Agri-Pulse DriveTime Podcast

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson believes he has the votes to approve the committee's farm bill proposal in the lower chamber. An effort to see E15 language in the bill is underway. Small refinery exemptions remain a sticking point for some in the refining industry. 

The oil industry opposes the farm bill amendment to extend year-round sales of E-15. President Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran but maintains the blockade of U.S. ports. The Iranian military has attacked cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. A respected Georgia representative has passed. 

Financial and commodity markets were largely influenced by anticipation of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump has extended the ceasefire deadline. The delay brings to question if and when a summit between the U.S. and China will take place and when the Strait of Hormuz will open allowing free trade of oil and fertilizer to resume. 

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. 

Members of the House of Representatives are expected to vote on the ag committee's farm bill proposal before the end of the month. House Agriculture Committee Vice Ranking Member Shontel Brown isn't sure many of her fellow Democrats will support the proposal. Brown says Democrats want to reconsider cuts to the SNAP programs. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley realizes the pain U.S. farmers are feeling from increased input prices due to the war with Iran. The Iowa Republican says the reason for the war is not well understood. Congressional ag leaders continue to discuss additional farm assistance this year.