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Articles by Eric Bohl
As we transition to spring, what's ahead for this spring?
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EPA approves Dicamba herbicides with stricter application rules
Mike Pearson tells listeners how the EPA has approved Dicamba herbicides for cotton and soybeans with stricter rules. The Environmental Protection Agency has approved over-the-top dicamba herbicides for use on cotton and soybeans for the next two growing seasons, ending a two-year ban on the controversial weed killer. The decision comes with what the EPA calls "the strongest protections in its history" for dicamba usage.
Akralos to deliver advanced feed and nutrition solutions
Joint venture brings together Alltech and ADM feed businesses to serve the North American market. Akralos Animal Nutrition, a new North American animal feed and nutrition company, officially launched Feb. 1. Formed through a joint venture between global agriculture leaders ADM and Alltech, Akralos combines Alltech’s U.S.-based Hubbard Feeds and Canada-based Masterfeeds businesses with ADM’s U.S. feed operations.
Farm leaders warn Congress of potential farming collapse
A bipartisan group of 27 former agricultural executives, commodity association chiefs and senior USDA officials sent a letter this week to the leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees warning that American agriculture is at risk of a “widespread collapse” without urgent legislative action.
Farm Progress America, February 3, 2026
Mike Pearson tells listeners how Trump has announced his nomination for the next federal reserve chairman: Kevin Warsh President Trump announced on Friday his nomination of Kevin Warsh to serve as the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell when his term expires in May. The surprise announcement, made via Truth Social, sent immediate shockwaves through financial markets.
U.S., Mexico kick off USMCA review talks
Legislative Watch: Largest export market for U.S. pork; Dietary guidelines elevate animal protein; Bill aims to shift USDA food purchases. U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer this week met with Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard to formally launch discussions ahead of the first joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Farm Progress America, January 30, 2026
Mike Pearson takes a look at how the National Farm Machinery Show will celebrate the 60th Anniversary in Louisville. The National Farm Machinery Show is gearing up for its milestone 60th anniversary celebration, running February 11th through 14th at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This premier agricultural event continues to be the nation's largest indoor farm show, drawing significant attention from the farming community nationwide.
Farm Progress America, January 29, 2026
Avian Flu Returns with Devastating Impact on Poultry Industry The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak that devastated poultry farms across the United States in late 2025 has returned with alarming intensity in early 2026, according to the USDA. After a brief respite in December when infections slowed dramatically, the H5N1 virus has struck back aggressively. More than 1.1 million birds have already been culled this month, surpassing December's total of just over 1 million birds lost.
Farm Progress America, January 26, 2026
The railroad merger application for Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern has been rejected due to incomplete information. The Surface Transportation Board has unanimously rejected the proposed merger application between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads, citing insufficient documentation and analysis. The decision, announced on January 16th, marks a significant setback for what would become North America's largest railroad operation.
This Week in Agribusiness, January 24, 2026
This Week in Agribusiness: Key Updates from Agriculture's Front Lines Iowa takes state-level action on farm policy Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the groundbreaking Iowa Farm Act, the state's first comprehensive agricultural policy package modeled after federal farm bills.
House passes funding without additional farm aid or E15
The House of Representatives this week moved to complete its fiscal 2026 appropriations work, passing a suite of funding bills before the end-of-January deadline to avert another potential shutdown. While appropriators succeeded in moving the final spending bills toward enactment, the package does not include additional targeted assistance for farmers beyond existing programs nor language authorizing nationwide.
Farm Progress America, January 20, 2026
Mike Pearson tells readers how a proposal by congress could provide additional billions in farm aid as producers struggle. As American farmers continue to face financial hardship from low commodity prices and high input costs, lawmakers from both parties are pushing for substantial additional aid beyond the recently approved $11 billion Farmers Bridge Assistance Program.
Democrats release plan to address food, ag financial concerns
House Democrats unveiled a framework this week aimed at offsetting the economic fallout from tariffs and recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) issued a draft document on Thursday summarizing a proposal she calls the Farm and Family Relief Act.
Farm Progress America, January 16, 2026
Mike Pearson takes a look at the farm economy. It shows mixed signals as farm policy uncertainty weighs on farmers confidence. The latest Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reveals a cautious outlook among American farmers as they navigate ongoing trade policy uncertainty and volatile commodity markets. Released last week, the December barometer dropped 3 points to a reading of 136, putting overall sentiment roughly in line with last year but significantly below the May 2025 peak.
Farm Progress America, January 15, 2026
The Avian Flu or bird flu has spread across 11 states since the end of December. Mike Pearson takes a look at the ongoing health crisis. The new year hasn't brought relief from one of agriculture's most persistent challenges: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since December 29th, the virus has been confirmed across 11 US states, affecting both commercial operations and backyard flocks nationwide.
House Ag Democrats demand oversight as committee focus shifts
House Agriculture Committee Democrats this week urged Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.) to pivot toward vigorous oversight of the Trump administration’s actions affecting American agriculture, saying the committee’s current agenda has largely ignored pressing policy concerns. In a letter dated Jan.
Congress returns next week with farm bill in sights
After a two-week holiday recess, Congress returns to Washington on Monday, Jan. 5, facing a crowded agenda and a narrowing window to tackle unfinished business. For agriculture leaders, reviving efforts to advance a long-delayed farm bill is taking center stage early in the new session.
Democrats slam USDA for ending antitrust partnerships
A newly formed group of House Democrats is sharply criticizing the Trump administration for ending a USDA partnership with state attorneys general aimed at strengthening competition in agricultural markets. The group, calling itself the Monopoly Busters Caucus, is co-chaired by Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.). The caucus wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Dec.
Mexico opens trade probe into U.S. pork imports
Mexico’s Economy Ministry has launched anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into imports of U.S. pork leg and shoulder, a move that raises new uncertainty for U.S. producers despite tariff-free trade protections under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The investigation follows petitions filed by five Mexican pork producers alleging U.S. pork was sold at unfairly low prices and benefited from government and industry subsidies, harming Mexico’s domestic industry.
Congress voices concern, praise for Trump’s $12B farmer aid
President Trump announced this week that his administration will deploy roughly $12 billion in emergency assistance for U.S. farmers, a move the White House says is intended to help producers weather ongoing economic pressures tied to trade disruptions, high input costs and market volatility. The aid package is expected to be administered through USDA and will include direct payments to producers most affected by recent trade actions and retaliatory tariffs.
USMCA hearings highlight deep agricultural divides
A hearing this week held to review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement showcased both the deal’s importance to U.S. agriculture and the mounting tensions among producers facing uneven market impacts. While grain and oilseed groups strongly defended the agreement, fresh-produce and specialty-crop growers warned that surging Mexican imports threaten the survival of domestic producers.
PRECISE Act reintroduced to boost precision-ag access
A bipartisan group of representatives has reintroduced the bipartisan PRECISE Act, a bill aimed at expanding farmer access to modern precision-agriculture technology via existing USDA programs. The legislation, led by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and supported by Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Adam Gray (D-Calif.), would help eligible producers acquire precision agriculture tools such as GPS-guided equipment, soil-mapping technology, sensors and data-management software.
Democrats release rural revitalization framework
A group of moderate Democrats is promoting a new policy proposal to revitalize rural economies. The New Democrat Coalition’s “Rural Revitalization Agenda” lays out the group’s priorities to strengthen rural communities through the upcoming Farm Bill negotiations. The framework argues that rural regions remain central to the nation’s food system, energy production and economic resilience, but face rising costs, limited housing, and uneven access to federal programs.
Argentina beef plan destabilizes US markets
More than 50 House Democrats are urging USDA and USTR to halt any plans to expand Argentine beef imports, arguing the administration’s recent public statements have already rattled cattle markets and created needless uncertainty for producers. In a sharply worded letter led by Reps.
Florida cultivated meat ban challenge faces skepticism
A legal battle over Upside Foods’ rights to sell cultivated meat in Florida entered a new phase this week as lawyers representing the company asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to reverse a lower court’s denial of a preliminary injunction. The filing comes in the wake of Florida’s first‐in‐the‐nation statute banning the manufacture, sale and distribution of cell-cultivated meat products.
Senate Republicans push back on Trump’s tariffs
The Trump administration’s expansive use of tariffs is facing a rebuke in the Senate, with four Republicans joining all Democrats to challenge the President’s trade actions. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) led the resolution and was joined by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). The lawmakers warn that the tariffs are exacerbating cost pressures on agricultural producers and threatening long-standing markets, particularly soybeans and other farm exports.
USDA reopens 2,100 FSA offices amid shutdown
USDA announced this week that approximately 2,100 county-level offices of its Farm Service Agency would reopen starting Thursday to restore key services for farmers and ranchers, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. The move will enable payments, loans and disaster-relief applications, tapping into about $3 billion in aid from existing programs. Reactions in Washington were sharply divided.
FARM SAFE Act introduced to protect disaster aid
Just over one week into the ongoing government shutdown, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-Md.) introduced the Federal Agricultural Relief Maintained during Shutdowns and Federal Emergencies (FARM SAFE) Act. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, McLain Delaney intends to aim the legislation at ensuring that USDA disaster assistance continues flowing even if Congress fails to appropriate funding.
Coalition warns livestock industry at risk in shutdown
A broad coalition of agricultural groups, including the National Pork Producers Council, Meat Institute, American Farm Bureau and dozens of others, has sent a letter to congressional leaders urging Congress to quickly reopen the federal government. The coalition warns that the shutdown is already crippling services on which livestock producers depend.
USDA shutdown disrupts key livestock services
The federal shutdown that began Oct. 1 has put many USDA operations on pause, creating uncertainty for livestock producers. Under USDA’s contingency plan, dozens of programs tied to annual appropriations are suspended. This includes payment processing, disaster assistance, technical assistance, contracts and agreements not already funded, research and reporting, and even surveys for certain livestock disease threats. However, not all essential activities are halted.
Trump pledges to channel tariff revenue to farmers
In an Oval Office discussion with reporters Thursday, President Trump said some of the tariff revenue his administration has collected would be reallocated to farmers through a form of relief payments. “We’re going to take some of that tariff money that we’ve made and we’re going to give it to our farmers,” Trump said.
Craig rips Republicans for halting Trump tariff vote
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-Minn.) is taking aim at House Republican leaders for preventing a vote to overturn President Trump’s tariffs, warning that the trade policies are fueling a deepening crisis in farm country. “Rural America is hurting. Farm bankruptcies are up 95% in the first quarter of this year compared to last year,” Craig said in a statement.
Trump’s MAHA Commission backs protein
President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again Commission released its follow-up strategy report on Sept. 9 with over 120 initiatives aimed at reversing America’s childhood chronic disease crisis. The report repeatedly emphasizes whole, nutritious foods and strengthens consumer education, aiming to reduce the amount of “ultra-processed foods” American children eat. Meat industry stakeholders were mostly positive about the report’s direction, which avoided heavily prescriptive recommendations.
Meat industry backs Finstad's line speed legislation
Congressman Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, has introduced the American Protein Processing Modernization Act to establish a permanent, science-based framework allowing pork and poultry plants to operate at higher, steady line speeds.
Congress faces farm bill, spending deadlines
As Congress reconvenes in Washington next week, lawmakers face a packed agenda with several unresolved priorities. Among the top items on the docket is the need to finalize all 12 annual spending bills, which expire at the end of September. Before leaving for its annual August break, the Senate passed a three-bill appropriations package that included funding for USDA and FDA. However, the House has yet to give its final approval.
USDA gets bipartisan backing for $850M screwworm plan
In an effort to safeguard U.S. livestock, last week USDA announced a plan to spend $750 million to build a new facility to rear sterile flies to combat the lethal New World screwworm, as well as a $100 million initiative to find new solutions to quickly address the crisis. The sterile fly production facility will be housed at Moore Air Base in South Texas and will produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week once fully operational. Lawmakers swiftly praised the action.
Draft MAHA report backs off aggressive measures on processed foods, pesticides
A forthcoming White House report led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to stop short of proposing new restrictions on ultraprocessed foods and pesticides, despite Kennedy’s repeated calls to address them as major health threats. A draft of the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy” reviewed by The New York Times and reported late Thursday instead emphasizes public education, further research, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Lindberg confirmed as USDA trade under secretary
Amid the roiling trade and tariff wars, the Senate officially confirmed Luke Lindberg as USDA’s under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. With a Senate vote of 77-18, his confirmation gives USDA a dedicated voice to advocate for American farmers, ranchers and producers amid the ongoing battles.
Senators grill USDA on proposed reorganization
Legislative Watch: USDA has lost 1,600 research staff already; Senators introduce CLEAR Waters Act; World’s first large-scale lab-grown meat facility completed in NC. In a contentious Senate Agriculture Committee hearing Wednesday, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden defended USDA’s proposed reorganization plan. The department’s plan calls for the relocation of 2,600 Washington, D.C.-based employees to five regional hubs and the elimination of several administrative offices.
USDA, FDA and HHS launch joint effort to define 'ultra‐processed foods'
Legislative Watch: Kennedy says UPFs driving chronic disease epidemic; Julie Callahan nominated as chief agricultural negotiator; Australia lifts longstanding de facto ban on U.S. beef. As part of the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, USDA, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration have released a joint request for Information to establish a federally recognized definition of ultra-processed foods.
USDA unveils plan to strengthen meat and poultry safety
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering the nation’s meat, poultry and egg safety systems on Tuesday at the opening of USDA’s new Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory in Normandy, Missouri. Under the new initiative, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service will intensify microbiological testing, particularly for Listeria, with modernized lab equipment and increased sampling.
Senate advances 2026 agriculture funding bill
On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, providing $27.1 billion in discretionary funding. The bill supports a wide range of priorities including agricultural research, biosecurity, food safety and rural development.
Ag leaders split on passage of 'One Big Beautiful Bill'
Legislative Watch: Tax relief to America’s farmers; Trump administration streamlines environmental reviews; USDA to host Great American Farmers Market on National Mall. The passage of President Trump’s signature “One Big Beautiful Bill” has triggered sharply divided reactions among agriculture leaders in Congress, with Republican and Democratic committee heads offering starkly different visions for its impact on rural America.
Trump signs China trade deal, suggests 'very big' India deal coming
On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced he had signed a trade deal the previous day with China and hinted at an upcoming agreement with India. He provided no details regarding the deals’ contents. “We just signed with China yesterday,” Trump said. “We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India.
USDA announces trade breakthroughs with Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam
This week, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a series of trade wins that will expand market access for American agricultural products in Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam. Rollins emphasized that breaking non-tariff barriers and defending existing access would drive millions in added trade and usher in a “new golden age of prosperity” for America’s producers.
Feenstra, Smith urge USTR to unlock India’s market for U.S. ag exports
Midwestern Representatives Randy Feenstra (R‑Iowa) and Adrian Smith (R‑Neb.) led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, urging swift action to expand American agricultural access to the major market of India. The letter asks USTR to prioritize the removal of barriers to key U.S. commodities, including ethanol, distillers dried grains with solubles and soybean meal. They assert that trade with India in these products could grow to hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Rollins leads mission to Italy seeking improved trade policies for U.S. farmers
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins led a trade delegation to Rome, Italy, this week as part of her ongoing efforts to enhance market access for American agricultural products. During her visit, Secretary Rollins met with Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida and senior officials from United Nations agencies based in Rome, including the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme.
USDA expands efforts to combat New World screwworm in Mexico
On Tuesday, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced an expansion of USDA’s partnership with Mexico to combat the New World screwworm, a parasitic insect that poses a significant threat to livestock. USDA will invest $21 million to renovate an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, aiming to enhance the production of sterile NWS flies as part of ongoing eradication efforts.
Trump’s MAHA report criticizes Americans’ love of ultra-processed foods
On Friday, President Trump released the initial report of his “Make America Healthy Again” Commission. The 68-page document emphasizes the role the commission believes ultra-processed foods play in the rise of chronic diseases among American children. While the report does not explicitly single out meat or processed meats, it highlights concerns about ultra-processed foods, which often include processed meat products.
Democrats offer harsh criticism of Republicans’ ag bill
On Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee advanced a budget reconciliation bill that includes significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, prompting strong objections from committee Democrats. The bill proposes a nearly $300 billion reduction to SNAP over the next decade, which Democrats argue will adversely affect millions of Americans, particularly seniors, children, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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