Joshua Baethge

Dallas

Policy Editor at Farm Progress

Policy Editor- Farm Progress. Writer of other things across the land. News junkie. Music lover. Aspiring world traveler

Articles

Court overturns Trump tariffs, impact on agriculture trade uncertain

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

The U.S. Court of International Trade struck down a substantial portion of President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda. A three-judge panel ruled the president overstepped his authority when he cited the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act as justification for levying tariffs on countries across the globe. Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress authority to levy tariffs.
GOP uses reconciliation for farm safety net amid bill uncertainty

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

With no farm bill in sight, Republican lawmakers are hoping to use the budget reconciliation process to improve farm safety net programs. Early Thursday morning, the House passed a budget package by a 215 to 214 vote. Two Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition. Now, the Senate will work to draft its budget reconciliation package. Here’s what farmers should know:What is reconciliation?
USDA launches Small Family Farms Policy Agenda to support operations

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge |Curt Arens

While in Nebraska on May 19, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said a USDA plan will improve the viability and longevity of smaller-scale family farms for generations to come. A series of policy priorities dubbed the Small Family Farms Policy Agenda are intended to better support small farmers, she said. They include streamlining the application process for many programs, as well as improving access to credit, farmland, markets and business planning tools.
Tariffs slashed in 90-day deal to restart negotiations

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

The United States and China agreed, at least temporarily, to dial back high tariffs imposed in April. Following negotiations in Geneva on Monday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. is lowering its 145% tariffs on Chinese imports to 30%. In return, China will lower its tariff rate on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. Those rates will remain in effect for 90 days as the two nations work to hammer out a new trade deal.
USDA suspends Mexico livestock imports over screwworm concerns

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

USDA is suspending live animal imports from Mexico. The decision announced May 11 by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was made due to concerns over New World screwworm and its rapid spread. According to an agency release, the screwworms have been reported in remote farms near Oaxaca and Veracruz in southern Mexico. Those cities are roughly 700 miles from the U.S. border.
$5 billion boost for American farmers

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

President Donald Trump announced May 8 that the U.S. and the United Kingdom had agreed in principle to a new trade deal. Though many of the specifics still need to be ironed out, the president hailed the agreement as a positive step for agriculture. “The deal I made today with the United Kingdom is GREAT for our FARMERS and RANCHERS!” Trump said in a May 8 Truth Social post, replete with all caps and exclamation points.
FSA office closures denied, but doubts remain

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said USDA will not close any of its Farm Service Agency offices. At least that’s not the plan, she told senators during an Appropriations Committee hearing April 6. Rollins was there to discuss President Donald Trump’s May 2 budget proposal, which includes $358 million in cuts to FSA.
Farm income concerns for 2025

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

In a perfect world, tariffs would help U.S. farmers in the long run by creating:More jobs here. If more jobs, especially in manufacturing, return to the U.S., consumers would have more disposable income to buy domestic ag products. More trade deals. Motivating nations to negotiate trade deals with the U.S. ultimately creates more business opportunities for farmers and other businesses. This is the vision President Donald Trump repeatedly lays out.
EPA authorizes summer E15 sales citing energy emergency

2 months ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge

For the fourth straight year, EPA will issue an emergency waiver authorizing nationwide summer E15 sales. This continues something of an annual tradition that started during the Biden administration. Still, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said credit for the decision should go to President Trump and his executive order declaring a national energy emergency. That order includes language directing EPA to consider summer E15 sales.
USDA allocates $340.6M disaster aid to farmers and rural communities

2 months ago | beefmagazine.com | Joshua Baethge |Sarah McNaughton

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins credits Trump for expediting assistance. SPECIAL EVENT: Sen. John Hoeven (left) of North Dakota hosted USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, other elected officials and David Cook (right), president of North Dakota State University, on April 22.Sarah McNaughton-PetersonAgriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said USDA will release $340.6 million in disaster assistance for farmers, ranchers and rural communities.