Julie Callahan Confirmed as U.S. Chief Ag Negotiator

Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The ag trade received a boost this week in the Senate, with Julie Callahan now confirmed as the U.S. chief agricultural negotiator. That position had been open since Doug McKalip left his post in the Biden administration.

Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016. Growth Energy commended her confirmation, noting that Callahan has a strong command of the issues facing farmers and biofuel producers.

Related Stories
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Rollins will also tour a small soybean operation in Iowa before her appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Transportation challenges are mounting as droughts lower Mississippi River levels and push freight rates higher.
Waiting could risk leaving next year’s crop unprotected.
Michigan corn farmer and NCGA Vice President-Elect Matt Frostic will lead the task force. He joined us on Thursday to share his insights on the escalating corn crisis.
Speaking about his administration’s tariff strategy, Trump acknowledged that producers could face financial strain in the short term but promised stopgap support.