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Senior lawmakers on House and Senate panels responsible for trade legislation have had discussions with colleagues to see if there is an appetite for codifying any of the Trump administration’s trade and tariff deals.

The Trump administration has signaled it is working to curb rising input costs, but farmers are still holding off on making investments over concerns. 

Agencies across the federal government shed tens of thousands of staff last year amid Trump Administration downsizing efforts, though a few offices have seen gains, according to new federal data that shines a light on last year's staffing changes. 

A partnership between ag-tech giant Corteva and oil behemoth BP is eying a 10% share of the EU market for green jet fuel, an optimistic signal for a biofuel industry facing an uncertain policy future. 

Congressional negotiators have reached agreement on funding measures that would fund Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s “food is medicine” initiative and extend funding and authority for telehealth services. The FY26 bills also would continue for another year a prohibition on enforcement of an electronic logging device requirement for livestock haulers.

A net 134,000 people were added to nonmetro areas between July 2023 and July 2024, bringing the rural population to 46.2 million, but the rural share of the nation’s total population slipped from 13.7% to 13.6% over that time, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service.

Creighton University's latest Rural Mainstreet Index climbed to its highest reading since the summer of 2023. The index tracks rural economic growth and is based on a survey of bank CEOs across a 10-state region.

The Fertilizer Institute promoted Megan Costello to chief of staff and Catharine Perry to chief operating officer. William Hohenstein, director of the Office of Energy and Environmental Policy at USDA, is retiring. Ashley McKeon joined the Environmental Defense Fund as director of agriculture policy. The National Association of Wheat Growers promoted Anthony Peña to vice president of policy and communications. Jess McCarron was promoted to managing director of Signal Outdoors at Signal Group DC. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association promoted Hunter Ihrman to executive director of strategic engagement and government affairs. 

There is some positive movement toward congressional action to allow year-round sales of higher ethanol blends at U.S. gas pumps.

Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce that Roeslein Renewables will serve as the Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 Ag & Food Policy Summit. The event will be held at the National Press Club in Washington on March 23.