Agri-Pulse DriveTime

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith supports government efficiency, but not at all costs. Smith is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers.

The Senate is a step closer to providing funds for the Trump administration for mass deportations and border security. The USDA continues to review funding under the Inflation Reduction Act after releasing $20-million dollars to farmers with conservation program contracts.

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley supports legislation to allow year round sales of E-15 blended fuel. Grassley supports the idea of moving the Food for Peace Program to the USDA.

Iowa 4th District Congressman Randy Feenstra believes next month's continuing resolution bill is the next opportunity to carry year around E-15 legislation into law. He believes a farm bill will be done this year but admits spending is the biggest issue.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses serving the agriculture industry at USDA and cooperating with other cabinet members to grow opportunities for farmers and ranchers.  Rollins says DOGE downsizing may actually improve local service to the ag community.

South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson is featured on this week's Agri-Pulse Newsmakers.  Johnson discusses changes to SNAP work requirements to meet budget savings.

President Trump rolls out plans to use additional tariffs to balance U.S. trade. Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are confirmed to serve in the Trump Cabinet

The House budget plan calls for $230 billion dollars in agriculture spending cuts over the next 10 years. Soybean farmers support legislation that would maintain international food assistance programs.

Agriculture leaders took their turn to discuss the farm economy in testimony before the House Agriculture Committee today. The Hunger Caucus was introduced again today in Washington.

Uncertainty surrounds President Trump's plan for downsizing the federal workforce, tariffs on trading partners and future of U.S. food aid programs.