June 03, 2025

China Says U.S. Violated Trade Truce

A new sign of deteriorating relations between the U.S. and China happened on Monday as China accused the U.S. of violating the trade truce the countries signed last month. Axios said China promised to take “resolute and forceful” steps. The agreement signed in Switzerland led to a deal to lower tariffs on each other for 90 days while they negotiated on trade. Late last week, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Beijing of violating the agreement, one day after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described negotiations as “a bit stalled.” A spokesperson from the Chinese Commerce Ministry said Beijing rejects the unjustified accusations. While President Trump didn’t go into details, administration officials have pointed to delays in sending critical minerals to the U.S., which are needed by several U.S. industries, including agriculture. U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said President Trump and Xi Jinping will talk on the phone this week.

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Record Ethanol Production Slows Ahead of Summer Driving

The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving season. The U.S. does have large stockpiles of ethanol that can offset some of the lower production levels in the short term. But exports and domestic travel trends will have to be watched in the coming weeks and months when fuel demand typically hits its highest point of the year. During the last four weeks ending on May 23, America’s ethanol production averaged about 1.026 million barrels per day. That’s the best for the period in the last six years but behind the levels of six and seven years ago. U.S. gasoline demand hasn’t been as impressive, with rates similar to year-ago levels.

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April Prices Received by Farmers Drop Month to Month

The USDA’s April Prices Received Index fell 3.6 percent from March but was higher by 12 percent year-over-year. The livestock production index fell eight percent in April compared to the prior month but was still 18 percent above last year. The crop production index rose 4.9 percent from March but was down 1.1 percent from last year. Ag producers saw lower prices received for eggs, milk, lettuce, and hogs. The USDA said they received higher prices for cattle, broilers, strawberries, and calves. “In April, there was decreased marketing of corn, cattle, soybeans, and hay, and increased monthly movement for strawberries, milk, broilers, and market eggs,” the report said. The April Prices Paid Index rose 0.5 percent month to month and 5.8 percent from April 2024. Higher prices were paid during the month for feeder cattle, milk cows, nitrogen, and hay. Lower prices were paid for feeder pigs, wages, and complete feeds.

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USDA Sends Resources to Help Canada Fight Wildfires

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said her agency is deploying resources to assist the wildfire response in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta, Canada. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center raised the wildfire preparedness level to 5 in late May as the country is experiencing very high to extreme wildfire activity. USDA deployed an air tanker to Alberta, and the U.S. is mobilizing over 150 firefighters and support personnel to assist Canada with its wildfire response. The U.S. is also mobilizing other equipment, like sprinkler kits, pumps, and hoses. “We are here to help our neighbors during their time of need, and our Forest Service Wildland Firefighters are the best in the business,” Rollins said. “I’m thankful for the brave men and women who are stepping up to serve and pray for their success as they fight fires and save lives.” The current fire activity in the United States remains near normal. 

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NCGA, Farm Credit Launch Mentor Program

The National Corn Growers Association is partnering with the Farm Credit Council to launch a new mentor program called On Deck. The program connects seasoned grower leaders with young and beginning agriculturalists to build NCGA’s roster of champions. “Farm Credit is excited to partner with the National Corn Growers Association on this effort to build the bench of future industry leaders,” said Anne Thompson of Farm Credit Council. “We hope that through this program, young producers can gain exposure to all the association has to offer earlier than they might have otherwise.” The mentees for the program were nominated and selected by NCGA state partners to participate in three months of programming with their mentors. Three of the mentees are from Iowa and one is from Michigan. NCGA leaders say the program will help young farmers overcome the obstacles that they may face in what can be a rough profession. 

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OK State to Construct Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Oklahoma State University received a historic $250 million in state appropriations funding to support the construction of a new state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospital. The investment is the largest state appropriation in university history and marks a significant step forward in advancing the future of veterinary education, food security, and public health in Oklahoma. The new 255,000-square-foot facility will replace the existing 145,000-foot veterinary hospital that was built to serve 60 students but now supports more than 150. “Today marks a very historic day for Oklahoma State University and the entire state,” said OSU President Jim Hess. “State leaders are to be congratulated for their contribution and transformational dedication to our College of Veterinary Medicine, the food supply, and the agricultural economy of our state.” OSU is addressing one of the most urgent infrastructure needs in its veterinary program while expanding the ability to train the next generation of veterinarians. 

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