This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers guest is Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman. The Arkansas Republican is grateful for the Trump administration's Bridge Assistance program, but admits additional funds may be necessary.

U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamison Greer briefed legislators this week on the Trump administration's goals for review of the USMCA Trade Agreement. The American Farm Bureau Federation released market intelligence today on the EPA's new WOTUS definition.

A new coalition plans to lobby for a nationally uniform regulatory approach for food labeling standards and other ingredients. AFIT wants national standards for front of pack labeling and QR code reform. Americans for Ingredient Transparency members include some of the world's largest food manufacturers and farm groups.

House Ag Chairman Glenn Thompson said Congress should provide another $10-billion dollars in financial assistance to additional commodities growers in the face of challenging economics.  Iowa Senator Charles Grassley called on Trump administration regulators to finish their rulemaking for renewable fuels.

The House of Representatives approved legislation to allow whole milk back in school lunchrooms. The Whole Milk for Heathy Kids Act now awaits President Trump's signature. The North American Renderers Association estimates a half billion dollars of Used Cooking Oil is stolen in the U.S. each year.

This week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers guest is House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig. The Minnesota Democrat says the Trump Bridge Assistance Program is inadequate especially if there's no change in the nation's trade policy.

USSEC CEO Jim Sutter believes the Chinese want a better trade relationship with the U.S. despite uncertainty over the specifics of the trade deal. Indiana Farm Bureau delegates are meeting this week at the same time their elected leaders are in the Hoosier Statehouse.

U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer wasn't willing to commit on whether the Trump administration would favor a trilateral USMCA Trade Agreement or prefer a bilateral deal with both Canada and Mexico. Senate Republicans appear willing to find additional financial assistance for crop farmers. The Fed lowered interest rates today.

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland says growers appreciate the Trump administration's efforts to provide financial assistance to farmers suffering from enormous economic headwinds. Ragland says Washington could help with favorable legislation and regulatory decisions to stimulate crop demand.

The Trump administration announced a $12 billion dollar financial assistance package today for farmers impacted by a loss of global markets and high input costs. The USDA's WASDE report tomorrow could include revised export estimates for major commodities.