Agri-Pulse DriveTime Podcast

An escalation in the war between Ukraine and Russia helped move wheat futures higher. The situation has the potential to impact global commodity prices. Agri-Pulse Newsmakers features Cathy Burns of the International Fresh Produce Association who supports proposed revisions to H2A and warns of challenges from state food packaging regulations. 

Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says the USDA's rollback on some Biden administration regulations has nothing to do with cattle producers. NCBA supports the Packers and Stockyards act and supports the work of the USDA and industry to eradicate New World screwworm in the U.S. 

The National Corn Growers Association released research suggesting a significant price disparity between input costs paid by farmers in the U.S. compared to those paid by Brazilian farmers. The National Farmers Union opposes the USDA's proposed rollback of some Biden era regulations imposed under the Packers and Stockyards Act. 

Farmer sentiment continues to fall according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Survey. Media reports say U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has spoken with Senate leadership. Traders with knowledge of the deals say China has purchased U.S. soybeans. 

U.S. corn condition held steady while soybean condition declined slightly from last week according to USDA.  Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company believes supply and demand factors may be pointing to higher commodity prices for farmers. 

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, agriculture leaders say farmers, ranchers and the food production system play a significant role in national security. Farm groups say farm, trade and labor policy is critical to maintaining a safe and ample food supply.