In response to a 10% U.S. tariff on all Chinese imports implemented on Tuesday, China announced retaliatory tariffs. These include a 15% tariff on U.S. corn, wheat cotton and chicken. China also placed a 10% tariff on importing soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef aquatic products, vegetables, fruits and dairy.

The pace of change under the current administration can be challenging for those in the agriculture community to track.

The USDA’s January 2025 Cattle Inventory report revealed the lowest count of dairy heifers since 1978, totaling 3.914 million.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins confirmed that $10 billion in emergency relief payments will be released prior to the March 21 deadline.

The Senate voted 56 to 43 to approve Jamieson Greer as U.S. Trade Representative. He is a former Air Force lawyer and previously served as U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer’s chief of staff during Trump’s first term.

The decision of whether a producer should continue to farm high-cash rent acres has become a popular topic in the face of low commodity margins.

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds agricultural producers to review crop insurance coverage before upcoming deadlines for spring-planted crops and specific plans, including Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the release of approximately $20 million to farmers with contracts for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

The USDA is attempting to rehire key employees responsible for the bird flu emergency response.

After being sworn in last Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollings wasted no time making moves to transform the USDA.