August 19, 2026
Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Hit Dairy Roadblock
Canada and the United States remain at an impasse in trade negotiations as a 50 percent U.S. tariff threat on hundreds of Canadian goods approaches Wednesday. Canadian negotiators are seeking relief from existing tariffs while trying to prevent the new duties from taking effect. U.S. officials say Canada’s treatment of American dairy, automobiles, and alcohol is among the reasons for the proposed tariffs. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says the two countries have an “uneven dairy treatment,” pointing to Canada’s tariff-rate quotas that limit some U.S. dairy imports before steep duties apply. Canadian negotiators reportedly fear they may need to make concessions on dairy to reach a deal. But changes to Canada’s supply-management system could prove politically difficult, particularly in Quebec, where provincial officials say thousands of farms and jobs depend on dairy production. The outcome could have broader implications for North American agricultural trade and the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
***********************************************************************************
Sugar Producers Push For Changes To Outdated Tariffs
U.S. sugar producers and policymakers are pressing for changes to what they say is an outdated tariff structure that is contributing to record-high sugar stocks. The issue was discussed at the American Sugar Alliance’s 41st annual International Sweetener Symposium in Colorado, where sugarbeet and sugarcane producers met with industry leaders and policymakers. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden reaffirmed the administration’s support for domestic sugar producers, saying the government will not allow unfair foreign competition to take American markets away from U.S. farmers. USDA sugar program manager Carlann Unger said the United States entered 2026 with its highest sugar stocks on record. She pointed to the over-quota tariff on imported sugar, saying the rate was established in 2000 and is no longer high enough to effectively limit imports. Meanwhile, 112 members of Congress have urged the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate foreign trade practices and update sugar tariff-rate quotas.
**********************************************************************************
Year-Round E15 Could Expand Ethanol Market
Year-round sales of E15 gasoline could give consumers more opportunities to save money at the pump while expanding markets for corn-based ethanol, industry representatives said Monday. North Dakota Monitor said a roundtable in North Dakota focused on removing the federal restriction that limits E15 sales during the summer. The U.S. House passed legislation in May allowing year-round E15 sales, but the bill still needs Senate approval. Dave Olson of Petro Serve said E15 sells for about 15 cents less per gallon than regular gasoline in the Fargo area. North Dakota State University bioenergy economist Dave Ripplinger said year-round availability could change the economics for retailers reluctant to offer fuel they can sell only part of the year. North Dakota has grown from less than 500,000 acres of corn to 4.5 million acres in two decades. Supporters say expanded ethanol markets could also benefit livestock producers, oil production through carbon capture, and emerging markets such as sustainable aviation fuel.
***********************************************************************************
Swine Industry Seeks More Focused Health Research
The pork industry is looking for a more coordinated approach to tackling major swine health challenges facing producers. The National Pork Board recently hosted a research summit bringing together researchers, funding organizations, and industry leaders to identify gaps and prioritize future investments under the National Swine Health Strategy. Dr. Marisa Rotolo (Ruh-TOE-low), National Pork Board director of swine health, says the goal was to make sure research remains focused on priorities identified by producers. Participants identified opportunities involving porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, including better vaccines, diagnostics, and tools to help eliminate the diseases. The group also highlighted practical ways to reduce disease spread through improved biosecurity, transportation sanitation, and adoption of proven on-farm practices. For foreign and emerging diseases, participants emphasized stronger surveillance, traceability, and preparedness. The National Pork Board says coordinating research around these priorities could help turn investments into practical solutions, thereby improving herd health and reducing risks.
***********************************************************************************
Corn Export Inspections Continue To Outpace Last Year
U.S. corn export inspections continued to run well ahead of last year, while soybean and wheat shipments are showing mixed results, according to USDA. Corn inspections totaled 1.91 million metric tons in the week ending August 13, up from 1.76 million the previous week and 1.05 million during the same week last year. Wheat inspections also increased slightly to 493,401 metric tons, compared with 485,924 tons a week earlier and 403,022 tons a year ago. Soybean inspections moved in the opposite direction, falling to 270,201 metric tons from 409,509 the previous week and 502,818 a year ago. Since September 1, corn inspections have reached nearly 81 million metric tons, up from 64.2 million a year earlier. Soybean inspections stand at 40 million metric tons, down from 48.9 million last year. Wheat inspections since June 1 total 3.89 million metric tons, compared with 4.82 million a year ago.
***********************************************************************************
National FFA Convention Named Among Nation’s Largest Trade Shows
The National FFA Convention and Expo has been named to Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 Class of 2025, recognizing it among the 100 largest trade shows in the United States. The annual event brought 73,379 attendees to Indianapolis last October and generated an estimated $41 million economic impact for the city. The convention spans multiple venues, including Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. National FFA says organizers also focus on giving back to the host community. Last year, FFA members and advisors braided 70,000 feet of paracord into more than 1,500 dog leashes, which were donated to Indy Humane. The National FFA Convention and Expo will be honored at the Gold 100 Awards and Summit September 22 through 24 in Palos Verdes, California. The recognition highlights the convention’s growing national scale and its role in connecting young people with agriculture and leadership opportunities.
***********************************************************************************