May 5, 2025

U.S. and Indonesia Sign Landmark Dairy Agreement

The National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce signed an MOU to deepen cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines a framework for collaboration to support enhanced dairy trade, strengthen commercial cooperation, and bolster public nutrition through promoting greater consumption of dairy products, particularly in public programs. The agreement also emphasizes support for school milk programs as a catalyst for child health and educational success. “This agreement marks a new chapter in U.S.-Indonesia cooperation building on trade and dairy,” says Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. With its focus on areas of mutual collaboration and support for U.S. dairy exports in Indonesia, the agreement complements ongoing trade negotiations between Indonesia and the U.S. regarding the fostering of more reciprocal trade flows. The agreement allows the Indonesian market’s growth and supports dairy producers in both countries.
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Fertilizer Institute Releases Policy Priorities

The Fertilizer Institute released its list of public policy priorities for working with the Trump administration, regulatory agencies, and Congress. “We are already advocating strongly for policies that not only ensure the fertilizer industry can continue feeding the world sustainably but also support the farmers who grow our nation’s crops,” says TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbush. “We’ve had tremendous success in having the critical role fertilizers play in our nation’s security recognized, and we look forward to continuing our engagement in Washington, D.C.” TFI’s priorities fall under eight umbrellas, including Tax and Trade, Energy and Economic Growth Environment, Transportation, Permitting Registration and Designations, Safety and Security, Innovation, and Farm Bill Reauthorization. Strengthening the domestic fertilizer industry and pushing for policies that promote grower adoption of nutrient stewardship practices are a heavy focus but just one of many important to TFI. Go to The Fertilizer Institute website(Link is external) for information.
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NFU to Host a Week of Action

The National Farmers Union is holding a full week of events, programming, and meetings in Washington, D.C., and across the country to urge Congress to pass a comprehensive five-year farm bill and ease the burden on family farms and ranches. The events take place from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9. During the week, Farmers Union members will meet with members of Congress to share how volatile markets, rising input costs, shrinking federal support, mounting trade tensions, and the lack of a new farm bill are causing stress and uncertainty across farm country. Starting on Monday, May 5, the NFU will bring nearly 100 family farmers and ranchers to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with their elected officials and share what’s happening on farms across the country. Hundreds more will participate virtually throughout the week, using social media and digital advocacy tools to elevate their voices and urge congressional action. 
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Registration is Open for the 2025 Lamb Summit

U.S. sheep producers are invited to join industry leaders and 10-plus sheep extension specialists at the 2025 American Lamb Summit at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. It’s an opportunity to engage with all segments of the sheep industry and explore the newest trends and opportunities to boost the competitiveness of the U.S. sheep market. “Educational conferences like the American Lamb Summit help our industry focus on improving sustainability and profitability while delivering an exceptional eating experience for consumers,” says Jeff Ebert, American Lamb Board chair. The Summit combines dynamic presentations with hands-on experiences in the Meat Lab and the Sheep Center, while delivering an exceptional eating experience for consumers. One of the many speakers includes Woody Lane, a nationally recognized expert in pasture management and sheep nutrition. He’ll host a pasture walk on day 2 and answer producers’ questions about forage and grazing. For more information, go to lambboard.com(Link is external). 
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Mexico to Become Top U.S. Ag Export Destination

U.S. food and agricultural exports to Mexico surged 65 percent during the last four years, making it the fastest-growing export market for many American agricultural products and commodities. Mexico’s growth as a destination for U.S. exports has been spurred by its booming post-COVID-19 economy and a rapidly growing manufacturing sector. According to new research from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, Mexico will likely surpass Canada to claim the number one spot for the first time in 2025 despite some emerging headwinds. “A few risk factors are developing that could slow additional growth,” says Rob Fox, director of the Knowledge Exchange. “Mexico’s economy has been slowing, and the unusually strong peso has weakened by 15 percent since early 2024.” As a result, Mexican consumers’ purchasing power will be more of a challenge in 2025. Since 2020, Mexico’s share of all U.S. ag exports went from 11.2 percent to 16.4 percent. 
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Malaysia Now Open to U.S. Sorghum Imports

U.S. sorghum producers have a new opportunity in Malaysia after import restrictions and requirements for the product were eased earlier in April. The U.S. Grains Council worked closely with its Malaysian counterparts and USDA agencies to advance market access for U.S. sorghum products in Malaysia. “The Council applauds Malaysia’s decision to open itself to U.S. sorghum to provide a high-quality feed and food ingredient option for this growing, modern economy,” said Caleb Wurth, USGC regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania. “Our staff has already been in touch with Malaysian customers to let them know about this change, and they are extremely interested in the financial and nutritional benefits of U.S. sorghum.” The new import laws dropped several logistical and administrative requirements that previously put U.S. sorghum at a competitive disadvantage compared to other origins. Malaysia imported over $28 million in U.S. grains in all forms (GIAF) in marketing year 2023-2024.
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