EVENTS TODAY
- Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
- House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, “Examining the Biden Administration’s Energy and Environment Spending Push,”
- Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on the farm economy
EVENTS THIS WEEK
- Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee meeting to consider the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer to be secretary of labor
- Washington International Trade Association forum, “Unpacking What’s Fair and Reciprocal.”
- USDA releases Weekly Export Sales report
- Thursday & Friday - Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, VA
HOUSE PASSES BUDGET RESOLUTION — ALL EYES ON SENATE
House lawmakers passed their budget resolution this week, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing budget discussions. The plan includes $1.5 trillion in spending cuts to fund President Donald Trump‘s priorities, including military spending and border security. Now, eyes are on the Senate, where a different approach may be taken.
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson stated that while SNAP won’t face cuts, changes will be made to ensure the program’s integrity, with over $200 billion in savings still to be identified. On the other hand, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has instructed the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to crack down on SNAP benefits. She’s calling for a clarification and enforcement of all rules to ensure illegal immigrants are not receiving assistance.
TRADE ENFORCEMENT + LOOMING TARIFFS OVER AG SECTOR
Trade issues also continue to dominate discussions in Washington. A former U.S. trade official testified that strong enforcement mechanisms are key to addressing problems at U.S. ports, especially for seasonal perishables. President Trump’s pick for U.S. Trade Representative, Jameson Greer, echoed this sentiment during his confirmation hearing, emphasizing the need for effective enforcement under agreements like the USMCA.
Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) pointed to growing international trade tensions with major partners like Europe, China, and Japan and suggested the U.S. may need to focus on smaller, developing nations to expand markets and increase exports, similar to past successes under former President George W. Bush’s Administration.
The North American Equipment Dealers Association is sounding the alarm over potential tariff increases that could hit the agricultural machinery sector. With Canada as a key importer of U.S. machinery, a tariff war could hurt farmers on both sides of the border. Secretary Rollins backs the Trump Administration’s push for fair trade, but the trade policies remain a hot topic as President Trump reaffirms his stance on tariffs, calling for reciprocal actions to balance the playing field.
AG SECRETARY TAKES AIM AT AVIAN FLU
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced her five-point comprehensive strategy to fight High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) on Wednesday, at least for the next three to six months. Rollins shared her plan in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal.
After touring an egg-laying facility in Texas and meeting with farmers, Rollins slammed the Biden administration’s response. She promises a new strategy at USDA to help farmers as egg prices skyrocket — with some experts predicting a 20-percent hike this year. The National Chicken Council is pushing the FDA to allow broiler eggs for food, potentially putting millions of eggs back into the supply chain. Meanwhile, Turkey is stepping in, sending 15,000 tons of eggs to the U.S. in the coming months.
RANSOMWARE THREATENS AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY
Agriculture is becoming an increasingly common target for ransomware attacks, with 2023 seeing it become the seventh most-targeted industry. Purdue University researchers warn that farms are particularly vulnerable to cybersecurty threats due to underinvestment in IT and lack of training. The growing risk could impact everything from supply chains to financial security. Experts recommend better employee training and upgrades to equipment, including firewalls and encryption tools, to combat this rising threat.
POTATOES PUSH FOR A STRONG 2025
The potato industry is gearing up for another stellar year, with strong export growth driving optimism. Last year, U.S. potato exports hit a record $2.3 billion, with Mexico being a major buyer. While 2023 saw a 5% dip in production due to bad weather in key states like Idaho and Washington, industry leaders are confident 2025 will be a banner year. Increased demand from food service and more consumers eating out point to a bright future for the potato industry.
