Agri-Pulse DriveTime Podcast

Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn tells Agri-Pulse E15 legislation may soon be released. Leaders of the National Pork Producers Council are in Washington this week lobbying for a new farm bill that includes a fix for California's Proposition 12. 

Farm groups and university analysis give evidence that the economic climate for crop farmers has become more challenging following the war with Iran.  Fuel and fertilizer prices have spiked further squeezing farm profit margins. Farmers say planting decisions may be impacted this year. 

Agriculture leaders spoke to members of the North American Agriculture Journalists today in Washington. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden updated the group on the USDA reorganization plans and investigation into farmer input prices. 

Economic reports this week showed the impact on the nation's economy from last year's government shutdown and on consumer prices from the impact of the war with Iran. Despite a challenging financial picture for crops, farmer optimism showed improvement over previous surveys. 

The USDA increased the average price expected for some commodities in today's WASDE report. Carryover estimates for corn and soybeans were left unchanged while wheat stocks grew slightly. Soybean domestic crush offset an expected drop of export sales. The EPA today proposed weakened rules governing the safe disposal of ash produced by burning coal. 

Congress returns to Washington next week facing challenging policy issues including E15, new  farm policy and additional economic assistance for farmers. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following attacks by Israel on the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The U.S. has its nominee to lead the U. N. World Food Program.