June 06, 2025
Grain Processing Groups Disappointed with FDA Commissioner
The National Oilseed Processors Association and the Corn Refiners Association released a statement on the incorrect and misleading comments from FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. The Food and Drug Administration leader spoke about seed oils, saying, “Generally, they’re believed to be pro-inflammatory,” a disparaging comment that goes against the weight of established science. “We support the administration’s underlying goals of improving public health, so it’s unfortunate to see officials offer misguided comments that go against current understanding of the scientific evidence,” the groups said. “Seed oils are not inflammatory as demonstrated by large population studies and human intervention studies.” They also said seed oils have been used in the global food supply for decades and are proven to be safe and nutritious ingredients for a variety of products. “Remarks like those create unwarranted anxiety about the food supply and the formula that benefits millions of infants globally,” they added.
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Ethanol Output Hits Highest Level in Two Months
The Energy Information Administration says U.S. ethanol output jumped to the highest level in over two months, and inventories improved in the week ending on May 30. EIA data says production rose an average of 1.105 million barrels during the week, up from 1.056 million barrels the previous week and the highest production since March 14. Midwestern output increased to an average of 1.047 million barrels per day, up from 999,000 barrels the prior week. Gulf Coast production increased to 26,000 barrels a day, up by 1,000 barrels a day from the previous week. West Coast output improved to 9,000 barrels a day, up from 8,000 the week before. The East Coast and Rocky Mountain regions were unchanged compared to the prior week at 12,000 and 11,000 barrels per day, respectively. Ethanol inventories during the same week rose to 24.44 million barrels, up from 24.282 million barrels a week earlier.
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The Impact of “One Big, Beautiful Bill” on U.S. Ag
The House of Representatives advanced the “One Big Beautiful Bill” to the Senate. It’s a significant step toward restoring some longer-term certainty for farmers and ranchers after a series of short-term extensions of the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill comes amid continued challenges like volatile markets, high production costs, and weather disasters. The bill combines several provisions across commodity programs and tax policy into one comprehensive package supported by ag groups like the American Farm Bureau. The Congressional Budget Office said the House-passed version would increase agriculture-facing program spending by $56.6 billion over the next decade. Of the total increase, $52.3 billion is tied to enhancements in the farm safety net, such as higher reference prices under Price Loss Coverage, adjusted formulas for Agricultural Risk Coverage, and expanded crop insurance support. The remaining $4.3 billion includes investments in trade promotion, rural school funding, livestock biosecurity research, and energy programs.
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Applications Open for Taiwan Trade Mission
The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications(Link is external) for its upcoming agribusiness trade mission to Taiwan from September 29-October 1. U.S. exporters interested in expanding their trade opportunities in Taiwan’s thriving agricultural market must apply by Tuesday, June 17. “With strong economic growth and proven demand for high-quality U.S. food in Taiwan, now is an ideal time for U.S. agribusinesses to expand their presence,” said FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley. “This trade mission will connect U.S. exporters with key buyers and help them forge partnerships to tap into this dynamic market.” Taiwan is the eighth-largest for America’s agricultural exports, with trade increasing 16 percent from 2019 to 2024. The U.S. remains Taiwan’s top supplier, accounting for 25 percent of its agricultural import market. The USDA says there should be strong opportunities for businesses that supply a number of products, including beef, pork, fresh fruit, dairy, and many others.
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Senate Expands Non-dairy Milk Access in Schools
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Friends of the Earth, and other members of the Plant-Powered School Meals Coalition applauded the Senate Agriculture Committee’s actions on increasing non-dairy milk options in schools. The Committee advanced provisions that will make it easier for students to access non-dairy milk options in schools. The changes, included in the amended Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act, remove key barriers that have long prevented students, especially those who are lactose intolerant, from receiving a nutritionally appropriate beverage option at school. Under current law, students are only guaranteed a substitute for cow’s milk, such as fortified soy milk, if a parent submits a physician’s note documenting a disability, and schools are prohibited from proactively offering soy milk in the lunch line. The red tape places an unnecessary burden on families and disproportionately impacts families of color, in which rates of lactose intolerance are the highest.
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Showcasing Lamb as a Summer Protein Option
This summer, the American Lamb Board is emphasizing cut variety and seasonal versatility by teaming up with Homemade and Leading Lambassadors to offer trendy and accessible recipes that showcase American lamb as the ideal summer protein. The recipes span from elegant dinner party main courses to casual grilling favorites, all aimed at inspiring home cooks and increasing lamb demand during the peak of the grilling season. The ongoing collaboration is with the largest online cooking school, Homemade, and continues with classes spotlighting American lamb throughout the summer. Homemade’s Fan of Lamb Cooking Club kicks off the summer season on June 10 at 5 PM, Mountain Time, with a Father’s Day meal inspiration class featuring a grilled Hot Honey Leg of Lamb. Additionally, four exciting new Homemade developed recipes will be showcased on the American Lamb website and social media channels during June, encouraging followers to experiment with delicious flavors.
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