Agri-Pulse DriveTime

The American agriculture economic crisis continues to claim family farms in the face of high input costs, low commodity prices and limited global exports. The USDA reports higher stocks of crops globally and domestically providing more pressure on farm revenue.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer believes legislators will address remaining policy in a new farm bill this year and says another budget reconciliation bill is possible. National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Kieffer says the Food for Peace Program should be moved from the State Department to the USDA.

The Supreme Court could announce opinions tomorrow on President Trump's authority to levy tariffs on global trade partners. President Trump will withdraw U.S. participation in dozens of international organizations. Half of the total includes United Nation's entities. French and Greek farmers protested today in advance of a decision tomorrow by the European Commission on a free trade deal with Mercosur countries.

The Trump administration released its new Dietary Guidelines today. The plate is gone and the pyramid is back, only inverted. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Americans should "Eat real food." Produce and meat industry officials seemed pleased with the new guidance.

Flags have been ordered at half staff in California as the state and the agriculture community nationwide mourns the loss of Representative Doug LaMalfa.  The Energy Information Administration reports ethanol represented over 11 percent of the nation's gasoline supply in October. Trade officials say China has purchased additional soybean supplies this week.

The CDC lowers the number of vaccines recommended for children from 17 to 11. U.S. action in Venezuela could escalate tension between the U.S. and China. Private analysts are forecasting another record soybean crop in Brazil.

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.