Agri-Pulse is a trusted source in Washington, D.C., with the largest editorial team focused on food, fuel, fiber and farm policy coverage. Agri-Pulse presents a balanced perspective on a wide variety of issues. https://www.agri-pulse.com/rss/articles The Trump administration is granting more small refinery exemptions that expected while also taking steps to cushion the potential blow to biofuel demand. The Trump administration is granting more small refinery exemptions that expected while also taking steps to cushion the potential blow to biofuel demand. 

]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:38:38 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25167-epa-grants-rfs-waivers-while-taking-steps-to-cushion-blow-to-ag http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25167 New insurance options, emergency grazing authorities on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program acres, and guaranteed loans for regional meat processors are among the elements of a packaged unveiled by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday to encourage producers to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd. New insurance options, emergency grazing authorities on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program acres, and guaranteed loans for regional meat processors are among the elements of a packaged unveiled by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday to encourage producers to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd. 

]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:41:17 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25166-new-usda-initiative-aims-to-spur-cattle-herd-rebuilding-with-insurance-conservation-program-grazing-changes http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25166 Darren Hudson, associate dean at Texas Tech University, argues that fertilizer prices are rising not because of domestic market power but because global supply shocks are driving an internationally driven price spike that U.S. farmers inevitably feel. Darren Hudson, associate dean at Texas Tech University, argues that fertilizer prices are rising not because of domestic market power but because global supply shocks are driving an internationally driven price spike that U.S. farmers inevitably feel.

]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:21:38 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25162-opinion-rising-fertilizer-prices-are-a-response-to-foreign-disruptions-not-domestic-manipulation http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25162 Fewer congressional town halls are being held this year, and former National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett worries that as a result, lawmakers have less opportunity to hear farmers’ voices. Fewer congressional town halls are being held this year, and former National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett worries that as a result, lawmakers have less opportunity to hear farmers’ voices.

]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:33 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25163-daybreak-aug-31-fewer-town-halls-hurts-democracy-doggett-says http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25163 Ag markets are under close watch as the Trump administration mulls biofuel rules for oil refiners and House lawmakers return to work facing thorny questions on farm policy, domestic spending and global trade. Ag markets are under close watch as the Trump administration mulls biofuel rules for oil refiners and House lawmakers return to work facing thorny questions on farm policy, domestic spending and global trade.

]]> Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:34:55 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25161-washington-week-ahead-biofuel-rules-and-trade-relations-under-scrutiny http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25161 President Donald Trump on Friday took aim at the nation’s four largest beef processors in announcing his intent to expand producers’ ability to process their own meat, though it is currently unclear how he plans to do so. President Donald Trump on Friday took aim at the nation’s four largest beef processors in announcing his intent to expand producers’ ability to process their own meat, though it is currently unclear how he plans to do so. 

]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:50:14 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25160-trump-goes-after-big-four-meatpackers-says-producers-should-be-allowed-to-do-own-processing http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25160 Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, warned the Trump administration Thursday against increasing the use of small refinery exemptions from biofuel-blending rules under the Renewable Fuel Standard, joining several agricultural and biofuel groups cautioning against such changes. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, warned the Trump administration Thursday against increasing the use of small refinery exemptions from biofuel-blending rules under the Renewable Fuel Standard, joining several agricultural and biofuel groups cautioning against such changes.

]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25164-daybreak-aug-28-iowa-senator-joins-ag-biofuel-groups-opposing-expanded-sres http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25164 Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., argue that President Trump’s trade policies have destabilized key markets for Illinois farmers, forcing the state to step up with new export agreements and stronger domestic demand to provide certainty for producers. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., argue that President Trump’s trade policies have destabilized key markets for Illinois farmers, forcing the state to step up with new export agreements and stronger domestic demand to provide certainty for producers.

]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:42:55 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25157-opinion-while-washington-closes-doors-illinois-opens-markets-for-farmers http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25157 The U.S. will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings for ground beef to enter the country at an in-quota rate for 90 days starting Sept. 1. The U.S. will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings for ground beef to enter the country at an in-quota rate for 90 days starting Sept. 1.

]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:32:16 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25159-white-house-moves-ahead-with-ground-beef-imports http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25159 With high-stakes congressional elections near, farm and biofuel companies are warning the White House against moves that they say would undermine new biofuel-blending rules and hurt farmers. With high-stakes congressional elections near, farm and biofuel companies are warning the White House against moves that they say would undermine new biofuel-blending rules and hurt farmers. 

]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:35:20 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25156-bunge-poet-others-warn-trump-on-biofuel-exemptions-for-oil http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25156 Local communities need to closely question companies that want to build data centers about the impact they will have on power and water needs and, ultimately, whether they will provide an overall benefit, a panel of speakers said on an Agri-Pulse webinar Thursday. Local communities need to closely question companies that want to build data centers about the impact they will have on power and water needs and, ultimately, whether they will provide an overall benefit, a panel of speakers said on an Agri-Pulse webinar Thursday.

]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:18:05 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25158-communities-need-to-demand-answers-on-data-centers-experts-say http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25158 A Labor Department rule on farmworker wage must be rewritten, a federal court ordered Wednesday, putting additional pressure on Congress to come up with a solution. A Labor Department rule on farmworker wage must be rewritten, a federal court ordered Wednesday, putting additional pressure on Congress to come up with a solution.

]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:01:28 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25155-daybreak-aug-27-aewr-rule-sent-back-to-labor-department http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25155 Alison Bodor of the American Frozen Food Institute argues that USDA should give school nutrition professionals more flexibility to use foods — like frozen fruit blended into smoothies — that help them meet nutrition standards while managing the day‑to‑day realities of running a school cafeteria. Alison Bodor of the American Frozen Food Institute argues that USDA should give school nutrition professionals more flexibility to use foods — like frozen fruit blended into smoothies — that help them meet nutrition standards while managing the day‑to‑day realities of running a school cafeteria.

]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:01:40 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25154-opinion-school-nutrition-rules-should-reward-what-works http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25154 Rumors that EPA may grant almost double the estimated number of small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard mixing levels have thrown biofuels markets into “chaos,” the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association said Tuesday. Rumors that EPA may grant almost double the estimated number of small refinery exemptions from 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard mixing levels have thrown biofuels markets into “chaos,” the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association said Tuesday.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:12:37 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25153-daybreak-aug-26-trump-urged-not-to-grant-sres http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25153 CHS and OCP North America plan to build the first phosphate fertilizer plant in the U.S. in more than 40 years. CHS and OCP North America plan to build the first phosphate fertilizer plant in the U.S. in more than 40 years.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:30:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25152-chs-ocp-announce-plans-to-build-phosphate-plant-in-louisiana http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25152 Angela Huffman of Farm Action argues that rural communities are right to be wary of data centers because past “economic development” projects often left them with higher costs, strained resources, and weakened farmland without delivering lasting local benefits. Angela Huffman of Farm Action argues that rural communities are right to be wary of data centers because past “economic development” projects often left them with higher costs, strained resources, and weakened farmland without delivering lasting local benefits.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:12:46 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25151-opinion-data-centers-are-the-wrong-deal-for-rural-america http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25151 The administration is trying to quickly lower beef prices before the midterms by reopening ports and boosting imports, but economists warn those short‑term moves could discourage the long‑term herd rebuilding needed to stabilize the market. The administration is trying to quickly lower beef prices before the midterms by reopening ports and boosting imports, but economists warn those short‑term moves could discourage the long‑term herd rebuilding needed to stabilize the market.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:13:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25149-border-reopening-lower-beef-prices-could-stunt-herd-regrowth http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25149 U.S. ethanol exports are set to reach new record highs this marketing year as the industry eyes Japan, Mexico and other countries for future gains. U.S. ethanol exports are set to reach new record highs this marketing year as the industry eyes Japan, Mexico and other countries for future gains. 

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:12:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25150-us-ethanol-exports-seen-surging-higher-with-demand-in-japan-mexico-and-beyond http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25150 Administrators of a sustainable agriculture research grant program are waiting on the Agriculture Department to release $48 million in funding in order to choose this year’s projects. If the money does not come through by the end of September, program supporters fear it will expire. Administrators of a sustainable agriculture research grant program are waiting on the Agriculture Department to release $48 million in funding in order to choose this year’s projects. If the money does not come through by the end of September, program supporters fear it will expire. 

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:11:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25145-usda-funding-holdup-clouds-future-of-sustainable-agriculture-research-program http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25145 Indiana farmer Kip Tom, who is leading an effort to modernize how USDA collects and produces its crop reports, says an announcement is expected next week at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa. Indiana farmer Kip Tom, who is leading an effort to modernize how USDA collects and produces its crop reports, says an announcement is expected next week at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:10:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25135-next-stage-of-nass-modernization-projects-expected-at-farm-progress-show http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25135 A new program being floated by Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., seeks to expand grazing access for producers by converting up to 20 million acres of cropland to pasture. A new program being floated by Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., seeks to expand grazing access for producers by converting up to 20 million acres of cropland to pasture.]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:09:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25129-lawmakers-propose-cropland-conversion-program-to-bolster-grazing-land-access http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25129 The Commerce Department preliminarily found that Mexican winter strawberries are being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. The Commerce Department preliminarily found that Mexican winter strawberries are being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. 

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:08:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25144-commerce-releases-mexican-winter-strawberries-preliminary-determination http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25144 The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced stricter requirements for potato imports from Prince Edward Island to curb the spread of potato wart. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced stricter requirements for potato imports from Prince Edward Island to curb the spread of potato wart.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:07:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25140-aphis-updates-federal-order-to-restrict-spread-of-potato-wart http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25140 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced over $130 million of funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, South Dakota and West Virginia. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced over $130 million of funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, South Dakota and West Virginia.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:06:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25141-rural-healthcare-funding-announced-in-four-states http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25141 Glen Smith was sworn in as the undersecretary for rural development on August 21 at the Iowa State Fair. Brie Reiter Smith is the new CEO of Driscoll’s, effective August 25. President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Heidi Overton to be the FDA commissioner. Brianna Robinson-Verloop has been hired by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to be its senior director of public policy. Glen Smith was sworn in as the undersecretary for rural development on August 21 at the Iowa State Fair. Brie Reiter Smith is the new CEO of Driscoll’s, effective August 25. President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Heidi Overton to be the FDA commissioner. Brianna Robinson-Verloop has been hired by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to be its senior director of public policy. 

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:05:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25136-farm-hands-on-the-potomac-smith-sworn-in-overton-nominated-for-fda-ace-board-chosen http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25136 The U.S.’ sharply escalating trade dispute with Canada has California agriculture industry insiders and experts nervous, as the rift with the Golden State’s biggest trading partner has already hurt the sales of wine and other state commodities. The U.S.’ sharply escalating trade dispute with Canada has California agriculture industry insiders and experts nervous, as the rift with the Golden State’s biggest trading partner has already hurt the sales of wine and other state commodities.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:04:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25148-california-ag-nervous-over-escalating-canada-dispute http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25148 The Almond Board of California is working with a company to use leftover almond shells to develop what the two entities say is a clean, sustainable and domestically sourced alternative to petroleum-based products. The Almond Board of California is working with a company to use leftover almond shells to develop what the two entities say is a clean, sustainable and domestically sourced alternative to petroleum-based products.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:03:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25133-firms-seek-to-turn-harvest-waste-into-high-value-products http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25133 USDA announced plans to buy a wide variety of products to boost farm income and provide more food to nutrition programs and food backs. USDA announced plans to buy a wide variety of products to boost farm income and provide more food to nutrition programs and food backs. 

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:02:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25147-usda-uses-section-32-to-bolster-farm-economy-nutrition-programs http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25147 California is once again at the forefront of new regulations as the state's energy commission advanced the nation’s first efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. But not everyone is convinced that it's a good deal for consumers. California is once again at the forefront of new regulations as the state's energy commission advanced the nation’s first efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. But not everyone is convinced that it's a good deal for consumers. 

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:01:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25146-will-new-regulations-for-replacement-tires-increase-or-decrease-costs http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25146 Devon Keeler has joined the California Department of Food and Agriculture as the deputy secretary of communications and external affairs. Brie Reiter Smith is the new CEO of Driscoll’s, effective August 25. Glen Smith was sworn in as the undersecretary for rural development on Aug. 21 at the Iowa State Fair. President Donald Trump has nominated Heidi Overton to be FDA commissioner. Devon Keeler has joined the California Department of Food and Agriculture as the deputy secretary of communications and external affairs. Brie Reiter Smith is the new CEO of Driscoll’s, effective August 25. Glen Smith was sworn in as the undersecretary for rural development on Aug. 21 at the Iowa State Fair. President Donald Trump has nominated Heidi Overton to be FDA commissioner. 

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25138-farm-hands-west-keeler-joins-cdfa-smith-sworn-in-overton-nominated http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25138