Agri-Pulse DriveTime

The Ag Coalition for the U.S., Mexico, Canada Trade Agreement shared new study results of the benefits of the 2020 trade deal including half a million jobs and  $149 billion dollars in total economic output. Today's USDA's WASDE report held few surprises for traders to consider.

Food industry groups are searching for a response to the MAHA Center commercial saying "processed food kills". The Trump administration is touting recent trade deals with India, Argentina, Guatemala, and El Salvador providing increased access for U.S. agriculture products.

Today an update on CattleCon from Nashville and a preview of this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers. Approaching a new year beef producers see excellent demand, good prices and opportunity to begin building inventory. The group remains concerned about animal health, hopes for regulatory reform, and seeks greater access to global markets.

Government assistance and higher cattle prices will help maintain net farm income this year according to the USDA's first forecast for 2026. A record crowd in Nashville greeted the HHS Secretary today at CattleCon. Agri-Pulse Newsmaker host Lydia Johnson reports from Music City.

President  Trump spoke with Chinese leader Xi today in a move that could mean additional purchases of U.S. soybeans. A group of nearly 30 former ag leaders and executives appealed to ag leaders in Congress to take action to advert the ag economic crisis in the country. U.S., Russian and Ukrainian officials met again today following increased military activity between the two nations.

The Treasury Department’s released proposed regulations for the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit as authorized by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and amended by last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The renewable fuels industry and commodity groups welcomed the news and their intentions to weigh in during the public comment period.

President Trump announced a trade deal with India. European Union leaders are still considering a trade agreement with the U.S. NCBA leadership adopts their policy objectives for the year ahead. EPA officials weigh in on emissions and the right to repair issue.

Josh Linville, Vice President of Fertilizer for StoneX says the reason for high fertilizer prices for 2026 is beyond the scope of individual companies or even domestic fundamentals. Linville says China's export lapse and U.S. tariffs have challenged available supplies for producers this year.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her candidacy for Minnesota Governor today. The Senate Ag Committee advanced the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act and President Trump said he will announce his choice to lead the Fed Reserve next week.

The Fed left interest rates unchanged in its first meeting of the new year. Market analysts see an increase in base acres in key crops. Higher subsidies should prove a catalyst for farmers purchasing increased protection against high input costs this year.