Agri-Pulse DriveTime Podcast

Representatives of the rice industry appealed to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to mount a trade probe into unfair trade practices in the international rice market. President Trump offered mixed messages on trade negotiations with Iran today as the ceasefire deadline draws near. The USDA reported corn and soybean planting progress above the average pace today. 

Agriculture groups are anxiously anticipating an ag labor bill being introduced tomorrow. Farmers today lamented the challenges associated with a lack of an adequate workforce. Cases of New World screwworm continue to climb and crop condition of corn and soybeans decline from one week ago. 

President Trump says Iran violated a ceasefire agreement by firing at a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says he may be willing to compromise on passing SNAP expenses to states with high error rates. 

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Monsanto and parent company Bayer today verifying  the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency and the nation's existing FIFRA law. Renewable fuel representatives applaud President Trump's push for E15 legislation.  RFA steps in to defend recent RVO numbers from the EPA. 

President Trump says gasoline prices aren't falling fast enough and is pointing fingers at oil companies. A compromise on SNAP program spending may be the key to approving a farm bill in the Senate. A key USDA official says a decision is pending on prevented plant options with crop insurance. 

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman released draft language of a new farm bill. The Arkansas Republican hopes to see language approved and conferenced with the House version. Boozman says additional financial assistance for farmers and E15 legislation will be considered separately.