The Finance Committee held a hearing focused on trade and supply chains.
Ag voices were part of the conversation, including the American Soybean Association. President Caleb Ragland shared concerns about the economic pressure farmers are facing and urged lawmakers to focus on expanding market access in future trade deals.
“Our farm economy is in a dire situation. Commodity prices are down nearly 50% from three years ago, while farmers are still facing elevated prices for land, seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides. As the Administration negotiates with trading partners to reduce barriers and address reciprocal trade issues, we encourage this committee to press the White House on the importance of market access for U.S. agriculture. My written testimony includes specific asks of our industry, including a strong plea to couple this reciprocal tariff strategy with swift negotiations to reduce tariffs and remove market barriers for U.S. ag products.”
In a follow-up, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley asked which countries could serve as future markets for U.S. soy products beyond China. Ragland pointed to India, noting its large population but acknowledging trade with the country remains complex.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
November 21, 2025 07:02 PM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
November 21, 2025 01:59 PM
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Sen. Roger Marshall discusses the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what expanded milk options could mean for students and dairy farmers. Industry groups say it is a win for student nutrition and dairy producers.
November 21, 2025 01:19 PM
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Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
November 21, 2025 11:48 AM
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Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
November 21, 2025 10:30 AM
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Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
November 20, 2025 05:00 PM
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