Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.

December WASDE: USDA issues large corn supply cuts

Corn futures surged to two-month highs Tuesday after USDA sharply reduced its estimates for U.S. and global stockpiles in 2025 and forecast the second-most corn exports on record. Soybeans also climbed after USDA unexpectedly left its 2025 harvest projection for Brazil’s crop unchanged at 169 million metric tons (6.21 billion bushels). Get the full report recap from the Farm Futures team.  – Farm Futures

United Soybean Board elects Philip Good as chair

Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board elected Philip Good from Macon, Mississippi, as 2025 Chair during its December meeting. As the new chair, Good aims to seek out and implement greater efficiencies to drive cost-saving measures, and encourage strategic thinking to ensure U.S. soybean farmers work together toward a common goal.

“I’m honored to serve as chair of the United Soybean Board, but it's about all of us working together to achieve one common goal of bringing value back to the soybean farmer,” says Good. Learn more about Good and the other ten farmer-leaders elected to serve on the executive committee. – USB

USDA announces nationwide milk testing for bird flu

USDA will begin testing raw milk nationwide in an effort to combat the spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. According to Vilsack, the new testing requirements will give farmers and farm workers better assurances of their animals’ safety and their own. Learn more about the new initiatives. – Farm Progress

Trump trade war to hurt farmers as China turns to Brazil

Donald Trump’s first trade war hurt American soybean farmers to the tune of $11 billion. A sequel is set to be even worse. With tariffs likely in the new administration’s playbook, most agricultural products “are on the front line for retaliatory trade moves,” because switching sources incurs comparatively lower costs, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts. Unlike last time, China is now prepared, opening up its market for corn and wheat from Argentina, sorghum from Brazil and cotton from Australia. – Bloomberg

Judge rules USDA must do more to regulate GM crops

A decision last week from the U.S. District Court for Northern California takes aim at a 2020 rule that allows genetically engineered plants to bypass certain pre-market reviews if USDA determines the technology poses no environmental risks. Critics, including some farm groups, say the rules lead to less oversight and that a lack of transparency could carry trade risks. Learn more about the changes. – Agriculture Dive

Ag industry reactions to proposed monarch butterfly listing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for the monarch butterfly and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The American Farm Bureau Federation issued a comment in support of the rule, writing, “The use of a 4(d) rule acknowledges the work farmers are undertaking to protect the monarch while recognizing the need for flexibility in conservation efforts between diverse regions and crops. This opens the door for an important dialogue about farmers as caretakers and cultivators of the land.”

“As corn growers, we look forward to providing input on how we can protect Monarch butterflies without disrupting critical agricultural activities that help fuel and feed the world,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. Public comments will be accepted on the proposal until March 12. – USDA

Be careful not to overpay for land rent

Land rental rates have dropped more slowly than grain prices. When a new opportunity presents itself to expand acreage, it’s tempting to jump in without evaluating the probability of making a profit. Experts weigh in to offer suggestions on how to figure a smart rental rate. – Wisconsin Agriculturist