Agri-Pulse DriveTime

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will hold a three-day listening session this week on the USMCA ahead of the review of the North American trade agreement next year. The ag industry awaits word from the Trump USDA on an aide package. Corn exports continue to exceed last year's pace meanwhile soybean sales lag.

The American Farm Bureau says the Thanksgiving meal is more affordable this year. Meanwhile the farm share of the food dollar continues to shrink. Millions of tables will feature turkey at Thanksgiving, but two lucky birds were spared after being trained for a career of public relations.

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says the Trump administration can still take further action to lower food prices. Grassley says the USMCA trade agreement has been a boon for the U.S. economy.

The USDA's NASS offered its final crop production report of the year. Cattle placements in October were the lowest since 1996. Outbreaks of bird flu increased dramatically over the past 30 days. Congressional leaders called on USDA to immediately restore full avian influenza surveillance in light of recent outbreaks.

Lower tariffs on imported beef from Brazil shouldn't influence cattle prices for producers but could lower some beef costs for consumers in the meat case. Cold weather is in store for next week and Old Man Winter may be challenging for some along the coasts.

End of year financials are sobering for some farmers in some regions of the country. Commodity presidents Caleb Ragland of the American Soybean Association and Jed Bower of the National Corn Growers Association discuss challenges.  USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce discusses farm assistance.

The Senate Finance Committee approved Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Ag Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. NCBA's Ethan Lane says the EPA's new WOTUS rule will be harder to change in future administrations. China purchased U.S. soybeans this week, but not because of the price.

Harvesting of U.S. corn and soybeans is nearing completion despite weather challenges this week. Crops in the Southern Hemisphere are advancing with good yield prospects. China has purchased more soybeans from the U.S. at prices higher than Brazilian supplies.

The Trump Environmental Protection Agency released a proposal to redefine waters of the United States to better conform with an earlier Supreme Court Ruling. The proposal will see a 45 day comment period. The USDA is opening enrollment for a second phase of its Supplemental Disaster Relief Program.

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley doesn't expect Congress to dictate how USDA offers financial assistance to farmers this year. Grassley told reporters he hopes China keeps their word on soybean purchases. Commodity prices fall after record yields are forecast for this year.