The Trump administration has disrupted the U.S. response to bird flu as the outbreak worsens, leading to confusion and concern among federal staff, state officials, veterinarians and health experts, 11 sources told Reuters.

US bird flu response disrupted in early weeks of Trump administration, sources say
Congress not briefed for weeks, reports withheld, meetings cancelled, reports suggest

U.S livestock: Hog, cattle futures choppy on tightened supply, strong demand
Chicago Mercantile Exchange hog futures edged down on Thursday, as traders monitored slower-than-anticipated slaughter rates and an unexpectedly low supply of market-ready hogs, analysts said.

U.S. grains: Corn edges up on strong export sales, weather woes
Chicago corn futures ticked up in rangebound trade on Thursday as stout export sales, weather concerns in Argentina and strong demand added support, analysts said.

Former trade negotiator says Canada must find new markets
John Weekes stressed how important international cooperation is to beneficial trade agreements in a talk given to the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN).

John Deere offers upgrades for planters, New Holland rolls out latest PowerStar tractor at National Farm Machinery Show
For day two at the National Farm Machinery Show, we paid a visit to the John Deere booth who announced planter upgrades at the Louisville, Kentucky show. Rather than having to put money down on a new planter, if your platform still has plenty of acres left in it, Deere is now offering upgrades with […] Read more

Trump unveils roadmap for reciprocal tariffs on US allies, competitors
U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a roadmap on Thursday for charging reciprocal tariffs on every country that puts duties on U.S. imports, his latest trade salvo directed at American friends and foes that the White House says will strengthen economic and national security.

Canadian government sees agriculture win in free trade agreement with Ecuador
Access for key agriculture exports gained, but not at the cost of supply management
Canada's new free trade deal with Ecuador will provide preferential treatment for Canada's key agriculture exports, such as grains and oilseeds, cereals, meat, pulse crops, processed foods and "sugar-containing" products but won't allow additional access to Canada for for supply-managed products such as dairy, poultry and eggs.

Newly funded Canadian beef research aims for sector improvements
Nine beef research projects funded through the Beef Cattle Research Council will tackle stock health issues, feed efficiency and food safety
Nine new projects have received a collective $1.43 million in funding through the Beef Cattle Research Council’s next call for study proposals. The projects are also backed by more than $3.1 million from additional sources, the organization has said.

Feed grain update: Barley bids edge up amid trade uncertainty
Tightening stocks supportive
Feed barley prices in Western Canada were strengthening in early February, although activity was somewhat limited given the threat of tariffs from the United States still overhanging the North American markets.

Advance Payments Program applications open for 2025
Applications for the 2025 Advance Payments Program cash advances are open, the Canadian Canola Growers Association announced today.