This week’s ag news roundup covers China’s pivot to Brazilian sorghum, stalled India-EU trade talks, USDA’s controversial reorg plan, hidden farm bill changes in Congress, and a fresh bird flu outbreak in South Dakota.
Global food prices surged in August, reaching a two-year high as vegetable oil and meat costs soared. The FAO warns the spike reflects deeper vulnerabilities in global food systems tied to climate, energy, and trade instability.
For the first time, more than half of U.S. soybean oil will go to biofuel production, signaling a major shift in agriculture. While the move supports clean energy goals, it raises concerns about food prices, export markets, and long-term policy risk.
A rare human case of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite in Maryland has reignited biosecurity concerns nationwide. While the infection appears isolated, federal officials are ramping up surveillance and prevention efforts to avoid a costly resurgenc