USDA halts longstanding hunger report (Morning Ag Clips): The Trump administration has decided to end the federal government’s annual Household Food Security Report, which has tracked hunger in the U.S. for decades. Officials argued the survey had become “politicized” and relied on “subjective” questions that distorted the picture of food security, pointing instead to falling poverty rates and job growth as evidence of progress. The 2024 edition, scheduled for release in late October, will be the last.
The move comes just months after President Trump signed legislation reducing food assistance programs, which the Congressional Budget Office estimated would remove about 3 million people from SNAP eligibility. Critics accused the administration of deliberately eliminating a tool that measures hunger to obscure the effects of these policy shifts. Analysts warned that canceling the report could make it harder to track the impact of food insecurity nationwide.
New World screwworm detected in Northern Mexico near U.S. border (Farm Journal’s Pork Business): Mexico has confirmed a new case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, just 70 miles from the U.S. border, marking the northernmost detection of the outbreak so far and posing a heightened threat to American livestock. The location sits along the busy Monterrey-to-Laredo trade corridor, raising concerns about potential spread.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins called the development a national security issue, emphasizing that safeguarding the U.S. cattle industry from NWS is a top priority. She said the U.S. is carrying out its own five-part defense strategy and is prepared to act independently of Mexico if necessary, warning of “aggressive measures” against anyone endangering American livestock.
This detection follows a July 9 case in Veracruz, which was roughly 370 miles further south, highlighting how quickly the outbreak has advanced northward.
Taiwan commits to $10 billion worth of U.S. farm goods amid skepticism (Agri-Pulse): Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Friday that Taiwan had agreed to buy $10 billion worth of U.S. farm goods over the next four years. The deal, highlighted on social media, includes soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef.
However, analysts quickly noted that Taiwan already imports an average of $3.8 billion in U.S. farm products annually, meaning the new pledge could represent a decline rather than an increase. USDA did not clarify whether the figure reflected additional purchases.
During the week, a Taiwanese trade delegation met with lawmakers and industry groups, signing letters of intent for future purchases of wheat, soybeans, and corn. For example, the Taiwan Flour Millers Association agreed to buy about $1.3 billion in U.S. wheat between 2026 and 2029. But U.S. wheat industry representatives emphasized that such agreements often signal ongoing partnership rather than expanded trade.
The announcement sparked skepticism from commodity market watchers, some of whom criticized the administration for overstating routine commitments. Still, others pointed out that U.S. agricultural exports overall are hitting records across wheat, corn, soy products, and ethanol, even if Taiwan’s pledge itself may not boost the trend.