Philip Brasher

USDA officials are defending a freeze on funding that has snagged several programs. In a statement to Agri-Pulse, the department says the Trump administration “rightfully has asked for a comprehensive review of all contracts, work, and personnel across all federal agencies. Anything that violates the President’s Executive Orders will be subject for review.”

Ross reacts to cost study * Water board hungry for more fees * Shasta dumps flood flows * USDA defends funding delay

USDA is projecting that net farm income will increase sharply this year, largely due to an infusion of $31 billion in disaster aid and market relief assistance provided by Congress in December.

A 90-day suspension and stop-work order on most U.S. foreign aid has snagged some anti-hunger and agricultural development efforts while stalling shipping of some agricultural commodities, although emergency food assistance can still be distributed.

Farmer sentiment improved slightly in January as corn and soybean prices turned upward, according to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Co. of Iowa has acquired Canadian crop insurer Palliser Insurance.

Today is a critical day for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and hopes for the Make America Healthy Again movement. The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on Kennedy’s nomination Tuesday. But a key Republican committee member, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, wouldn’t tell reporters Monday how he was planning to vote, saying only that he and Kennedy had a “cordial” conversation over the weekend.

Trump defense fund launches * Backlash over reservoir releases * Mexico, Canada avert tariffs, China on tap

President Donald Trump announced sweeping duties on Canada, Mexico and China over the weekend, triggering a trade conflict with the U.S.’ largest agricultural trading partners.