November 07, 2025

Supreme Court: “Tariffs are Taxes”

Multiple reports say that President Donald Trump’s tariffs were met by a skeptical Supreme Court this week. The Wall Street Journal said the justices expressed their doubts that a 1977 emergency powers law provided the president with the unilateral ability to “remake the international economy” and collect billions in import taxes without Congressional approval. The Supreme Court did recognize the significant economic stakes surrounding its decision and fast-tracked the administration’s appeal once three lower courts had struck down the tariffs. Solicitor General John Sauer faced pushback from all sides as he pushed the administration’s arguments that the president had the authority to impose tariffs after declaring an emergency. A majority of the justices agreed that tariffs were taxes. Many also agreed that Congress wouldn’t casually surrender its constitutional duty to raise revenue. A decision typically takes three to six months, but experts say the tariff ruling will certainly come much sooner. 

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USDA Revises November SNAP Distribution Plan

A recent USDA memo sent to state agencies on Wednesday said Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants will get 65 percent of their typical monthly benefits, and not the 50 percent as first stated. This is due to a record-long government shutdown. The change only affects benefits scheduled to be distributed this month and isn’t permanent. Full benefits are expected to resume once the government shutdown ends. CNN said USDA is issuing partial benefits this month to comply with a court order requiring USDA to tap into a SNAP contingency fund. “USDA did a deeper analysis and determined that maximum allotments only need to be reduced by 35 percent, rather than 50 percent, to deplete the SNAP emergency fund,” said Patrick Penn of USDA. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said USDA’s initial plan would have provided only about $3 billion in benefits and been a cut of about 61 percent.

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Phosphate and Potash are now Critical Minerals

The Fertilizer Institute celebrated the inclusion of phosphate and potash on the just-released Final List of Critical Minerals. Originally compiled in 2018 and then revised every three years, the list is published by the United States Geological Survey and includes mineral commodities critical to the U.S. economy and national security. “Recognizing phosphate and potash as critical minerals will support American farmers across the country and help ensure high crop yields and stocked grocery store shelves for consumers,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Most of the world’s phosphate and potash resources are concentrated in a few countries, leaving them open to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical instability.” He also said food insecurity is national security, and it’s time to change our thinking about these valuable resources. China and Russia account for over 53 percent of global phosphate production. China, Russia, and Belarus produce over 67 percent of the world’s potash.

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Wheat Contest Announces Yield Contest Winners

The National Wheat Foundation announced the winners of the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest. This year’s contest attracted almost 500 entries, including 30 submissions in the pilot Digital Yield categories. Winners were recognized in four traditional five-acre categories and two digital yield categories. Among the honorees are 17 repeat winners, while 11 are first-time champions. The Foundation was especially pleased to see winners from new states like Wisconsin and Indiana, as well as the traditional larger wheat states like Montana. Yields were particularly strong in 2025, with record-high averages in two categories: Winter dryland (yield basis) was 172.5 bushels per acre, and Spring Irrigated at 187.94 bushels per acre. Through the contest, top wheat producers share the management practices and technologies that help them achieve exceptional yields, high quality, and stronger profitability. “This contest encourages growers to strive for high yield quality and profitability,” said Anne Osborne, Foundation Executive Director.

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Ranchers Support Pearce Nomination to Lead BLM

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council announced their support for President Trump’s nomination of former Congressman Steve Pearce to serve as the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. “Having represented New Mexico in Congress and the State House of Representatives for decades, former Congressman Pearce understands the important role that public lands play across the West,” said Kaitlynn Glover, the NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and the PLC Executive Director. She also said Pierce’s experience makes him thoroughly qualified to lead the Bureau and tackle the issues on federal lands that ranchers are facing. “Ranchers need a permanent BLM director, NCBA and PLC members support his nomination, and we’re asking for swift confirmation,” Glover added. Pearce, a seven-term congressman, is a former fighter pilot, businessman, and supporter of oil and gas development on public lands. He ran for governor of New Mexico in 2018.

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Farm Credit Celebrates Year of the Woman Farmer

In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Farm Credit Council has announced an initiative to provide leadership development training to women leaders across the Farm Credit System. Participants will take part in a groundbreaking leadership experience at Gettysburg in the summer of 2026. Each of the 55 Farm Credit Associations and four banks, representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico, will be invited to nominate one female leader for this distinguished honor. “These women are not only leaders in the fields they tend, but in the futures they cultivate,” said Christy Seyfert, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council. “We’re proud to invest in their growth and amplify their stories.” The program blends historical lessons in decision-making, legacy-building, and resilience with modern leadership strategies, preparing participants to return to their communities with renewed purpose and power. Applications at Farm Credit Institutions will open on December 1, 2025.  

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