers could have incurred an additional loss of nearly $10 a head.” NPPC is grateful that USDA, under Secretary Rollins, recognizes that food safety remains without compromise while greater efficiency benefits producers and consumers. Under the new policy, FSIS will extend waivers that allow pork and poultry facilities to maintain higher line speeds, ensuring they can meet demand without excessive government interference. FSIS will also no longer require plants to submit redundant worker safety data as research confirms no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries.

Workers Union Opposes Line Speed Waiver Program

The USDA announced new waivers to increase line speeds in U.S. poultry and pork plants. Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union, which represents over 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern U.S., as well as meatpacking and processing workers in other parts of the country, reacted to the announcement. “Increased line speeds will hurt workers,” Appelbaum said. “It’s not a maybe, it’s a definite, and increased production speeds will jeopardize the health and safety of every American that eats chicken.” He also says the announcement by the USDA echoes the same lack of consideration they had for our essential food processing workers during the first Trump administration, and it will put all workers at risk. “Worker safety must be a priority, and these facilities cannot operate at these speeds without increased staffing, which cannot happen the way they are constructed now,” Appelbaum added.

All U.S. Pork Facilities Reinstated for Export to China

The National Pork Producers Council is pleased to announce successful efforts to renew registrations of all 300-plus U.S. pork harvesting and cold storage facilities eligible to export to China. “U.S. pork producers now have maintained access and increased certainty to export their products to the 1.4-billion-person Chinese market,” says NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. “NPPC’s leadership and focus on market access for U.S. pork is paying off, and we’re not stopping here.” Over the past few months, the USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office have actively engaged with China’s General Administration of Customs to renew the registration of U.S. pork facilities that were set to expire or had recently expired. These U.S. facilities have been renewed to export to China for the next five years. Exports account for more than 25 percent of U.S. pork production and support more than 140,000 U.S. jobs. Pork exports totaled $8.6 billion in 2024.

CropLife America Supports Feeding the Economy Report

The annual Feeding the Economy Report was released in conjunction with National Agriculture Day on Tuesday, March 18. The report is a farm-to-fork economic impact study that estimates the direct and indirect economic contributions of the food and agriculture industries on jobs, wages, economic output, and business taxes. CropLife America was pleased to work with 36 other food and agriculture groups to sponsor the report. “The Feed the Economy Report spans the entire food chain and is an incredibly useful tool to share the economic contributions of the agricultural industry with lawmakers and American consumers,” says Alexandra Dunn, CLA President and CEO. “We are very proud of the role our members play in supporting a safe, affordable, and healthy food supply for American families and many people around the world.” CLA is a group committed to advocating for science-based policies that enable farmers to continue producing safe, affordable, and sustainable food.

Stakeholders Celebrate National Agriculture Day on Tuesday

Several groups and individual stakeholders celebrated National Agriculture Day this week. It’s set aside to celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and producers who dedicate their lives to feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. “Agriculture isn’t just an industry, but a way of life,” says UDA Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I know that firsthand from growing up in agriculture and being a part of 4H and FFA shaped who I am today.” National Agriculture Day celebrates the fact that, through challenges and triumphs, the men and women in agriculture show up every single day. The Agriculture Council of America was formed in 1973 when the first National Agriculture Day program began. The organization is uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food, and fiber communities dedicated to increasing public awareness of the vital role agriculture plays in today’s society. National Ag Day encourages the public to learn more about producing food and fuel.

Wednesday Watch List

EIA Petroleum Status Report including ethanol production at 9:30 a.m. CDT

FOMC Interest Rate Decision followed by Fed Chair Powell press conference at 2 p.m. CDT


Weather

A strong storm system continues to develop across the Central Plains and into the Midwest on Wednesday. A band of heavy rain and snow is developing on the north side of the system with heavy snowfall rates. Strong winds with the system will create blizzard conditions where the snow falls, and potential damage and dust storms elsewhere. Severe storms are forecast in the Midwest as well, with a focus on Illinois into Indiana.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Courts Order Trump Administration to Reinstate Terminated Workers

Federal court rulings in California and Maryland have ordered multiple government agencies to reinstate probationary employees who they say were unlawfully terminated under directives from the Office of Personnel Management. U.S. District Judge William Alsup of California found that the firings violated legal protections, while U.S. District Judge James Bredar of Maryland ruled that the Trump administration had failed to follow proper procedures for large-scale layoffs, including providing a 60-day advance notice. As a result, 14 federal departments — including Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs — along with several agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Small Business Administration, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, have been ordered to offer reinstatement to affected employees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the following statement regarding the status of probationary employees: “The Department will work quickly to develop a phased plan for return-to-duty, and while those plans materialize, all probationary employees will be paid.”

USDA Cancels Local Foods for Schools Program

USDA is ending two pandemic-era programs that provided more than $1 billion for schools and food banks to purchase food from local farmers and producers. About $660 million of that went to schools and childcare centers to buy food for meals through the Local Foods for Schools program. A separate program provided money to food banks. USDA said the programs are a legacy of the pandemic and no longer supported the agency’s priorities. “The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward,” a USDA spokesperson said in a statement. Proposed spending cuts to fund Republican’s tax bill include raising the poverty level needed for schools to provide universal free meals without an application. Restricting eligibility for food assistance programs and requiring income verification for free or reduced-price school meals, two proposals for cutting costs, would also likely cut out eligible families from accessing food, the School Nutrition Association said.

TFI Applauds Trump Action on Fertilizers

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) praised President Donald Trump for signing an Executive Order (EO) that continues his long-standing recognition for the importance of fertilizers to farmers and the overall U.S. agriculture economy. The President’s action ensures that Canadian and Mexican imports of fertilizers meeting USMCA preference status will be subject to no duty while this round of tariffs remains in effect. Additionally, the EO further establishes that potash imports from Canada and Mexico lacking USMCA preference status will be subject to a reduced import tariff of 10 percent. “President Trump has long been supportive of U.S. farmers and rural communities,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “As the important spring planting season kicks off on farms around the country, the President’s recognition of the critical nature of fertilizers will ensure growers have access to the vital crop nutrients that make possible bountiful harvests and profitable grower operations.”

Rollins: Aid to Hurricane Helene Victims is On the Way

Tens of billions in aid for victims of Hurricane Helene should start flowing later this month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged last week, but delays are already making it hard this year for some farmers to plant crops. Congress set a deadline of March 21 to hand out the money when it passed a $100 billion disaster relief package on Dec. 21. The late September storm cut a swath from Florida’s Big Bend across eastern Georgia and upstate South Carolina before causing historic flooding in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Farmers had hoped the money would come sooner, in January or February, so they could pay off creditors before planting season. Some have sold equipment or even land to generate enough cash to get new crops started. Beyond devastation to the cotton crop, the storm toppled pecan trees and flattened chicken houses in Georgia. Farming in western North Carolina is dominated by specialty crops including Christmas trees and nursery plants, with fewer growers covered by crop insurance.

Thune, Luján Reintroduce Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) recently reintroduced a bill to assist agricultural producers after adverse weather events. The Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act directs the USDA to improve the accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor, which factors into disaster programs. "I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation that would make the Drought Monitor a more effective tool and help ensure USDA programs are using accurate and consistent data in administering programs that are designed to help the agriculture community," said Thune. Some of the information from the legislation would include clarifying state and federal grazing permit holders who are eligible for the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. One example would be the Farm Service Agency, which waives the 30-day public comment period for Bureau of Land Management National Environmental Policy Act applications during a drought emergency. Another area was the BLM accepting archeological reviews completed by Natural Resource Conservation Service field staff during a drought emergency.

Honoring Aerial Applicators on National Ag Day

As the nation celebrates National Ag Day on Tuesday, March 18, the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is proud to honor the men and women of agriculture and the vital service that aerial application plays in aiding global food production. National Ag Day is a time to recognize the significant contributions that farmers, ranchers, aerial applicators and the entire agriculture industry make to our daily lives. For 104 years, aerial applicators have aided farmers in producing a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food, fiber and bioenergy, in addition to protecting forestry and controlling health-threatening pests. American farmers use aerial application to treat 127 million acres, approximately 28%, of cropland each year to control insects and plant diseases, as well as apply fertilizer and seeds. With aerial applicators’ efficiency and ability to attack pests or apply fertilizer and seeds over large stretches of acreage at just the right time, the yield benefits associated with aerial crop care are well documented.

Tuesday Watch List

U.S. Housing starts and building permits at 7:30 a.m. CDT

U.S. Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization at 8:15 a.m. CDT

March FOMC Meeting


Weather

Though there is a small streak of precipitation in Wyoming and South Dakota, it is quiet Tuesday morning. That is ahead of a system moving through the Rockies that will build in the Plains later Tuesday. Strong winds will develop throughout the day and a band of heavier precipitation will develop in the Central Plains Tuesday night, mostly as heavy snow. The two will combine to create blizzard conditions overnight into Wednesday which will extend into the Upper Midwest.

Monday, March 17, 2025

Brazil Raises Soy Crop Forecast

Brazilian soybean farmers will reap an even bigger crop in the 2024-25 season than previously expected, according to forecasts released by crop agency Conab, as deepening trade tensions are likely to increase demand from China. Reuters reports Brazil’s soybean crop, which farmers are harvesting now, is expected to total 167.37 million tons, about 1.3 million tons more than in Conab’s February forecast and above an all-time record of 155.7 million tons in the 2022-23 season. Conab data showed that more than 105 million tons of that production will be exported, up 7% from the previous season. Brazil, the world’s biggest producer and exporter of the oilseed, competes with the United States and Argentina in global markets and sells most of its soybeans to China, which processes it domestically for oil and livestock feed. Chinese demand for Brazilian exports is likely to increase after Beijing imposed import levies on U.S. agricultural and food products, including soybeans earlier this month, in response to Trump administration tariff hikes on Chinese goods.

Trump Floats 200% Levy on EU Champagne, Wines, Spirits

President Donald Trump has threatened more retaliatory tariffs on the European Union, proposing via social media a new, 200% levy on all EU champagnes, wines and spirits sent to the U.S., in response to the EU’s retaliatory tariff of 50% on U.S. spirits. President Trump said on social media outlet Truth Social that he would put the tariff in place unless the EU removed the tariffs it imposed on U.S. spirits on Wednesday. He called the tariff on bourbon “nasty” and said that this 200% levy “will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.” The retaliatory tariffs the EU announced would go into effect in April and impact about $28 billion worth of U.S. goods, including spirits. The EU made this announcement — which in effect peels back decisions from 2018 and 2020 to continue to suspend tariffs on these goods from the U.S. — after President Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products earlier last week.

Demand for Guatemalan Heirloom Tomatoes Could Strengthen Due to Tariffs

The heirloom tomato supply is steady right now. "We have good supplies of our large Southern Select heirloom tomatoes and our supplies are slightly higher in accordance with our projections," says Charlie Eagle of Southern Specialties. The company's heirlooms are greenhouse-grown in Guatemala and therefore supply isn't subject to the seasonality that field-grown product is. "The conditions are favorable in this region with abundant sunlight and a temperate climate," says Eagle. On top of Guatemala, industry product right now is also coming from both Canada and Mexico–two countries whose potential 25 percent tariffs on product coming into the U.S. are on pause until April 2. "Demand may pick up for Guatemalan product as our government institutes tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods," says Eagle. Right now pricing is generally lower on heirloom tomatoes with good promotional opportunities available. Supplies are anticipated to stay steady.

U.S. Asks Countries to Help Lower Soaring Egg Prices

The United States has reached out to Denmark and other European nations asking if they can export eggs as Americans face surging egg prices, the Nordic country’s egg association said on Friday. The request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture coincides with a raft of new U.S. tariffs on countries, including in Europe, and the threat of more. President Donald Trump has also threatened economic sanctions unless Denmark hands over control of Greenland to the United States. U.S. wholesale egg prices are shattering records as an accelerating outbreak of bird flu in laying hens slashes supplies. Trump promised to lower egg prices on his first day in office but prices increased 59% on a year-on-year basis in February, the first full month of his administration. A letter reviewed by Reuters showed that a representative of U.S. Department of Agriculture in Europe had sent formal inquiries to egg producing countries in late February seeking information on their ability and willingness to export eggs to the American market.

Canada Reinstates Smithfield’s Tar Heel, NC Facility for Exports

Canadian exports from Smithfield’s Tar Heel, North Carolina facility have resumed. Two weeks ago, Canada temporarily suspended imports from this facility following an issue with a limited number of certain offal shipments. No other Smithfield Foods facilities or U.S. pork processing plants were named in the original FSIS announcement. News of the suspension came as President Trump announced temporary tariff exemptions for some Canadian and Mexican goods that are compliant under the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement until April 2. However, Smithfield Foods said at the time that the suspension of shipments to Canada was unrelated to the trade negotiations. In a statement, Smithfield said they are grateful to the USDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for a quick resolution of this matter.

US Produce Market Sees Mixed Price Trends and Rising Imports

Produce movement and pricing across U.S. markets are showing mixed trends as import volumes shift and seasonal changes take effect. Avocado shipments from Mexico are increasing with varied pricing, and movement from Mexico's crossings through Texas is expected to increase. Trading is moderate. Prices of 32s are slightly higher, 84s and organic are generally unchanged, others are lower. Blueberry imports from Chile are rising and Peruvian volumes are beginning to taper. Movement of Chile imports, mostly via boat, through Philadelphia area ports of entry is expected to increase. Trading is moderate. Prices are unchanged. Strawberry movement remains steady but prices have dropped, and cucumber supplies from Mexico are climbing due to warm weather. Green bell pepper availability is stable, with higher prices noted across key shipping points. Movement from Central and South Florida is expected to remain about the same.

Monday Watch List

U.S. Retail Sales at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Export Inspections at 10 a.m. CDT


Weather

A weak system is moving across the Canadian border on Monday with scattered snow, but much of the country is rather quiet for the day with the intense weekend system now moving off the East Coast. However, the next system is moving into the Pacific Northwest with some showers and it'll be another big storm in a fairly active week of weather.

Friday, March 14, 2025

EPA to Revise Waters of the U.S. Rule

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin says the agency will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review the definition of the “Waters of the United States.” The agencies will move quickly to ensure that a revised definition follows the law, reduces red tape, cuts overall permitting costs, and lowers the cost of doing business in communities across the country while protecting the nation’s navigable waters from pollution. “We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers, and small businesses,” Zeldin said while making the announcement. “The previous administration’s WOTUS definition placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business.” Given the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett vs. the EPA, the agency says it’s time to finally address the issue in a way that provides clear and simplified directions to all stakeholders in the discussion.

Growth Energy Applauds EPA’s Tailpipe Decision

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended the Environmental Protection Agency after it announced that it would reconsider its Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for model years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, otherwise known as the tailpipe emissions rule. “We’re glad to see the agency reconsidering this rule, which arbitrarily puts its thumb on the scale for a single vehicle technology instead of embracing homegrown renewable fuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We look forward to working with EPA as they restructure these standards in a way that achieves the agency’s environmental and economic goals by maximizing the use of American biofuels.” Growth Energy previously submitted comments and an amicus brief objecting to the tailpipe emissions rule. As GE said in the brief, the benefits of biofuels are readily available right now, all while “enhancing energy security and supporting U.S. jobs,” and called the Biden rule a “missed opportunity.”

U.S. Dairy Wants a Level Playing Field with Canada

Senators from three U.S. dairy states are calling on the Trump administration to help level the playing field for dairy farmers as trade talks continue between Canada and the U.S. For years, Canada has skirted international trade agreements, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement, by blocking American producers from Canadian markets and exporting Canadian dairy products at artificially low prices, undercutting American dairy products and hurting U.S. farmers. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) sent a letter to the White House pointing out that Canada has failed to live up to its commitments to provide access to its market, and this remains the case even with new provisions in the USMCA. “In addition, Canada appears to be evading USMCA disciplines designed to deal with excessive exporting at artificially low prices,” the senators said in the letter. “Canada hasn’t lived up to its agreements for years.”

Egg Board CEO Talks About High Egg Prices

The egg industry has been watched closely as rising egg prices and shortages in retail stores across the U.S. have drawn negative attention to the industry. Feedstuffs says the supply has gotten short enough that some stores are limiting how many packages of eggs customers can buy at one time, while restaurants are adding extra charges to diners who order items with eggs. Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, says the disruption in supply and rising prices are due to the continued impact of bird flu on the nation’s poultry flocks. The HPAI outbreak is in its fourth year of affecting U.S. birds, and it will take a “sustained period” with no additional HPAI detections on American poultry farms to help stabilize the egg supply. But demand is beginning to moderate ahead of the Easter season. Egg prices are down by almost 22 percent in the wholesale market.

EU Responds to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

The European Union placed tariffs on U.S. grain imports as a response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU. Reuters says the duties on feed grains will likely hurt the EU’s livestock sector, which relies on imports for its animal feed. While the U.S. is the biggest supplier of soybeans and a major corn supplier for the EU, the EU’s large trade surplus is a complaint for U.S. President Donald Trump. The European Commission earlier announced plans to impose tariffs worth an extra $28 billion on U.S. imports. This would involve reintroducing tariffs on goods like corn that were suspended after a previous trade battle during Trump’s first term in the White House and imposing duties on April 13 on products from a new list that does include soybeans. Livestock industry experts say tariffs on grain imports would “adversely affect resilience and competitiveness of EU Livestock.”

National Dairy Board Scholarship Applications are Open

The National Dairy Board says it’s accepting applications for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers. Applications are open for eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each, with one additional scholarship of $3,500, the James H Loper Jr Memorial Scholarship, going to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff program. Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2025-2026 academic school year and enrolled in college or university programs that emphasize dairy are eligible. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a dairy-related career, and demonstrated leadership, integrity, and initiative. Applications must be filed no later than May 15. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official college transcript, and write a short statement on their career aspirations, dairy-related activities, and work experiences. For more information or to fill out an application, go to dairycheckoff.com.

Friday Watch List

U.S. Consumer Sentiment at 9 a.m. CDT

CFTC Commitment of Traders Report at 2:30 p.m. CDT


Weather

A massive storm system, deepening rapidly enough to be named a bomb cyclone, is moving into the Plains on Friday. Strong winds are developing around the low, which could exceed 80 mph in parts of the Southern Plains. The system will also be producing scattered showers and thunderstorms, some of which may be severe as the system spreads moisture toward the Mississippi River Friday evening.

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Tariffs May Threaten Shift to More Corn Acres

Industry experts have been predicting farmers may make a shift to planting more corn acres this spring due to tighter supplies and cut back on soybeans. However, recent reports say that President Donald Trump’s tariffs may mean America’s farmers might not make that shift after all. Bloomberg says levies on some products from Canada, Mexico, and China have shifted a key market indicator in favor of soybeans. Farmers need more inputs to raise corn than soybeans, and tariffs may make inputs like fertilizer much more expensive. An Iowa farmer told Bloomberg he’s considering scrapping the idea of more corn and fewer soybeans than usual this year. The corn-to-soy ratio is a key indicator of what farmers intend to plant in the spring and is currently about 2.2. That’s up from the low of 2.04 on February 19. A ratio of 2.5 or more means farmers tend to favor soybeans over corn.

Biofuel Champions Rally for Year-Round Ethanol Access

Corn grower leaders joined Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Congressional biofuel leaders at a press conference on Capitol Hill this week. Ethanol champions came together to push for the passage of legislation that would extend consumer access to fuel with a 15 percent blend of ethanol. Eliminating barriers to high ethanol blends would be good for farmers and the economy,” says Kenneth Hartman, Jr., president of the National Corn Growers Association. “That’s especially true as we face uncertainty in our foreign markets, and increasing demand for corn domestically would be a much-needed boost for farmers and rural communities.” The press conference came as leaders push for a way to use the legislative process to eliminate an obsolete policy that bans the sale of E15 during the summer months. “We are very disappointed that extended access to E15 was not included in the continuing resolution that passed the House this week,” Hartman added.

Sales of Ag Tractors and Combines Decline in February

New data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says U.S. sales of Ag tractors and combines continued to decline in February 2025, in contrast to last year. U.S. sales of agricultural tractors declined 17.7 percent in February, while U.S. sales of combines fell by 48 percent. “While the recent decline in agricultural tractor and combine sales reflect current market challenges, including global trade concerns and tariffs, we continue to remain optimistic about the long-term future of agricultural equipment,” says Curt Blades of AEM. “The resilience and adaptability of our industry have been proven time and time again.” Four-wheel drive tractors took the biggest drop, falling 41 percent last month compared to February 2024. In Canada, four-wheel drive tractor sales rose 237 percent from February 2024, while self-propelled combine sales dropped 32 percent during the same time. “We are confident that through innovation and collaboration, equipment manufacturers can navigate these challenges,” Blades added.

Sheep Industry Inventory Sees First Increase Since 2016

The American Sheep Industry Association prepares an annual market report for the American Lamb Board that summarizes key statistics and trends in the sheep industry. Among the report highlights, the industry saw an increase in inventory. On January 1, the sheep and lamb industry totaled 5.05 million head, an increase of 20,000 head. Market lambs were up 9,000 head for a total of 1.288 million. The total breeding flock grew by 10,000 head to 3.68 million. While wholesale lamb prices remained stable due to favorable cuts, feeder and slaughter lamb prices fluctuated, especially in the latter half of the year, due to larger supplies. Retail lamb prices remained high, reflecting steady consumer demand despite inflationary pressures. Overall, lamb and mutton prices increased by 2.4 percent, driven by higher slaughter volumes. The 2024 lamb crop experienced an increase, with a lambing percentage of 105.9 percent, the highest since 2020.

NFU Convention Wraps This Week

National Farmers Union concluded its 123rd Anniversary Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, after the assembled delegates voted to finalize NFU’s 2025 policy priorities. NFU hosted over 450 family farmers, ranchers, and supporters in Oklahoma for the three-day convention. NFU President Rob Larew called this a “challenging moment” for U.S. farmers and ranchers. “Rising costs, corporate consolidation, and uncertainty around federal programs – including the lack of a renewed farm bill – are creating real hardships,” Larew said. “Through it all, Farmers Union remains strong, resilient, and prepared to turn the policies set at this convention into action for a stronger future in agriculture.” The finalized policy priorities approved by NFU delegates include three special orders on timely topics: Fairness for Farmers, Family Farming and the Farm Bill, and Family Farming and our Federal Government. “We are leaving Oklahoma City energized and ready to tackle the challenges ahead,” says NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley.

Cattle Producers Hail WOTUS Guidance

The Environmental Protection Agency released new guidance on the “continuous surface connection” definition under the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, and cattlemen hailed the announcement. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart issued a positive statement in response to the guidance. “For years, NCBA has worked across the federal government – educating members of Congress, participating in agency rulemaking, and fighting for cattle producers in federal court to secure a WOTUS definition that protects both our nation’s natural resources and American property rights,” Hart said. “We are grateful for the administration’s efforts to further conform the WOTUS definition to the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett vs. EPA.” She also said they thank EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for his work to finally close a decades-long chapter of regulatory whiplash. Federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act is limited to the “Waters of the United States,” or WOTUS rule for short.

Thursday Watch List

Brazil CONAB Monthly Crop Report at 7 a.m. CDT

Producer Price Index at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Initial Jobless Claims at 7:30 a.m. CDT

Export Sales Report at 7:30 a.m. CDT

USDA Feed Outlook at 2 p.m. CDT

North American Grain and Oilseed Crushings Summary at 2 p.m. CDT


Weather

A big spring storm system is moving through the West on Thursday, with widespread valley rain and mountain snow. This system will continue eastward through the weekend and bring multiple impacts throughout the country.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

USDA Releases March WASDE Report

The USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report shows the 2024-2025 U.S. corn outlook is unchanged relative to last month. The big news in the corn market is the major global trade changes in 2024-2025, which include reduced corn exports for Brazil and South Africa. The season-average corn price received by U.S. producers is unchanged at $4.35 per bushel. U.S. 2024-2025 soybean projections are unchanged this month as well. The season-average soybean price is projected at $9.95 a bushel, down 15 cents from last month. The soybean oil balance sheet includes higher exports and lower soybean oil used for biofuel. The 2024-2025 wheat outlook calls for larger supplies, unchanged domestic use, lower exports, and higher ending stocks. Supplies are raised on increased imports, up 10 million bushels to 140 million at a continued robust pace. The season-average farm price dropped five cents a bushel from last month to $5.50.

A Campaign to Stop the EATS Act

The Organization for Competitive Markets and Competitive Markets Action have launched a $100,000 ad campaign to fight the imminent reintroduction of the Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression Act. The groups say this legislation threatens states’ rights and family farms by eliminating state agricultural laws. The campaign highlights the growing concerns about foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, particularly by Chinese interests. “If EATS or anything like it is added to the farm bill or passed by Congress, it will be devastating for dairy producers across America,” says Deborah Mills, former Chair of the National Dairy Producers Organization and an OCM board member. Enacting the bill via the farm bill would eliminate hundreds of state agricultural laws, paving the way for increased foreign control without necessary safeguards. “OCM is ready to roll up our sleeves to help prevent the EATS Act from being enacted in the upcoming farm bill,” says OCM President Taylor Haynes.

Mississippi River Mayors Lobby for Funding

Mississippi River levels have risen in the lower basin again as snowmelt makes its way south. Mayors of cities and towns along the river experienced increased flooding, heavier rainfall, and more frequent droughts in recent years. Now, they are lobbying Congress for help. Members of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative traveled to Washington, D.C., to ask leaders to support funding for flood control programs and shipping infrastructure along America’s largest river. While the Initiative isn’t shying away from using words like “climate” and “resilience” in its policy goals, its members are uncertain how much federal support they can count on, given the recent government cutbacks. “We quickly learned to temper our expectations and look more aspirationally to how we can achieve these goals,” said Mitch Reynolds, Mayor of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and co-chair of the MRCTI. The group hopes the economic value of the river will ensure they are heard.

FFA Members Attend Net Gen Conference in Florida

The National FFA Organization recently hosted its first Next Gen Conference of the year in Orlando, Florida, March 4-8. Next Gen conferences help FFA student members map out future career opportunities in agriculture. The conference brought 75 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors together to experience plant science careers and companies through informational sessions, roundtable discussions, and tours. “It’s always a privilege watching students attend Next Gen Conferences as they are eager to learn, network, and grow,” says Joe Martin, program specialist for advocacy, literacy, and ag-based experiences at FFA. “Once the conference is over, they’re even more empowered to continue equipping themselves with the skills they need to pursue their own individual goals.” Next Gen conferences are one impactful way FFA prepares students for the more than 350 careers in agriculture, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make their best next steps after high school graduation.

National Farmers Union Launches Capital Innovation Fund

National Farmers Union launched the Farmers Capital Fund, a $25 million investment initiative dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage companies that accelerate agricultural productivity. In turn, that will help advance the economic success of family farmers and ranchers, who NFU President Rob Larew calls the “backbone of rural America.” By investing in innovative, economically sustainable solutions, the Farmers Capital Fund will promote cutting-edge technologies, operational efficiencies, and market expansion opportunities that enhance farm profitability. The fund is strategically aligned with the NFU mission of fostering a fair and resilient food system that benefits both producers and rural communities. The Farmers Capital Fund will focus on sectors ranging from ag-tech and automation to conservation, efficiency, and value-added food production. Investments will be guided by three principles, including economic sustainability, productivity, and profitability with an emphasis on solutions that reduce input costs, improve resource efficiency, and expand equal market access for farmers.


ASA Congratulates New Labor Secretary

The American Sugar Alliance congratulated newly confirmed Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer (REE-mer). “The new Labor Secretary has been a strong advocate for America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, and we congratulate her on a well-deserved confirmation to her new position,” the ASA said. “We were honored to host her at last year’s International Sweetener Symposium, where she reiterated that ‘federal policies must ensure that our farmers and ranchers have the support they need.’” The group says America’s sugar industry is proud to offer good American jobs, many of which are union jobs and are often located in communities where other job opportunities may be limited. America’s sugar producers support more than 151,000 jobs coast to coast, drive $23.3 billion in annual economic impact, and provide a steady, affordable supply of sugar made right here in America. America’s sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers and workers supply 75 percent of the sugar consumed nationwide.

Wednesday Watch List

StatsCan Principal Field Crop Areas at 7:30 a.m. CDT

U.S. Consumer Price Index for February at 7:30 a.m. CDT

EIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report including ethanol production at 9:30 a.m. CDT


Weather

Though quiet and warm east of the Rockies on Wednesday, a big storm system is moving into the West. This system will produce widespread precipitation and mountain snows, which could be hazardous in some areas. Strong winds will also be a factor.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Consumers Worry About Tariffs and Food Prices

Grocery stores and gas pumps are important inflation indicators. While inflationary concerns have been persistent in recent years, the back and forth regarding tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as the tariffs on Chinese goods, have prompted additional concerns about prices. Results from the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey find most consumers across both political parties expect tariffs to increase the prices they pay for food. This was highest for Democratic voters as 85.4 percent expected prices to increase, while 74.6 percent of Republican participants and 74 percent of Independent/Other participants also expected prices to rise. Results show that consumers are bracing for the impact. Just over 77 percent of participants responded that they are either somewhat or very worried about tariffs, and those who are worried about tariffs’ impacts on food prices are also pessimistic about short-term inflation, expecting inflation to get worse over the next few months.  

China Turns Tariff Attention to Canada

China recently responded to the U.S. increasing tariffs by increasing retaliating against American imports, and now, the Southeast Asian nation is turning its attention to Canada. China implemented tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of agricultural and food products from Canada. Reuters says the move is retaliation against levies Ottawa introduced in October 2024 and opens a new front in a global trade war. The levies announced by the commerce ministry will take effect on March 20 and match the 100 percent and 25 percent tariffs Canada placed on Chinese-made electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products just four months ago. The tariffs could be a warning shot as the Trump administration showed it may be willing to ease 25 percent duties on Canadian and Mexican goods if they apply the same extra 20 percent duty he has slapped on Chinese goods over the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.

Clean Fuels Disappointed with RFS Delays

Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed frustration over ongoing delays in the Renewable Fuel Standard program. The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule to delay compliance with the 2024 RFS standards. The compliance deadline would have fallen on March 31. The rule also updates the definition of “biodiesel” in the program to reference the most recent quality specifications. “The biomass-based diesel industry needs policy certainty that supports our continued growth and contributions to America’s energy security,” says Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels VP of Federal Affairs. “In response to the proposed waiver of cellulosic volumes, Clean Fuels asked the EPA to make decisions on outstanding small refinery exemptions to assess the political impact on 2024 RIN availability.” It’s also frustrating that the EPA is delaying important program decisions and adding to the uncertainty for the entire industry. Last year, Clean Fuels petitioned the EPA to reconsider its low diesel volumes for 2024 and 2025.

Thousands of Farmers Call for Immediate Action on E15

A letter signed by 9,000 corn growers and advocates from 47 states was sent to House and Senate leadership last week on year-round E15. The letter urges Congress to remove an obsolete federal policy preventing the sale of E15 during the summer months. “A legislative solution for consumers to access year-round E15 comes at no cost yet would provide critical support to our nation’s energy sector, overdue relief for American families, and provide necessary economic security to rural communities,” the letter said. “Standardizing year-round E15 will increase corn demand by about 2.3 billion bushels per year.” NCGA also says that considering about one-third of the corn produced in the U.S. is used for ethanol production, this demand creation will result in an impressive improvement in profitability for operations across the nation, and rural communities will reap the benefits. Congress fell short of an E15 fix late last year.

Rollins Surveys Damage in North Carolina

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins surveyed damage from natural disasters and met with U.S. Forest Service members in western North Carolina last week. Recent wildfires and hurricanes have caused significant destruction throughout the region. During her visit, the secretary toured the Blue Ridge Parkway to witness the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. She then received a wildfire operational briefing and participated in a U.S. Forest Service Roundtable with local leaders in Asheville, North Carolina. “I met with North Carolina residents who have suffered unimaginable loss from recent natural disasters,” Rollins said. “The U.S. Forest Service was well-prepared, assessing wildfire risks in advance and strategically positioning resources to respond quickly.” As a result, she said they were able to rapidly contain the wildfires. “USDA continues working closely with state and local agencies and first responders to support these communities and restore the public lands that many rural residents depend on,” she added.

Deadline Approaching for Peru Trade Trip

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is still accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Peru, scheduled for June 9-12, 2025. The deadline is this week. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by this Wednesday, March 12. “Consumers in Peru are eager to stock their shelves with world-class food and farm products,” says FAS Administrator Daniel Whitely. “This mission will offer a unique opportunity for U.S. exporters to meet that growing demand.” He also says the mission will help the U.S. agricultural community establish meaningful partnerships and unlock new avenues for growth in South America. Peru is the third-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in South America. Since the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, bilateral agricultural trade has risen from $1.46 billion to $5 billion in 2023, a 242 percent increase. In that same year, the U.S. was Peru’s second-largest agricultural supplier, with a 13 percent market share.

Tuesday Watch List

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report at 11 a.m. CDT

Crop Production Report 11 a.m. CDT


Weather

Relatively quiet conditions are forecast for Tuesday, with the only real precipitation expected in the far Southwest. Though readings took a step back across the north from a passing cold front, temperatures are still awfully warm for most areas east of the Rockies for March.