Uncertain Trade Sends Crop Sales Down and Bird Flu in Mammals Doubles
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**The uncertainty surrounding tariffs on key U.S. trading partners has pulled new-crop sales well below historical averages.
CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange reports the longer the uncertainty continues to drag on sales of new-crop exports, merchandisers risk entering the 2025-26 marketing year with greater reliance on LOCAL demand that may be scarce in some regions.
On May 1, U.S. new-crop exports were well below five-year averages, with soybeans down 88.2% and corn 26.9%.
**A new report on animal health shows outbreaks of bird flu in mammals doubled in 2024 with other diseases spreading and putting more humans at risk.
Published by the World Organization for Animal Health, the report revealed animal diseases were migrating into unaffected areas, and 47% have animal-to-human potential.
While the risk to humans remains low, the more mammals that become infected, the greater the risk to humans.
**Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a bold $200 million investment to implement the USDA Forest Service’s National Active Forest Management Strategy.
The initiative aims to increase timber harvest, a more stable supply of wood products, improve forest health, and reduce wildfire risk.
The strategy supports President Trump’s Executive Order for Immediate Expansion of Timber Production by streamlining regulations, emergency authorities, and project approvals.
