USMCA: From Minnesota Corn via Instagram, VERBATIM: “The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has been a game-changer for U.S. agriculture, creating jobs, expanding exports, and providing stability to our farms and communities. But these gains aren’t guaranteed: Your advocacy is needed to secure the long-term benefits of this agreement. This month, join MCGA and the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA in signing a letter to the Trump administration urging a full renewal of the landmark agreement.” POST: https://fluence-media.co/43dXTie (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
MORE: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “More than 150 food and agriculture groups across North America are urging leaders to renew the USMCA. National Potato Council’s Kam Quarles tells Brownfield” QUOTE: “In perspective of where we are 20, 30 years ago versus where we are today, on an economic basis, on a holistic basis, the agreement has delivered substantial results for not just agriculture, but the countries as well.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xcIKLN
THE POLITICS OF FARMING
TODAY: Via Wisconsin Public Radio, VERBATIM: “President Donald Trump is set Friday to visit a farm in Chippewa Falls for a roundtable on farm issues. The visit to Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District highlights the national importance of that seat, which both parties believe is crucial to determining who holds power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by staunch Trump ally, Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Prairie du Chien . . . In a statement to media, a White House spokesperson highlighted Trump’s ‘strong support for Wisconsin’s farmers — delivering lower input costs, new trade markets, less red tape, a stronger farm safety net, a doubled death tax exemption, no taxes on rural property loan interest, and new Rural Opportunity Zones.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QrZPRj
MORE: From KMSP-TV via YouTube, live coverage of the President’s visit. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4e3R5bR
AG SECY: Via Mediaite, VERBATIM: “Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) and Trump Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins got into a heated spat during Thursday’s House Agriculture Committee hearing as Craig grilled Rollins on increasing prices under the Trump administration and admonished the Trump cabinet member for repeatedly trying to blame the Biden administration. As the testy exchange devolved into the two speaking over each other, Rollins asked Craig not to be ‘so rude’ and allow her time to answer questions. Craig showed her frustration with Rollins by repeatedly cutting her off and reclaiming her time.” READ/WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4vqXF3e
MORE: From Forbes via YouTube, the exchange. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4ogus92
MORE: Via MS Now, VERBATIM: “The hearing also focused on one of the victims of the Iran war: American farmers. The enduring closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent the price of critical inputs, such as fertilizer and diesel fuel, soaring at a time when row croppers are already squeezed by the loss of key export markets among Trump’s aggressive trade war with China.” QUOTE: “I have to be honest with you, I wish that you would take the time to talk with farmers in my district who have been totally screwed over by this administration. They are livid, they are mad, they are pissed off,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said. “My farmers can’t afford fertilizer; it’s at record highs because of your administration,” he said. “They can’t afford diesel because of this president’s reckless, illegal war. They can’t afford farm equipment — it’s more expensive than ever because of the stupid tariffs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uoEJRP
FERTILIZER: Via WDIO-TV, VERBATIM: “Ffarmers in Minnesota are still facing higher fertilizer and shipping costs this planting season. The Middle East supplies nearly half of the world’s urea, a key fertilizer ingredient. Since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in February, oil, energy, shipping and fertilizer costs have risen sharply. The Minnesota Farmers’ Union reports that nearly 25 percent of the world’s petroleum and 30 percent of nitrogen supplies have increased in price. Due to global supply disruptions and the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, farmers have needed to adapt to changing costs. Jadell Cavallin with little Waldo farms says many farmers along the north shore and in Minnesota are hurting from rising costs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3RPFt4W
LOANS: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching the transformation of over 130 loan and grant systems that support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities into one modern platform built for the 21st century. After reviewing capabilities and options, today the USDA is moving forward with the next step in Loan Modernization implementation to replace outdated and inefficient legacy systems.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4awqovn
DATA: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) continue to show stronger and more reliable profitability than non‑certified farms, according to new data from the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. The findings reinforce a clear, long‑term trend: For the seventh consecutive year, MAWQCP‑certified farms reported higher gross cash farm income and higher net farm income than comparable non‑certified operations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RPRSWw
PROUD TO CHAMPION ATHLETES EVERYWHERE: Minnesota’s 24,000 family corn farmers may come from different fields than the athletes participating in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26 in Minnesota. But they share the same values, including dedication, hard work, and perseverance. This summer, Minnesota Corn salutes the talented athletes participating in the games. We’ll be cheering them on from our fields as they shine in yours. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
ENVIRONMENTAL HEADWINDS
INVASIVE: Via NBC News, VERBATIM: “A flesh-eating parasite that had been kept out of U.S. livestock for decades has been detected in Texas, threatening the nation’s cattle industry and food supply at a time when prices are already high. The case of New World screwworm was confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, near the U.S.-Mexico border, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said late Wednesday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uU3h68
MORE: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “For weeks, cattle markets had been bracing for the inevitable. As New World screwworm moved closer to the U.S. border, rumors swirled and anxiety built across the cattle industry. So when confirmation came Wednesday night that New World screwworm had been detected in the United States, many expected another sharp selloff in cattle futures. Instead, the market rallied Thursday.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ftQzGt
MORE: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “W/ notice New World screwworm has been detected in Texas, MDA is working closely with/ USDA, BAH & others to monitor situation & possible impacts on MN.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3RMLhw4
MORE: Via MDA, NWS updates. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4e1NU4n
DROUGHT: The latest Drought Monitor reflecting data as of Tuesday shows 75% of the state abnormally dry, up from 61% a week earlier. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
HEAT: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Heat stress is a concern for pork producers. Dr. Jeff Hansen with Elanco Animal Health says even in controlled environments, weather plays a part in pig development.” HANSEN: “Every year we face the same thing, and that is a lot of heat and some really unsavory weather sometimes with rain. And pigs don’t deal well with heat, and in particular humidity and things like that.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3PNwEbf
AG UPDATES
LITCHFIELD: Via Renewables Now, VERBATIM: “US biomethane producer Vanguard Renewables has started construction of a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility in Minnesota that will process food and beverage waste and supply gas to a utility off-taker. The anaerobic digestion plant, located in Litchfield at family farm Wagner Dairy, is expected to process more than 300 tonnes of organic waste per day and produce about 270,000 MMBtu of RNG annually once operational.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uk8kMb
PAYMENTS: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is expanding payment limitation and payment eligibility provisions that affect program payments including allowing for the equitable treatment of business entities. Additionally, producers will benefit from an increased payment limitation for certain programs, and a broader definition of farming income that will result in more exceptions to income limitations.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QoME3B
MORE: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Previously, farms that were structured as an LLC or an S-Corp were limited to a single payment limitation. Now, partnerships, S-Corps, qualifying LLCs, and joint ventures or general partnerships will be treated the same.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4vpn25s
SPECIALTY MARKETS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “For corn and soybean growers eyeing specialty grain opportunities, the first move isn’t buying seed — it’s calling a merchandiser. From transitioning to non-GMO yellow corn to implementing full organic systems, Clarkson Grain’s Kelsey Graber says the farmers who succeed in premium markets are the ones who secure buyers before they plant a single acre. She strongly advises farmers not to plant any specialty crop ‘on speculation.’ Instead, growers should always secure a signed contract with a buyer (such as Clarkson Grain, Scoular, or Cargill Specialty, etc.) that details the pricing structure, premium, and delivery window ahead of time.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4uggWU8
PROCESSORS: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins launched the Small Processors Action Plan, a new set of actions to better support small and very small meat and poultry processing plants, improve customer service, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining strong food safety protections for consumers. Additionally, Secretary Rollins announced that USDA is accepting applications for the fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to expand American meat and poultry processing.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4dR0RiL
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
THIS MONTH: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Happy National #TurkeyLoversMonth! Minnesota is proud to be the nation’s #1 turkey-producing state, thanks to the hard work of our family turkey farmers and industry partners. Join us in celebrating the farmers who help feed our state, nation, and world.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/43S95RM
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