President Trump’s pick for USDA Deputy Secretary is facing a full Senate vote. Stephen Vaden would fill the role formerly held by Xochitl Torres Small,
Speaking before a Senate panel, Vaden said he grew up on a family farm and acknowledged the recent tariff action, but he said there is a bigger problem brewing.
“If we’re going to be throwing punches on behalf of America’s economy, there are some punches that need to be thrown on behalf of American farmers, too. Because, while tariffs are the headline, what blocks so many American agricultural products from other countries are phony phytosanitary concerns, supposedly raising health or other welfare concerns about American products.”
Vaden argues U.S. ag exports face more hurdles than others, reminding the President’s trade team to always be on the offense and be aggressive with opening new markets. When it comes to tariffs, just yesterday, President Trump announced India would be dropping their rate to zero on several U.S. products, like steel and auto parts.
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
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Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
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Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
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U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insights from a recent study, discusses EV market access in Canada, and highlights other market opportunities top of mind for Canadian producers.
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Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
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