National Ag News for July 15, 2025

Trump Threatens Mexico, EU with 30 Percent Tariff

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump threatened to put a 30 percent tariff on imported goods from Mexico and Europe beginning on August 1, 2025. The move comes after weeks of negotiations that have not concluded in a comprehensive trade deal. The President announced the threats in separate letters to Mexican and EU leaders. Those letters were posted on his Truth Social media site on Saturday. Reuters said the EU and Mexico are among the largest trading partners for the U.S. and responded by calling the tariffs unfair and disruptive while pledging to continue to negotiate with the U.S. for a broader trade deal before the deadline. The effect on U.S. agriculture could be significant. U.S. Department of Agriculture data says Mexico made up 69 percent of America’s vegetable imports and 51 percent of fresh fruit imports. With short shelf lives, produce could see price hikes faster than other goods. 

***********************************************************************************
Mexico Aiming for SAF Production by 2030

Mexico intends to produce its own sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. Julio Diaz Cruz of the National Chamber of Air Transport says success will depend on industry stakeholders collaborating effectively. Cruz said Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency is leading the development of a National SAF Roadmap. The document, expected by the end of this year, will outline key actions, including research and development, economic incentives, and other important factors. A study published last year estimated that Mexico would need approximately $49 billion in U.S. investments between 2025 and 2050 to develop at least one SAF production facility. Mexico Business News said the project will require an additional $204 billion in regional investments from countries like Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador. However, it will only be successful with economic incentives instead of mandates. David Ortiz of Aeromexico says Europe is using incentives instead of mandates, and they’re proving difficult to implement. 

***********************************************************************************
Biofuel Producers to Use a Lot of U.S. Soybean Oil Production

American biofuel manufacturers will use over half of all the soybean oil produced in the U.S. next year. Agriculture Dot Com says a recent series of policy moves at the federal level have transformed the sector, including higher blending mandates and curbs on foreign biofuel imports and feedstocks. In its monthly supply and demand report, the USDA sharply raised its outlook for soybean oil use by biofuel producers in the 2025-2026 marketing year to a record 15.5 billion pounds, up 11.5 percent from last month. American soy oil exports were predicted to drop to 700 million pounds as more oil is consumed domestically, down from 2.6 billion pounds in the current season. The Environmental Protection Agency significantly raised blending mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard and proposed to cut the number of Renewable Identification Numbers generated for imported renewable fuels and renewable fuels produced from foreign feedstocks beginning in 2026. 

***********************************************************************************
Future Ag Leaders Explore Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The 2025 New Century Farmer Conference will take place July 20-24 in Indianapolis, Indiana, bringing together 50 elite FFA alumni from 22 states to advance their leadership and career skills. It was a unique opportunity to learn about working in the agriculture industry from several different experts. Nearly a third of the participants are first-generation producers, with the majority of them being interested in farm ownership or entrepreneurship as potential career paths. “There’s something powerful that happens when our New Century Farmers from across the country come together to learn about agriculture from people who live and breathe it every day,” said Emma Mendez, National FFA Program Manager of Alumni and Supporters. “These connections spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to the future. It’s not just about learning but about being a part of something bigger.” As a part of the conference, participants will visit two local farms. 

***********************************************************************************
Trade Mission Underway in the Dominican Republic

Michelle Bekkering, deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agriculture affairs at the USDA, arrived in the Dominican Republic on Monday to lead an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access and boost U.S. agricultural exports. The delegation includes 47 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from three state departments of agriculture. “This trade mission will connect U.S. exporters with key buyers, tapping into Latin America’s growing demand for high-quality American agricultural products, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agriculture globally competitive,” Bekkering said. The Dominican Republic is a prime opportunity for U.S. producers, with an expanding middle class, steady economic growth, and a growing hotel and restaurant industry. It’s the fourth-largest market for U.S. agricultural products in the Western Hemisphere. Consumer-oriented products continue to drive this growth, with increasing demand for fresh fruit, dairy products, as well as wine and distilled spirits. The U.S. supplies 44 percent of the country’s agricultural imports. 

***********************************************************************************
Farm Bureau Extends Top Dog Registration Deadline

Farmers have until July 25 to submit nominations for the 2026 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. It’s the eighth year of the contest that celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. The grand prize winner gets a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year awards ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, in January 2026. “Farm dogs play an important role on the farm or ranch and hold a special place in our hearts,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “They show up every day without complaint and are eager to pitch in.” Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, must be received by July 25 for consideration. 

**********************************************************************************