New surveys show farmer sentiment declining, while federal and state leaders continue debating crop protection tools, all discussed in today’s episode.

This week’s agriculture headlines include the latest findings from the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer and the Rural Mainstreet Index on farmer sentiment. Crop news includes the brand unveiling for Corteva Agriscience’s planned seed and genetics spinoff company, the Environmental Protection Agency releasing a draft fungicide strategy and the National Corn Growers Association expanding its yield contest with a new pilot category for short-season corn growers. In livestock news, Iowa has confirmed cases of pseudorabies virus (PRV), marking the first known case in U.S. commercial swine since the disease was eradicated in 2004. Other headlines include the launch of an investigation into the nation’s four largest meatpackers over potential antitrust violations, along with efforts by agricultural organizations recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Today’s interview focuses on crop protection tools and the growing policy debate surrounding pesticides at both the federal and state levels with the executive director of the Modern Ag Alliance Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. Although a pesticide labeling provision was ultimately not included in the farm bill, the proposal would have reaffirmed that, under FIFRA, the EPA is the sole authority for pesticide labeling and packaging requirements. She discusses what farmers should know about the latest ag policy discussions, as well as the organization’s newest report on the farm economy and what they are hearing from producers across the country.

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