Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
Trade war set to drive up farm equipment costs
An ongoing trade war is expected to have a far-reaching effect on farm equipment, impacting myriad machinery components that could drive up costs on the dealer lot. Equipment inventories are stabilizing following volatile post-pandemic years, but price tags are rising alongside inflation – and tariffs could send prices into orbit. Andy Castillo shares insights from recent conversations with equipment dealers.
More tariff coverage from the Farm Progress team:
- U.S. soybean cargoes sail to China despite retaliatory tariff
- $3 billion in U.S. meat exports at risk as China delays plant approvals
- Update: Trump backs off plan to double Canadian steel and aluminum tariffs
- China rattles crop markets with levies on Canadian farm exports
EPA to revise Waters of the United States rule
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will work together to review the WOTUS definition. “We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers, and small businesses,” said Zeldin. A statement from EPA says the agencies will move quickly and ensure the revision “follows the law, reduces red tape, cuts overall permitting costs and lowers the cost of doing business.” – EPA
March WASDE recap: USDA stands firm on South American harvest estimates
USDA surprised the market by leaving its 2025 corn and soybean harvest estimates for Argentina and Brazil unchanged in its monthly Supply and Demand report on Tuesday. The agency also hiked its outlook for U.S. and global wheat stockpiles more than expected. Read more report highlights from the Farm Futures team. – Farm Futures
U.S. farmers sue Trump administration for withheld IRA funds
Several U.S. farmers and nonprofits filed a lawsuit on Thursday, arguing the Trump administration is illegally withholding USDA grants funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. The five farmers involved were awarded grants from a USDA energy program to install solar panels, while three nonprofits involved were awarded Forest Service grants. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has said that his agency is beginning to unfreeze IRA grants to farmers, but the agency has not provided details of how much money has been released or on what timetable. – Reuters
Drones offer opportunities for multi-generation farms
Drones have become an important tool for the Kruithoff family in Kent City, Mich. The family found success using DJI-T40 drones for interseeding cover crops and applying fungicide with fertility. For many, drones have opened the opportunity for young farmers to test new technology on the farm while marketing those skills to surrounding operations. Experts remind farmers to obtain correct licensing and insurance and to know what to charge before making custom drone applications. – Farm Progress
Is your planter downforce set correctly?
Achieving rapid and uniform corn emergence is crucial for maximizing yield potential, and proper planter downforce is key to achieving the correct seed depth. Downforce settings can be highly variable as soil conditions and moisture levels change over time and from field to field. A recent Purdue study cosponsored by Indiana Prairie Farmer highlights the importance of proper planter downforce – see the results. – Indiana Prairie Farmer
Could the U.S. see $15 soybeans?
Trying to figure out the grain market is difficult in the best of times. But headed into spring 2025, the smoke and mirrors are especially confusing, says analyst Bryce Knorr. Despite slowing Chinese demand out of the U.S., Knorr explains total exports still could wind up around 50 million bushels more than USDA currently estimates for the marketing year. Learn more about scenarios that could push soybeans toward $15. – Farm Futures