Will You Feel Liberated After Liberation Day Details Are Known?

Updates: Policy/News/Markets, April 2, 2025

— April showdown: Key races in Florida and Wisconsin signal shifting currents.

Florida House special elections
Republicans notched two wins in Florida’s special U.S. House elections on April 1, helping preserve their slim 220–213 majority in Congress. Yet, the results revealed cracks in what were once reliably red strongholds. (The outstanding two seats will very likely go to Democrats once elections are held.)

· FL-01: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis defeated Democrat Gay Valimont to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Trump’s endorsement helped Patronis hold the seat, though Valimont’s fundraising edge made the race tighter than expected.

· FL-06: GOP State Senator Randy Fine overcame a massive fundraising gap against Democrat Josh Weil ($12M vs. $1M) to win with 57% of the vote. Still, Fine underperformed compared to Trump and his predecessor, hinting at possible vulnerabilities ahead of 2026.

Wisconsin Supreme Court election
In a major boost for Democrats, liberal judge Susan Crawford defeated conservative Brad Schimel by 10 points to win a decade-long term on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. The result maintains the court’s 4–3 liberal majority through at least 2028.

With nearly $100 million spent, the race set a new record for judicial election spending in U.S. history. Despite a $25 million donation from Elon Musk to Schimel, voters sided with Crawford, whose campaign focused on abortion rights and union protections — issues that clearly resonated in the purple state.

Political implications

• For Republicans: Holding the Florida seats provides short-term stability, but closer margins raise concerns about complacency, even in GOP territory.
• For Democrats: Crawford’s decisive win in Wisconsin reaffirms Democratic strength in key battlegrounds and suggests public pushback against Trump-aligned candidates and donors.

As 2026 midterms loom, both parties are reading these results as early warning signs — and potential roadmaps — for what’s to come.

— USDA launches second deferred resignation program amid workforce downsizing push. USDA initiated the second and final phase of its Deferred Resignation Program, running from April 1 to April 8, 2025. The initiative offers eligible employees the option to resign while continuing to receive full pay and benefits through Sept. 30, 2025.

This program is part of a broader strategy under the Trump administration aimed at reducing the size of the federal workforce through voluntary departures rather than layoffs. USDA’s first round of the program, launched earlier this year, drew participation from about 75,000 employees.

Key program details

• Eligibility: Open to permanent, probationary, and trial USDA employees (some essential roles may be excluded).
• Benefits: Participants remain on paid administrative leave, maintaining health insurance, retirement contributions, and leave accrual.
• Voluntary resignation: Employees may choose to leave before Sept. 30.
• Early retirement: Available for those meeting specific criteria.

Supporters say the program gives employees time and financial security to plan next steps while easing the government’s transition.

Critics, including federal unions, claim it undermines regulations on separation incentives and opens doors to politicizing the civil service.

— Equities today: Stocks continued to decline ahead of President Trump’s anticipated tariffs announcement, while Treasury yields remained near one-month lows, signaling persistent investor unease. In Europe, the Stoxx 600 Index fell 0.7%, with healthcare stocks particularly hard-hit following mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health, which raised concerns about the future of vaccine and gene therapy development. Shares of Mercedes-Benz Group AG also dropped after reports suggested the automaker might pull its most affordable models from the U.S. market if tariffs make them unviable. In the U.S., S&P 500 futures slipped 0.3% as technology stocks took a hit in premarket trading—Tesla and Palantir each fell more than 1%. Newsmax Inc., fresh off a rapid IPO surge, saw its stock retreat 25%. Meanwhile, the yield on 10-year Treasuries held steady after hitting its lowest level since early March, and gold prices edged up, nearing a record high. In Asia, Japan +0.3%. Hong Kong flat. China +0.1%. India +0.8%. In Europe, at midday, London -0.8%. Paris -0.6%. Frankfurt -1.3%.

Equities yesterday:

(Exchanges)

— Economic fog: Fed’s Barkin warns policy volatility is stalling U.S. growth. Richmond Federal Reserve President Tom Barkin painted a grim picture of the U.S. economic landscape, comparing it to navigating in a “dense fog” with zero visibility. His remarks point to an environment of deep uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike — driven largely by erratic policy changes and mounting trade tensions.

Economic paralysis: Businesses are hitting the brakes on both expansion and contraction. Consumers, wary of what lies ahead, are similarly holding back. This caution is dragging down sentiment and threatening broader economic momentum.

Tariff troubles: A 25% tariff on auto imports and other goods imposed by the Trump administration has further muddied the waters. Barkin warned these could raise inflation while also boosting unemployment — a dual threat that complicates the Fed’s path forward.

Falling confidence: Both consumer and business sentiment have taken a hit in early 2025. Surveys show delayed purchases and postponed investments due to unclear policy signals.

Macroeconomic slowdown: The numbers tell the story — real consumer spending in February rose just 0.1%, suggesting households are increasingly cautious in the face of economic unpredictability.

Fed’s stance: The Federal Reserve remains “moderately restrictive” in its monetary policy but is poised to pivot if conditions warrant. Barkin emphasized the need for flexibility amid today’s volatile environment.

Stalled business plans: Companies are deferring hiring and capital investments until they get a clearer read on economic policy.

Household belt-tightening: Consumers are saving more, spending less, and pulling back on big-ticket items.

Global spillover: Tariff-driven disruptions are beginning to ripple through global trade channels, raising fears of a broader economic slowdown.

Bottom line: Until the “fog” of policy uncertainty lifts, Barkin suggested the U.S. economy may remain stuck in a holding pattern —n either moving forward with confidence nor falling into immediate crisis. The challenge now, he stressed, is how to chart a stable course in an unstable world.

— Ag markets today:

• Weakness across the board overnight. Corn, soybeans and SRW wheat each favored the downside in overnight trade as woes surrounding this afternoon’s tariff announcement dictate trade. As of 7:30 a.m. ET, corn futures were 4 to 6 cents lower, soybeans were 6 to 7 cents lower, SRW wheat were 3 to 4 cents lower, HRW wheat was a penny to 2 higher and HRS wheat was 2 to 4 cents lower. Front-month crude oil futures were facing modest profit-taking, while the U.S. dollar index was around 150 points lower.
• Choice beef surges. Choice cutout rocketed $6.96 higher to $342.22 Tuesday, marking the highest quote since June 2023. Select climbed $2.06 to $322.07. Movement slid to 95 loads as higher prices limited demand.
• Cash hog index bounce. The CME lean hog index is up 15 cents to $88.65 as of March 31. The index continues to mimic action in pork cutout, delayed a few days. Cutout sunk $1.94 to $95.51 Tuesday, which will likely weigh on the index later this week.

— Agriculture markets yesterday:

(Exchanges)

— GOP farm bill talks strained by budget cut divide. House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairs are at odds over how deep to cut agriculture spending, sparking a high-stakes debate that could shape the next farm bill — and test GOP unity. The two Ag panel leaders will huddle today about the topic.

House GOP plan: Chair GT Thompson (R-Pa.) is navigating pushback over the House’s aggressive $230 billion in proposed agriculture cuts over ten years — raising alarms about impacts to SNAP and farm bill viability.

Senate GOP proposal: Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) backs a far smaller $1 billion reduction, signaling a more cautious approach amid fears of derailing bipartisan farm bill negotiations.

Title I turf war: Some Republicans want to fold key farm bill programs into the reconciliation package. Democrats — and some conservatives — are pushing back, citing risks to bipartisan support and funding flexibility for farm safety net updates. Thompson warns that overusing reconciliation could sap negotiating power for farm bill priorities like conservation and rural development. (Some argue that an even bolder hike in reference prices could in part serve as a possible funding mechanism for any Trump tariff-related aid payments to some in the ag sector.)

SNAP in the crosshairs: Deep cuts to nutrition programs may alienate swing-district Republicans and those from ag-heavy regions who rely on that funding for constituent support.

Upshot: GOP lawmakers must balance fiscal discipline with political pragmatism — while racing against the clock to finalize both the budget and the farm bill.

— Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday as traders remained cautious ahead of U.S. tariffs due to be announced at 4 pm ET, fearing they could exacerbate a global trade war and dampen demand for crude. Brent futures were down 7 cents, 0.09%, at $74.42 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 5 cents, 0.07%, to $71.15.

— Oil prices dipped on Tuesday as markets grew jittery ahead of expected reciprocal tariffs from President Trump, stoking fears of a wider global trade war. Brent crude slipped 28 cents (-0.37%) to $74.49, while WTI crude fell 28 cents (-0.39%) to $71.20, easing back from Monday’s five-week highs.

Investor sentiment turned cautious with the details of the looming tariffs still unclear. Analysts warned that while sanctions on Iran, Venezuela, and Russia could tighten supply, the greater risk lies in global demand destruction. Some analysts caution the tariff escalation could stunt economic growth and suppress future oil consumption.

Trump doubled down on his threats, warning of 25%-50% secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil — chiefly targeting China and India —and floated similar penalties, even airstrikes, against Iran should nuclear talks falter.

Adding to supply-side strain, Russia ordered Kazakhstan to close two of three moorings at its main oil export terminal, forcing a production cut expected to last over a month.

Markets are now eyeing the April 5 OPEC+ meeting, where the bloc is set to endorse a 135,000-bpd output hike for May. Meanwhile, U.S. crude inventories are forecast to fall by 2.1 million barrels for the week ending March 28, keeping traders on alert.

— Inflation Reduction Act faces tweaks, not termination. Momentum is building on Capitol Hill to modify — not dismantle — the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), particularly its clean energy tax incentives. Bloomberg reports that bipartisan interest is emerging to adjust provisions tied to renewable energy credits, with several Republican lawmakers recognizing economic benefits in their states.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Id.) remarked at a recent town hall that a “technology-neutral tax approach” could gain traction, preserving many clean energy incentives while reshaping how they’re applied.

While full repeal looks unlikely, certain IRA elements remain politically vulnerable. The electric vehicle (EV) tax credits, in particular, may be on the chopping block, as lawmakers show greater support for carbon capture and clean fuels — technologies more aligned with fossil fuel interests.

Bottom line: For now, the IRA appears poised for recalibration, not removal.

— Trump admin reverses Biden-era LNG license extension rules. The Department of Energy revoked a Biden-era policy requiring LNG exporters to demonstrate construction progress or extenuating circumstances to extend export license deadlines. In a public notice Tuesday, the DOE said the rule created an “undue burden” and was inconsistent with Trump administration policies, signaling a shift back to a more industry-friendly stance.

— GOP challenges GAO ruling blocking CRA reversal of California emissions waiver. House Republicans, led by Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Energy Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), are contesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) ruling that prevents Congress from using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn California’s stricter auto emissions standards. The GAO concluded that the Biden administration’s waiver allowing California to set tougher regulations is an adjudicatory order, not a “rule” under CRA definitions. Comer and Guthrie criticized the decision as overstepping GAO’s advisory role and potentially undermining agency compliance with the CRA. Despite the ruling, Republicans may still pursue a CRA resolution, with Senate GOP leaders in ongoing discussions with the Senate parliamentarian.

— Illinois raises biodiesel blend rate to B17, with full B20 implementation on the horizon. Illinois continues to lead on sustainable fuels, as a 2022 bipartisan bill to promote higher biodiesel blends takes another major step forward. Beginning April 1, the minimum biodiesel blend required to qualify for a state tax exemption increased from B14 to B17 — meaning 17% of every qualifying diesel gallon must come from biodiesel, predominantly made from Illinois-grown soybeans.

A triple winner. Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Chairman and farmer Ron Kindred called it “a win for farmers, consumers, and the environment,” highlighting its role in boosting rural economies, energy security, and demand for local crops.

The landmark B20 Bill, which phases in even stronger biodiesel standards by 2026, received bipartisan support.

The effort is already paying off: post-initial implementation, 97% of diesel sold statewide included at least 11% biodiesel — half of it above 14%. With the blend level moving to B20 next year, air quality and greenhouse gas reductions are expected to improve further, while Illinois solidifies its place as a clean fuel leader.

— Corn growers push back against possible herbicide tariff. Corn producers already grappling with low crop prices and rising input costs are sounding the alarm over potential tariffs on a critical herbicide. Kenneth Hartman, President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), testified before the International Trade Commission (ITC), warning that imposing levies on 2,4-D imports from China and India would hurt U.S. farmers. “Without reliable access to herbicides, farmers stand to lose significant crop yield to weed damage,” Hartman said in prepared remarks.

Hartman argued that Corteva — the sole domestic producer of 2,4-D — does not require trade protection and that U.S. farmers depend on imported supplies to meet demand. The industry is facing increased chemical resistance and slow innovation in new herbicides, making 2,4-D vital.

The U.S. initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on 2,4-D in April 2024. The ITC is now assessing whether Corteva has been materially harmed by foreign imports. A final ruling is expected within six weeks.

NCGA is urging regulators to avoid supply restrictions, warning that additional costs and limited access to essential crop protection tools could further squeeze struggling farmers.

— GOP eyes $25,000 SALT cap in Trump-era tax cut revival. Congressional Republicans are quietly crafting a new tax bill that could raise the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions from $10,000 to as much as $25,000 for individuals, according to insiders familiar with the discussions. The proposal marks a strategic play to win support from swing-district GOP lawmakers — especially those in high-tax states like New York and California — who have made their votes contingent on easing the SALT cap.

Details:

• The measure is still being drafted and hasn’t been presented to President Trump.
• It would renew and expand provisions from Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, including those for individuals and small businesses.
• The bill also includes elements from Trump’s 2024 campaign pledges, such as eliminating taxes on tipped income and possibly on Social Security benefits (though income limits and Senate rules will restrict how far that goes).
• Trump’s no-taxes-on-tips promise is reportedly the most developed part of the proposal so far.

Political implications: The move is viewed as a significant win for moderate Republicans ahead of 2026 midterms. GOP lawmakers are hoping to finalize and pass the bill by August, in part to counter potential economic headwinds from the administration’s tariff-heavy trade policies. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Id.) is leading the effort, but cautioned that “everything is on the table and nothing’s on the table” until the draft is finalized.

Budget battles ahead: The proposed tax cuts will be paired with spending rollbacks, including partial repeals of Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Republicans are considering limiting corporate deductions for SALT payments to help pay for the increased individual cap. A budget resolution — including a debt ceiling hike — is expected to pass both chambers before final negotiations on the tax package begin.

— GOP eyes end run to cement Trump tax cuts. Senate Republicans are pursuing a controversial strategy to make President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent, using a budgetary maneuver that avoids acknowledging the $4.6 trillion cost over the next decade. The tactic hinges on using a “current policy baseline,” which assumes the cuts are already permanent and therefore cost nothing to extend. GOP leaders, including Budget Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), argue that the law gives the Budget Committee authority to define this baseline — sidestepping the usual scoring rules and Senate parliamentarian input.

A bipartisan meeting with the parliamentarian, meant to address the strategy, was abruptly canceled on Tuesday.

The goal is to include the extension in a budget resolution that unlocks reconciliation, allowing Republicans to pass related legislation without needing 60 votes.

Democratic pushback: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and others say the move breaks precedent and hides the real cost of the tax cuts. They warn this could add trillions in debt over 30 years and weaken fiscal transparency. Democrats are expected to challenge the strategy through procedural channels and public opposition.

— Judge allows pork price-fixing case to proceed. A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that several of the nation’s largest pork producers — including Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods, and JBS USA — must face trial over allegations of a long-running conspiracy to fix pork prices and restrict supply, potentially costing consumers over $1.4 billion. The lawsuit accuses the companies of coordinating production cuts and exchanging non-public data through a third-party service called Agri Stats. This, plaintiffs argue, helped the firms inflate pork prices from 2009 to 2018.

The ruling: Judge John Tunheim, presiding in Minnesota, found there’s sufficient evidence for a jury to infer a coordinated scheme among the defendants. Hormel Foods was dismissed from the case due to insufficient evidence of participation, largely based on its limited role in Agri Stats.

Estimated impact. An expert for the plaintiffs pegged consumer damages at a minimum of $1.4 billion over the alleged conspiracy period. This lawsuit is part of a broader antitrust crackdown on meat producers, with similar claims already yielding hundreds of millions in settlements in the beef, turkey, and chicken markets.

Agri Stats, the data firm central to the claims, is accused of facilitating price coordination by sharing detailed production and pricing reports. The company denies any wrongdoing but has also been ordered to face trial.

Defendants deny all allegations. Hormel welcomed its dismissal.

Why it matters: This decision amplifies scrutiny of information-sharing practices in the meat industry. It also signals that private data exchanges, even if legal in form, may enable anti-competitive behavior — an issue likely to shape regulatory debates moving forward. This one’s heading to trial.

— Mexico’s junk food ban in schools targets childhood obesity crisis. Mexico has launched a nationwide ban on junk food in schools as part of an urgent effort to combat soaring rates of childhood obesity and diabetes. The regulation, effective March 2025, prohibits the sale of foods and beverages carrying at least one black warning label for excess sugar, salt, fat, or calories. Instead, schools must offer healthier options like bean tacos and ensure students have access to plain drinking water.

What’s banned?

• Sugary drinks, packaged snacks, chili-flavored peanuts, and other processed items.
• Foods failing to meet the new nutritional standards—minimal processing, no added fat, and emphasis on lean proteins and local produce.

What schools must do:

• Serve seasonal fruits, vegetables, and plain poultry without skin or added fats.
• Ensure access to free, clean drinking water.
• Engage parents to help prepare healthier meals at home.

Penalties for non-compliance: Fines range from 545 to 5,450 pesos for schools that violate the new regulations.

Mexico ranks among the highest globally in childhood obesity — 1 in 3 children is overweight or obese. Junk food accounts for 40% of kids’ daily caloric intake, a situation UNICEF calls an emergency.

Meanwhile, several U.S. states are implementing initiatives similar to Mexico’s efforts to combat childhood obesity by restricting the availability of unhealthy foods in schools and public programs:

Texas: School Nutrition and Food Assistance Programs: Texas lawmakers are advancing bills to ban certain food additives and limit junk food availability in public schools and food aid programs. A recent Texas Senate bill mandates warning labels on foods with artificial colors or additives banned in other countries. Another bill aims to prohibit seven specific ingredients in free or reduced-price school meal programs. Additionally, legislation seeks to restrict SNAP benefits from being used to purchase low-nutrition foods like soda and chips.

West Virginia: Ban on Synthetic Food Dyes: West Virginia has enacted a ban on seven synthetic food dyes linked to health concerns, set to start with school lunches in August 2025 and expand to all food products sold in the state by January 2028. Governor Patrick Morrisey signed the legislation with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in attendance.

California: California School Food Safety Act: In 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning a range of artificial color additives in school snacks due to links with developmental and behavioral problems in children. This affects popular snacks like Doritos and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos unless manufacturers comply by the end of 2027.

Assembly Bill 1264: Proposed in 2025, this bill aims to ban harmful ultra-processed foods from public schools by 2032. It requires the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to define, identify, and phase out such foods from school menus.

Arizona: Ban on Ultra-Processed Foods in Schools: Arizona legislators are advancing a bill to ban schools from serving or selling ultra-processed foods containing additives like potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, and certain red dyes. Parents can still send such foods with their children to school.

— Reuters: Trump admin ousts key bird flu staff. In a sweeping move to downsize the federal government, the Trump administration has laid off staff overseeing the U.S. bird flu response, Reuters reports. Among those let go were leaders and key personnel at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, which monitors outbreaks in both pet food and dairy. Employees arriving for work on Tuesday were locked out and informed of immediate termination. The cuts are part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s promise to eliminate 10,000 federal health agency positions. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says the layoffs hit areas crucial to public safety: bird flu response, food safety, and animal health. The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, which tests pet food for bird flu, has not been directly cut, Reuters noted, but its operations are expected to slow dramatically due to loss of leadership and administrative staff. The layoffs threaten ongoing efforts to build infrastructure for testing raw milk cheese, a known risk vector in the bird flu outbreak. Nearly 1,000 U.S. dairy herds have been infected in the past year. Kennedy, a known supporter of raw milk, has opposed stricter regulations.

— House Democrats probe RFK Jr.’s ‘Reckless’ bird flu response amid rising public health concerns. House Democrats on the Oversight Committee launched a formal investigation into Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s handling of the bird flu crisis, citing grave concerns over his controversial response strategy and recent staffing cuts within key public health agencies. Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic, has publicly opposed vaccinating poultry against avian influenza — despite the virus killing nearly 170 million birds since 2022 and spreading increasingly to humans and mammals since 2024. Instead, he has promoted a controversial theory: allow the virus to spread naturally to identify and breed birds with innate immunity. Lawmakers and public health experts alike have blasted the approach as “dangerous and ineffective,” warning it could allow the virus to mutate and spark a human-transmissible pandemic.

In a sharply worded letter, Democratic lawmakers called Kennedy’s plan “dangerous and reckless,” and demanded documentation of communications between HHS, the USDA, and the CDC — particularly about expert consultations and scientific rationale behind the policy. USDA has signaled alignment with Kennedy’s view, though the agency is also hedging its bets. It has committed $100 million toward vaccine and therapeutic research and previously unveiled a broader $1 billion plan to protect the poultry industry and stem the virus’ spread.

— China reviews beef imports amid supply surge; agribusiness exporters watch closely as Beijing weighs new trade barriers. China’s Ministry of Commerce has pledged a “fair and objective” decision in an ongoing anti-dumping investigation that could reshape the global beef trade. Launched on Dec. 27, 2024, the probe was prompted by claims that a 106.28% spike in imports over five years has harmed China’s domestic beef producers.

Hearing overview (March 31, 2025):

• Participants: ~180 representatives, including beef-exporting nations (U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia), trade groups, Chinese importers, and domestic industry players.
• Scope: The investigation applies to all imported beef, not country-specific, underscoring China’s concerns about oversupply and cooling demand in its local market.
• Process: China says it will consider all stakeholder input and follow regulations before issuing any decisions.

U.S. beef in the crosshairs. Exporters from the U.S. are navigating a difficult climate:

• Registration lapses: China let U.S. beef export facility registrations expire on March 16, 2025, complicating sales of beef processed after that date.
• Tariffs in place: U.S. beef continues to face a 10% retaliatory tariff, shrinking margins and eroding competitiveness.

Despite these challenges, U.S. beef remains popular in China’s premium retail and food service markets, not directly competing with lower-priced domestic offerings. Exporters argue that further restrictions would do little to protect China’s local producers.

China imported a record 2.87 million metric tons of beef in 2024, making it the world’s largest beef importer. However, with demand slowing and inventories high, Chinese industry associations are pushing for protective measures.

Of note: The investigation is expected to take eight months, but extensions are possible depending on the outcome.

— U.S./Mexico border crossings plummet amid aggressive crackdown. Illegal crossings at the U.S./Mexico border have dropped to record lows, with just 7,180 migrants detained in March 2025 — down from a four-year monthly average of 155,000. The sharp decline follows aggressive enforcement by both the U.S. and Mexico. President Trump’s administration has enacted sweeping measures, including mass deportations, near-total asylum bans, and military support at the border. In response to U.S. pressure and tariff threats, Mexico has mobilized thousands of National Guard troops to contain migration.

— NWS outlook: Life-threatening, potentially historic flash flood event begins Wednesday for the Lower Ohio Valley and Mid-South... ...Tornado outbreak expected Wednesday for the Mid-South with multiple intense tornadoes possible... ...Late season winter storm continues Wednesday for portions of the Northern Plains/Upper Midwest with heavy snowfall expected... ...Unsettled weather continues over the West as an upper-level trough passes over the region... ...Critical Risk of fire weather for portions of the central/southern High Plains and Southwest Wednesday.

(NWS)

2: ADP Employment | U.S. reciprocal tariffs announced
3: International Trade in Goods and Services | U.S. will start collecting duties on imported vehicles
4: Employment
4: NCAA Women’s basketball Final Four starts
5: NCAA Men’s basketball Final Four starts
7: Crop Progress | Agricultural Trade Data Update
7: The Masters (golf)
9: Crop Production Historical Track Records
10: CPI | Crop Production | WASDE
11: PPI-FD | Consumer Sentiment
13: Passover begins
14: Crop Progress
15: 2024 income taxes due; last day for 2024 IRS, HSA contributions; first quarter 2025 taxes due
16: Retail Sales
17: Housing Starts and Permits; Cattle on Feed; National Hemp Report
18: Good Friday
20: Easter
21: Crop Progress | Chickens and Eggs
21: Boston Marathon
22: Existing Home Sales | Milk Production
23: New Home Sales
24: Durable Goods Orders | Cold Storage
25: Food Price Outlook | Consumer Sentiment
28: Crop Progress
29: International Trade in Goods | JOLTS | Consumer Confidence | Meat Animals - Prod., Disp., and Income | Milk - Prod., Disp., and Income | Poultry - Production and Value
30: ADP Employment | Employment Cost Index | GDP | Personal Income and Outlays incl. PCE Price Index | Ag Prices

Economic aid for farmers | Disaster aid for farmers | Farm Bureau summary of aid/disaster/farm bill extension | 45Z tax incentive program | Poultry and swine line speeds | U.S./China Phase 1 agreement | WASDE | Crop Production | USDA weekly reports | Crop Progress | Food prices | Farm income | Export Sales weekly | ERP dashboard | RFS | IRA: Biofuels | IRA: Ag | SCOTUS on WOTUS | SCOTUS on Prop 12 pork | Gov’t payments to farmers by program | Farmer working capital | USDA Ag Outlook Forum | Eggs/HPAI | NEC task force on HPAI, egg prices | Options for HPAI/Egg prices | Trump tariffs | Greer responses to lawmakers | Trump reciprocal tariffs |