Agri-Pulse DriveTime Podcast

The Senate draft of a new farm bill is expected to be released this week. Nutrition spending remains a top obstacle.  The USDA reports 68% of U.S. Corn acres and 66% of U.S. Soybean acres are rated good to excellent as most crops are emerged and some acres enter the reproductive cycle of growth. 

Weather data suggests crop damage from severe weather is running well ahead of the average. Weather patterns suggest the worst may not be over. Despite economic challenges for some Brazilian farmers, the country's overall production may not suffer as a result. 

The Fed kept interest rates steady but markets fell after a number of officials favored one or more rate increases this year. The European Union has taken a major step toward approving new genetic breeding techniques. A report on Brazil's farm economy suggests debt is increasing and foreclosures are climbing.  

A new study authored by S&P Global Energy suggest biofuels could be the catalyst to renewed profitability for farms across the nation. Research suggests crop productivity growth will exceed demand and further challenge farm income potential. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley says time is limited to approve E15 legislation this year. 

Clean Fuels Alliance America applauds the Trump administration's decision on higher Renewable Volume Obligations. Add the Corn Refiners Association to the list of agriculture groups supporting a continuation of the USMCA the trade agreement.

The world is again attentive to an agreement between the U.S. and Iran that would open the Strait of Hormuz and end the military action in the Middle East. Renewable fuel groups appear pleased with the Energy Department's latest version of the 45Z-CF- Greet Model.