Dirt Road podcast

Idaho Ag Today
Listeners might come for the ag, but they stay for the stories. The Dirt Road Discussions podcast.

Nigeria, a Win for US Beef Producers, Dairy Checkoff Dollars Redirected

Line on Agriculture
USMEF is accelerating efforts to reintroduce U.S. beef in Saudi Arabia after restrictive EV feed-traceability barriers were lifted.

Separately, USDA directed the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board to halt funding for environmental science/governance, net-zero, and climate-neutrality projects, refocusing checkoff dollars on long-term producer value following a related lawsuit.

Country of Origin Labeling and Farm Economy has Changed Since 2018 Farm Bill

The Agribusiness Update
Mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef moved closer to returning after the Senate Ag Committee advanced its 2026 farm bill, and the farm economy has changed significantly since the last farm bill was enacted in 2018.

California Ag Tech Show and China's Soybean Purchases

The Agribusiness Update
Ag technology took center stage at a field day last month as a dozen developers showed off “smart” weeders, autonomous bird hazers and an autonomous lettuce harvester, and China purchased about 1 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans last week, providing a boost to American growers.

Sulfur Prices Need Help and China's Soybean Purchases

The Agribusiness Update
Florida lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to address sharply higher sulfur prices that threaten domestic phosphate fertilizer production and increase costs, and China purchased about 1 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans last week, providing a boost to American growers.

Washington Apples to Asian Markets

Fruit Grower Report
About 30% of Washington's apple crop is exported each year, with Asian countries making up the most significant regional destination.

Heads up drivers

Idaho Ag Today
There’s a #BrakeForHarvest public service announcement campaign for the current harvest season, warning drivers to use extra caution while driving.

House Ag Chair Seeks Extension, Beef Import Plan Seen as Political Show

Line on Agriculture
House Ag Committee Chair Glenn Thompson is seeking a waiver to serve another term, having reached the six-year term limit for GOP chairs.

President Donald Trump announced a plan to pause high tariffs on imported ground beef to aid ranchers and rebuild herds. However, AgMarket.net broker Tim Strunk views this as a political move rather than an economic solution.

Cattle Industry Stability Concerns, Corn for Use in Ethanal Increases

Line on Agriculture
The U.S. cattle industry is poised for growth due to incentives in the One Big, Beautiful Bill" and favorable rain conditions. However, concerns arise from the U.S. President's plan to import 300,000 metric tons of beef, which could undermine domestic cattle production and stability.

US ethanol production's corn consumption has risen, with 474.7 million bushels used in July, a 2% increase from June. This highlights a potential strain on the agricultural sector.

Who Wins With More Beef Imports?

California Ag Today
Farm Bureau analyzes the impact of the expanded tariff-rate quota.

American Farm Bureau on USMCA

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The U.S. and Canada announced dueling tariffs on imports going back and forth between the neighboring countries after U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations broke off.

Tarriff Free Beef to Enter the US, Brazil Fades as US Ethanol Competitor

Line on Agriculture
President Trump announced a 90-day tariff-free import of 300,000 metric tons of ground beef.

Brazil's ethanol industry expansion, driven by Chinese investment, is reducing Brazil's role in the global corn market.

Mexico - China Trade Restrictions

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The Mexican government is considering tougher trade restrictions on Chinese imports, a move likely to be supported by President Trump.

Ranching and Data

Farm of the Future
Ranchbot is proving the value of how data and technology can improve a rancher’s operation, and their way of life.

USDA Undersecretary Seeks Producer Feedback; Eastern WA Wildfires Burn 300K+ Acres

Line on Agriculture
USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce visited with midwestern state farmers to discuss USDA programs with farmers and ranchers Meanwhile, drought conditions in Eastern Washington have led to significant wildfires, prompting Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a federal state of emergency. The fires have burned over 300,000 acres.

Sulfur Shortage Looming

Line on Agriculture
Another impending issue for US agriculture is a sulfur crisis due to geopolitics and China purchasing it for mining operations.

Beyond Predation: Researchers Study Wolves' Impact on Cattle

California Ag Today
New California research investigates whether wolves influence cattle health and ranch profitability beyond livestock losses.

Keeping cattle cool

Idaho Ag Today
Preparing now for what may be a long summer for livestock will protect herds from potential heat stress and related issues.

ASCF Deadline

Fruit Grower Report
USDA is reminding agricultural producers affected by rising production costs that the deadline to apply for key financial assistance programs is fast approaching.

Trump urges retailers to cut beef prices; Sorghum basis futures set for Aug. 24

Line on Agriculture
President Donald Trump has announced an investigation into rising retail beef prices, a move supported by R-CALF USA, which has highlighted the decline in producer shares and rise in packer and retailer shares over the years.