January 27, 2026
Vaden Accuses Companies of Fertilizer Collusion
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen (Steven) Vaden said two companies have been working together to control the price of fertilizer in the U.S. by limiting supplies. Agri-Pulse said Vaden’s collusion accusation against Mosaic and Nutrien could suggest the administration may take future steps to inject more competition into the markets, if it becomes necessary. During a webinar hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center, Vaden said, “This administration is going to do everything it can to ensure that farmers have the fertilizer they’ll need and at a price they can pay. We’re not going to permit these companies to do anything that might undermine that.” He also said Nutrien and Mosaic were responsible for over 90 percent of phosphate fertilizer and potash production in North America during 2024. Farm Action, an ag industry accountability group, said only seven companies control 70 percent of crop input sales, including Nutrien Ag Solutions, the retail business of Nutrien.
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CoBank: Dairy Poised to Help Meet Protein Demand
Consumer demand for food and beverages with high protein levels continues to surge as a growing percentage of Americans focus on increasing their dietary protein. The sharp rise in demand is shifting buying habits and could transform the retail grocery space. A new report from CoBank said the strong consumer demand for protein bodes well for the U.S. dairy industry, given the high protein levels and nutritional qualities in traditional dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. “Dairy products have a unique advantage because they contain all nine essential amino acids required in a human diet, making it a complete protein source,” said Cory Geiger, lead economist for CoBank. “We expect more food and beverage manufacturers will take a cue from formulators that have already incorporated dairy-based ingredients into protein-centric product areas outside the retail dairy case.” More studies show that almost all consumers now associate protein with expanded health benefits.
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Legislation Would De-List Mexican Wolf from ESA Protection
The House Natural Resources Committee advanced the Enforcing Safety for Animals Act of 2025 with bipartisan support. The bill would remove federal Endangered Species Act protections for the Mexican wolf, restore common-sense wildlife management authority and provide much-needed relief to cattle producers and rural communities across the Southwest. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council strongly support the bill, which would reduce regulatory barriers that have prevented effective management to safeguard livestock and rural communities from this abundant apex predator. “The Mexican wolf population has grown well beyond recovery goals, yet producers are left without the tools needed to protect their livestock, their families, and their livelihoods,” said NCBA Policy Division Chair Skye Krebs. “When predators can’t be responsibly managed, it puts people at risk and undermines the stewardship efforts of those who live and work on the land every day.”
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House Democrats Introduce “Farm and Family Relief Act”
House Ag Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the “Farm and Family Relief Act,” calling it a bill introduced to provide meaningful relief to family farmers. The bill would also help those getting crushed by inflation and higher costs caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “Family farmers have been hit hard by tariffs and lost market opportunities,” Craig said when introducing the bill this month. “The Farm and Family Relief Act helps get America back on track by supporting farmers, foresters, and families together and putting an end to the president’s ill-conceived tariffs.” A new report from Joint Economic Committee Democrats said President Trump’s inflation cost the average family $1,625 in the past year. Fruit and vegetable prices are up 5.3 percent, while hardworking Americans paid $310 more for groceries in 2025 than the year before.
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EU and India to Announce a Long-Awaited Trade Deal on Tuesday
The European Union and India have long been negotiating a trade deal, and those talks are expected to conclude with a new trade deal to be announced on Tuesday. Reuters said India’s trade secretary made the announcement about a deal both sides hailed as “historic” while they both contend with strained U.S. ties. The deal will allow for the free trade of goods between the Union, made up of 27 nations, and India, which together make up a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product and a combined market of two billion consumers. The agreement comes days after the EU signed a pact with the South American bloc Mercosur (Mer-KOH-sur) and deals with Indonesia, Mexico, and Switzerland. During the same time, New Delhi (DELL-lee) signed agreements with Britain, New Zealand, and Oman (oh-MAHN). After almost 20 years of talks, the deal opens India’s market, the world’s largest, to free trade with the EU, its largest trading partner.
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Clean Fuels Conference: “Unity Drives Growth”
The foundation is strong for expanding biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel in the U.S. However, to build on the growth of recent years, producers and stakeholders have to remain united. That’s according to Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen, who shared that message with attendees at the Clean Fuels Conference in Orlando, Florida. Clean fuel producers persevered through a year that saw slower production amidst unsettled regulations, including questions about the 45Z tax credits and the possibility of Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions for small refineries. “Positive results from last year showed what happens when we set aside some differences and work together,” Rehagen said. “When biodiesel and renewable diesel producers joined forces with oil and gas refiners who’ve invested in our space, and farmers, when we aligned on RVO goals, we saw something powerful emerge.”
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