Agri-Pulse DriveTime

A new analysis from the Institute for Feed Education and Research shows a greater reliance on Chinese feed supplements. The U.S. and Mexican governments announced the opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility. An Indiana dairy farmer is the new chair of the National Milk Producers Federation.

The House of Representatives could vote to approve legislation that would end the government shutdown. Even if the language is approved there is no specific timetable when SNAP funds will be restored.  Last week China signed trade deals with Brazil for 20 billion tons of ag products worth over $10-billion dollars.

As Washington wrangles with ending the longest government shutdown in the nation's history, the nation's food banks and charitable organizations are struggling to assist families in need. USDA has no reports to suggest China is buying U.S. commodities. A wealth of data is due Friday at noon eastern.

Compromise legislation to reopen the government is still under negotiations on Capitol Hill. The proposed language includes provisions to extend farm and food programs. The Trump administration was back at the Supreme Court attempting to keep food aid funds frozen while the government is shut down.

Senate GOP leadership rejected a Democratic proposal to open the government. The EPA frustrated the renewable fuel industry with a SRE announcement today. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar shares thoughts on the SCOTUS tariff hearing this week.

The nation's wheat growers wrapped up meetings this week in Texas. New NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer and President Pat Clements discuss key issues from the joint meeting. Trump administration officials defend U.S. tariffs following oral arguments yesterday before the SCOTUS.

Randy Russell with the Russell Group believes the political winds of compromise will come soon to Capitol Hill.  Brian Kuehl with Farmers For Free Trade says Congress should become more involved in U.S. trade policy.

Negotiations are said to be underway between Democrat and Republican leaders in Washington to end the government shutdown. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley admits to finger pointing and Brazil's president says he will speak to President Trump soon if trade negotiations to end tariffs don't start soon.

The Trump administration will comply with court rulings and partially fund SNAP benefits for November. Crop production estimates are increasing for Brazilian farmers next year and traders say the harvest is nearing completion in the U.S.

Two federal judges ruled the Trump Administration must use contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. The Fed lowered interest rates again this week, but additional cuts this year may not be guaranteed. Halloween candy sales will exceed $3-billion dollars this year.