We should get a fresh look today at President Donald Trump’s impact on agricultural trade in USDA’s quarterly trade outlook. The report will show us whether the ag trade deficit is growing, or whether Trump’s trade policy is putting a dent in it.
The last update, which was delayed several days and ultimately stripped down, showed the ag trade deficit growing to $49.5 billion for fiscal 2025, which ends Sept. 30. That’s up from the $49 billion deficit projected in February and the $31.8 billion deficit recorded in FY24.
Dan Basse, president of AgResource Co., thinks the deficit could grow to about $54 billion based on trends this year.
Farm Progress Show
Crowds at the Farm Progress Show (Agri-Pulse photo)
Bayer is optimistic about the approval of dicamba for the 2026 growing season and the development of its short-stature corn, according to North American commercial lead Brian Naber.
Naber spoke withAgri-Pulse’sLydia Johnson at the Farm Progress Show (FPS) in Decatur, Illinois, on Wednesday.
“More than any other time in the last 20 years, growers are asking questions about weed control,” Naber said, mentioning hard-to-kill weeds such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth.
“We're highly optimistic that the tool will be back and available for growers for ’26.”
A public comment period is currently open on proposed labels for three versions of dicamba from Bayer, Syngenta and BASF.
On the short-stature corn variety now in development, called Preceon, Naber said Bayer continues to test and refine the agronomics.
“We're really co-creating the solution with farmers on how to optimize the seeding of it, how to optimize the feeding…, and then how to optimize protecting it,” he said.
Also at the FPS, Corn Refiners Association (CRA) President and CEO John Bode had some kind words for the Make America Health Again strategy that was recently leaked. Bode said, unlike the initial MAHA report released in May, the Trump administration is taking “a more thoughtful approach … to be sure that the science is there and … that they have good, sound strategies that are actually going to achieve the goals that are intended.”
Commenting on other recent news, he said CRA is very confident that Coca-Cola and other big beverage companies will continue to use high-fructose corn syrup as a caloric sweetener. “There are cost advantages as well as functional advantages in how it works as a sweetener in beverages,” he said.
Coca-Cola recently announced it would make some of its trademark soda using cane sugar.
Report: Farm finances declined in Q2
Farm income and credit conditions “deteriorated steadily” across the Midwest during the second quarter of the year, according to an analysis of Farm Reserve district reports.
“Weakness was most pronounced in regions heavily concentrated in crop production, while strength in cattle and other livestock industries provided support to finances in some areas,” says the report posted by the Kansas City Fed.
The report says, “weaker farm income has reduced liquidity for many producers and demand for financing continued to rise.” Demand for non-real estate farm loans has grown especially fast in the Minneapolis District but is also increasing elsewhere.
Senators seek expedited credentialing for wildland firefighters
Two Western senators are urging Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to ensure enough credentialed wildland firefighters are available in coming months.
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In a letter, Sens. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and John Curtis, R-Utah, say Western states have faced challenges deploying federal, state and contract firefighters over the years amid “persistent backlogs” in Red Card processing. Red Cards are credentials needed by firefighters."These delays are not only creating operational gaps but also placing additional strain on already deployed responders,” they wrote. "We remain committed to the expeditious rollout of Red Cards and to adequate staffing at USFS to efficiently respond to this fire season."
Texas attorney general to investigate heavy metals in baby food
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued civil investigative demands to two major baby food manufacturers as part of an investigation into the potential sale and advertising of products containing heavy metals.
According to a press release, Paxton has so far sent civil investigative demands, or CIDs, to Gerber and Plum Organics but may probe other companies as the investigation moves forward. A CID is similar to a subpoena.
"We will fight to end the broken system that has led to food products threatening the health of our children and secure justice for any parent misled by baby food manufacturers engaging in deceptive practices,” Paxton said in the release. "Together, we will Make America Healthy Again.”
Paxton is involved in a contentious campaign for the U.S. Senate with incumbent Republican John Cornyn.
COVID-19 lawsuit against Tyson Foods can continue, appeals court rules
A federal circuit court will allow a lawsuit against Tyson Foods over the death of a Texas employee from COVID-19 to continue, reversing a lower court's decision to dismiss the case.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a district court erred in dismissing state law negligence claims made by the family of David Williams Sr., against Tyson.
The court found the claims are not preempted by the Poultry Products Inspection Act, which serves as a part of the framework for federal poultry safety regulations.
Williams died in December 2020.
Final word
"Medical schools understand the critical role that nutrition plays in preventing, managing and treating chronic health conditions, and incorporate significant nutrition education across their required curricula. Through integrated education experiences, future physicians learn how to recognize the impact of diet on health and to apply evidence-based nutritional strategies in patient care.” – Alison J. Whelan, chief academic officer, Association of American Medical Colleges.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is giving medical schools until Sept. 10 to submit plans for embedding nutrition education in their curricula.
Philip Brasher, Steve Davies, Lydia Johnson
