Line on Agriculture

In a letter recently sent to the US Senate, the National Farmers Union highlights significant challenges in the farm economy, such as high input costs, low commodity prices, market volatility, trade uncertainties, and rising farm exits and bankruptcies.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grant Program (CIG). Priority areas include irrigation management, nutrient management, grazing lands, soil health, water quality, water quantity, habitat improvement, and pest management. The deadline for applications is July 27.

The Iran conflict is escalating, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserting control and showing no signs of negotiating soon, which could have severe repercussions for the global economy and agriculture.

Proposed closure of the Urbana Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center and relocation to Ames, Iowa.

The first case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in Southern Texas, and the USDA says they are taking aggressive action to prevent further spread.

The Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) is under scrutiny by the U.S. meat industry due to trade barriers imposed by some African countries on American beef and pork.

The practice of beef on dairy is growing in the industry, with beef sires being used on dairy cows to produce beef calves. This approach enhances feedlot performance and meat quality compared to traditional dairy cattle

The USDA is reviewing additional base acreage for farmers under federal safety net programs, tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will allocate 30 million acres across the country.

The US dairy industry is not experiencing the trade challenges that other segments of agriculture are.

The Public Lands Council (PLC) has successfully rescinded a rule implemented by the Biden administration that prioritized conservation over other land uses, which they deemed illegal and not supported by the Organic Act or the Taylor Grazing Act. Additionally, the PLC has been actively involved in the Grazing Action Plan, signing a federal MOU to standardize grazing regulations across federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior, BLM, and the USDA Forest Service.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is addressing high labor costs and bureaucratic burdens associated with the H-2A Visa program, which is exacerbated by increased lamb imports, leading to depressed prices.

Dry conditions are pushing more cattle into feedlots, which is up 2% versus a year ago.

Despite geopolitical conflict challenges, US pork trade has remained reasonable, and consumer demand for pork is strong. H

VHalter, a company specializing in virtual fencing technology, has introduced a direct-to-satellite system that expands its reach, benefiting cattle producers with large, challenging terrains

The US and China have agreed to expand US agricultural exports to China, with a commitment to purchase at least $17 billion annually in US farm goods.

The Department of Justice is investigating potential antitrust violations, including price-fixing and volume control among beef packers. The DOJ has reviewed over 3 million documents and interviewed thousands of industry participants. They are calling for public assistance to gather more information to aid their investigation and potentially restore competitive market forces, which have been suppressed by monopolistic practices, leading to the decline of the cattle industry.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has achieved a significant milestone with the House's approval of legislation allowing year-round E15 fuel sales

Due to drought conditions across the U.S., producers are increasingly looking to sorghum as a forage option. Producers are considering grazing sorghum and Sudan grasses, and potentially shifting row crop production to irrigation to recover range land

The Farm Bill has passed the House and is moving to the Senate, but mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) was rejected.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is advocating for the Fertilizer Transparency Act to help American farmers cope with high fertilizer costs. Although the bill won't provide an immediate solution, it offers a path for farmers to understand fertilizer pricing.

The US Meat Export Federation reported that March pork exports were among the largest on record, with a volume of 285,000 metric tons and a value of over $800 million, the second highest ever.

US Wheat Associates is focusing on its expansion into the global aquaculture market. Julia DeVille from U.S. Wheat Associates discusses the organization's efforts to establish a presence in the South American salmon market as a starting point, with plans to extend into other aquaculture sectors worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia.

US wheat is being explored as a key ingredient in salmon feed in South American aquaculture.

With jet fuel shortages and geopolitical unrest, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is in a good position to be promoted and even eclipse this year.

The challenges in the global fertilizer market are being further heightened due to bottlenecks and safety concerns in the Straight of Hormuz, which are driving up input costs.

The USDA, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, is working to reduce fertilizer input costs for American farmers by increasing domestic production.

The detection of the New World screwworm near the U.S. border and a proposal to transfer the USA Agricultural Research Service to the Environmental Protection Agency to register a product that would increase the production of sterile male flies for pest control.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed its farm bill without including year-round E15 legislation, a setback for corn growers and ethanol producers. The E15 debate overshadowed the bill's passage, with a split among Republicans over small refinery exemptions nearly derailing the bill.

The USDA is addressing rising fertilizer prices, which are particularly problematic for farmers as planting season begins. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlines a multi-faceted government effort to increase production and stabilize supply.

Iowa State University agricultural economist Chad Hart discusses the impact of the Iran war and weather conditions on commodity markets. He notes that the prolonged conflict is driving up energy costs, which in turn raises prices in other markets. Additionally, adverse weather conditions are adding a weather premium to these prices

The USDA's second draft of the New World screw worm response plan is acceptable to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association after pushing back on the initial draft plan.

High fertilizer costs in the agriculture industry are an ongoing issue. With a particular focus on the impact of countervailing duties on phosphate imports from Russia and Morocco. The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) argues that these duties have increased fertilizer costs for wheat growers by nearly $1 billion over five years, equating to approximately $20 per acre, which significantly affects profitability

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO, Geoff Cooper highlights the role of ethanol in energy security, especially amid high fuel prices and global tensions. He emphasizes the challenges in year-round E15 sales and calls for Congress to pass legislation to allow it permanently.

The National Association of Wheat Growers reports that the U.S. House of Representatives is advancing a new Farm Bill with bipartisan support.

The Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute's 2026 baseline outlook projects agricultural market trends over the next decade. University of Missouri agricultural economist Ben Brown discusses the implications for renewable fuels in the U.S.

. A new industry report by Purina Animal Nutrition, Cattle Facts, Certified Angus Beef, and university partners indicates that beef on dairy cattle now comprises 12-15% of U.S. fed slaughter, with confidence in these cattle increasing due to better performance and carcass quality.

The USDA has established a new Office of Seafood to support the seafood industry, including fishermen of all species. The office, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to provide resources such as grants, loans, and risk management for infrastructure, workforce development, procurement, marketing, and disaster assistance

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has faced significant staffing cuts, leading to concerns about the accuracy of its data

The SAF Coalition, comprising over 50 members across the aviation fuel value chain, is working to advance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through collaboration, innovation, and market development. A key focus is federal advocacy to support SAF production in the U.S., utilizing American feedstocks and creating jobs for American farmers

US Wheat Associates led a trade mission to Egypt to boost demand for American wheat by educating buyers on its qualities.

Deere & Company agreed to pay $99 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging monopolization of farm equipment repair services. The 2022 lawsuit claimed Deere withheld repair software and collaborated with dealers to limit farmers' ability to repair their own equipment or use independent shops. While the settlement, pending final court approval, doesn't fully resolve the issue, it's seen as progress by the National Farmers Union. Deere also agreed to provide digital repair tools for a deca

The March Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer showed improved farmer sentiment despite ongoing challenges such as tight margins, rising input costs, and higher financial risks. This improvement was partly due to bridge payments.