USTR Greer Shares Support for Chief Ag Negotiator Nominee Julie Callahan

Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — In the push to expand trade opportunities, the United States could soon have a new Chief Agriculture Negotiator. Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.

“She’s a longtime career staffer who knows the business, the community, and the countries, and she’s already been hard at work,” Greer said. “She’ll, of course, have added authority when she’s confirmed. One of the things I’ve asked them to look at is what about Brazil, right? I’ve heard a lot about Brazil today and who they are as a trading partner, but we have to remember—in terms of ag—they’re a competitor, not just in ag, but in aerospace and other things. They are a competitor. And every time someone retaliates against us, Brazil tends to do the backfill. So, there are a lot of things to solve here; and our ag negotiator — she’s ready for the job.”

Callahan has spent nearly a decade with the U.S. Trade Rep’s office. She currently serves as an Assistant Trade Representative for agricultural and commodity policy. If confirmed, Callahan would replace Doug McCalip, who left Washington with the previous Biden Administration.

Related Stories
Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dalton Henry, with U.S. Wheat Associates, joined RFD-TV to provide insight on what the pending trade frameworks may mean for American wheat growers.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined RFD-TV to provide the latest insights on diabetes and rural health.
Our friend Jake Charleston at Specialty Risk Insurance joins us for an industry update.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Wed, 12/17/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
A massive rail merger could significantly impact North American agriculture and trade flows.