All Ag, All Day is the nation's only full-time farm radio station with studios in Floydada and Nashville, TN (www.AllAgNews.com)
USDA Unveils Plan To Tackle Agricultural Trade Deficit
WASHINGTON, DC – With a massive $50 billion agricultural trade deficit weighing on U.S. producers, the Department of Agriculture has announced a three-point plan to expand export opportunities. The initiative follows new reciprocal trade agreements negotiated by President Donald Trump, aiming to open markets, enforce commitments, and support rural prosperity.
The plan includes $285 million in early funding for the America First Trade Promotion Program, targeted T.R.U.M.P. Missions to connect U.S. sellers with buyers in new markets, and a revitalization of the GSM-102 export credit guarantee program. USDA officials say these steps will reduce risk, improve financing, and make U.S. commodities more competitive abroad.
The strategy, announced by Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, aims to revive momentum for American agriculture in global commerce and bolster the farm economy.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The USDA is working to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and enhanced export financing.
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U.S. Soybean Farmers Frustrated As Argentina Gains
WASHINGTON, DC – With the U.S. government offering $20 billion in economic support to Argentina, soybean farmers say they are being left behind in the fight for global markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed negotiations to extend a swap line and potentially purchase Argentine bonds. Almost immediately, Argentina waived taxes on soybean exports, leading to the sale of 20 shiploads of soybeans to China.
The development comes at a time when U.S. soybean exports to China remain stalled under retaliatory tariffs, leaving Brazil and Argentina to capture the market. According to the American Soybean Association, the lack of progress on a U.S.–China trade deal is creating significant pressure on farmers as harvest gets underway. Prices have weakened, and producers worry competitors are securing long-term relationships with China at America’s expense.
ASA President Caleb Ragland says U.S. growers cannot wait for relief, calling on President Trump and his trade team to prioritize soybeans in talks with China. Without movement, many fear that continued market erosion will deepen farm financial stress.
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River Restrictions And Freight Costs Pressure Grain Movement
MEMPHIS, TN – Transportation challenges are mounting as drought lowers Mississippi River levels and pushes freight rates higher. The U.S. Coast Guard has tightened restrictions, limiting southbound drafts to 10.5 feet near Memphis and capping tow sizes at six barges wide. Northbound traffic faces even stricter limits, with drafts reduced to 10 feet and shorter tows. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun dredging near Memphis and Hickman, KY, to keep traffic moving.
Grain barge movements for the week ending September 13 totaled 252,000 tons, down 30 percent from the previous week and 32 percent below last year. Ocean shipping costs also climbed, with Gulf-to-Japan rates at $57.25 per metric ton—up 25 percent since January—while Pacific Northwest rates rose to $29.75. Rail volumes softened as well, with 22,201 grain carloads originating the week of September 6, down 3 percent from last year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: River restrictions and rising freight rates may delay shipments and increase costs for grain farmers, underscoring the importance of monitoring logistics as harvest accelerates.
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Crop Insurance Deadlines Near For Winter Wheat Growers
WASHINGTON, DC – USDA is reminding wheat producers that the deadline to apply for or update crop insurance policies for fall-planted crops is fast approaching. Sales closing dates vary by crop and region, with the next major deadline set for September 30. For winter wheat, the deadline is especially critical, and producers must finalize coverage decisions with their crop insurance agents on or before the deadline to ensure protection for the 2026 crop year.
The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers several online tools, including the Actuarial Information Browser and the Map Viewer, to help producers identify the correct dates and coverage options for their operation. RMA also provides the Information Reporting System tool, which outlines insurance offer reports by crop, plan, and location.
Federal crop insurance remains a cornerstone of the farm safety net, helping growers manage yield and revenue risks while supporting rural economies. Options range from traditional yield and revenue protection plans to Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm policies, which provide flexible coverage for diversified or small-scale operations.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Winter wheat producers should contact their crop insurance agents now to finalize coverage before the September 30 deadline. Waiting could risk leaving next year’s crop unprotected.
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U.S. Milk Production Rises Sharply As Herd Expands
WASHINGTON, DC – USDA’s latest Milk Production report shows output continuing to climb in August as both cow numbers and productivity increased. Production in the 24 major states reached 18.8 billion pounds, up 3.3 percent from August 2024. The national total was 19.5 billion, a 3.2 percent year-over-year increase. Production per cow in the 24 states averaged 2,068 pounds for the month, 28 pounds higher than last year.
Cow numbers also rose, with 9.08 million head in the 24 major states, 172,000 more than a year earlier and 7,000 more than in July. Nationally, cow numbers reached 9.52 million, 176,000 higher than in August 2024. The July estimate was also revised upward, adding 139 million pounds to previously reported output.
California, Wisconsin, Idaho, Texas, and New York remained the top five milk-producing states. Together, they continue to account for a large share of total production, with year-over-year gains driven by strong yields and larger herds.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may continue to put pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
