May 23, 2025
MAHA Commission Releases Report
President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again Commission released an expected report on Thursday, blaming several factors for causing chronic illnesses, especially in children. Axios said the highly anticipated report included bad diets, chemical exposure, and unnecessary medication for causing chronic illnesses in kids. The commission said popular snacks and beverages save time and money but cites research showing ultra-processed foods are linked to chronic diseases. A big concern for U.S. agriculture going into the day was pesticides. The report says potential toxins in the environment are a big concern, but the administration is treading lightly. “American farmers rely on these products, and actions that further regulate or restrict crop protection tools must involve thoughtful consideration of what’s necessary for adequate protection, alternatives, and cost of production,” the report added. “Understanding links between chemical exposure and chronic illness cannot happen through a European regulatory system that stifles growth.”
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Soybean Farmers Respond to MAHA Report
The American Soybean Association strongly rebukes the May 22 Make America Healthy Again Commission Report for being “brazenly unscientific” and damaging to Americans’ confidence in the safe, reliable food system. Should the administration act on the report that was drafted entirely behind closed doors, it will harm U.S. farmers, increase food costs for consumers, and worsen health outcomes for all Americans. Farmers represented by the ASA are disturbed that the MAHA report contains recommendations that aren’t grounded in science and seem to advance the agenda of food elites and activist groups that have long sought to undermine U.S. agriculture. Even more troubling is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr’s reassuring Congress earlier in the week that the report doesn’t contain a single word that should worry the American farmer. The report suggests that glyphosate, atrazine, and other pesticides farmers need are potential contributors to health ailments.
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House Passes Reconciliation Bill
U.S. agriculture organizations reacted to the House of Representatives passing its reconciliation bill. “Farm Bureau applauds the legislation, which modernizes farm bill programs and extends and improves critical tax provisions that benefit farmers and ranchers,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Updated reference prices will also create some certainty for farmers struggling through tough economic times.” National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein (WHERE-byne) says, “Cattle farmers and ranchers received needed support from Congress’s investing in cattle health, strengthening our resources against foreign animal disease, and supporting producers recovering from disasters and depredation.” Growth Energy says it’s grateful to champions on Capitol Hill who’ve worked hard to preserve and extend rural priorities like the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. “The budget reconciliation package gives farmers and ethanol producers the freedom and flexibility to deliver for the American people,” says CEO Emily Skor. “It’s good for our rural communities and producers.”
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Democrats Respond to Reconciliation Bill Passage
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee, responded to House Republicans passing its reconciliation bill that takes food assistance away from at least three million Americans by cutting $290 billion from SNAP funding. “Instead of working to lower grocery costs as they promised the American people they would, House Republicans are pulling the rug out from under millions of families by taking away federal assistance to put food on the table,” Klobuchar said. “They’re doing that even as President Trump’s tariff taxes raise food prices by more than $200 for the average family, all to fund more tax breaks for the wealthy.” She calls it “very wrong” and says they will fight against it in the Senate. “This Republican bill will mean more seniors, children, veterans, and people with disabilities will go to bed hungry,” she added. “It also means farmers will see billions in lost revenue.”
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Food Inflation Rate Cools in April
The recent Consumer Price Index data for April shows a welcome moderation in overall inflation, cooling to its slowest annual rate since early 2021. Despite that, many families continue to feel the pinch at the grocery store and dining out. In April, consumer prices rose 0.2 percent from the previous month, slowing the annual inflation rate from 2.4 to 2.3 percent. The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics was surprising as many expected ongoing trade disputes and tariffs to push prices higher. Farmdoc Daily from the University of Illinois says food prices have risen 29.5 percent since December 2019, leading to nationwide consumer frustration with prices and affordability. Food prices in April decreased 0.1 percent from the previous month but are 2.7 percent higher than a year ago. Food away from home prices rose 0.4 percent last month, and prices for food at home declined by 0.4 percent.
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Rabobank Issues Pork Demand Forecast
A new RaboResearch report says pork prices have rebounded and remain strong despite shifting trade flows and growing economic and consumer uncertainties. Rising geopolitical tensions have had a limited impact on global pork markets, but they are likely to redirect global trade volumes in the coming months. Despite the agreement between the U.S. and China to reduce tariffs for 90 days, the added tariffs on U.S. pork could still curtail trade. “Given the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. trade policy, investment in U.S. pork sector expansion is expected to slow, while other regions may see slightly faster growth,” said Christine McCracken, senior analyst of animal protein at RaboResearch. Pork prices have rebounded, driven by tighter hog supplies due to limited growth in the sow herd and ongoing health and productivity challenges. “We expect limited demand improvement for the rest of the year,” McCracken said. “Higher beef and poultry prices may offer some support.”
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