Line on Agriculture

John Rich, a country music artist and newly appointed special envoy for American landowners, aims to represent landowners to the federal government, addressing issues with various agencies like the EPA, HUD, and USDA. He is working to reverse regulations imposed by the Biden administration that he believes negatively impact farmers and ranchers, contributing to their inability to be cash flow posi...

The Ag Economy Barometer dropped to 113 in June, with current conditions at 102 and future expectations at 106. Cattle groups oppose the US Trade Representative's potential exemption of Brazilian beef from Section 301 tariffs. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is advocating for ivermectin in livestock feed to combat the New World screwworm spreading in Texas.

Patrick Sanders, Director of Agronomy Enablement at Nutrien, discusses new sensing technology that allows for efficient field sampling and rapid identification of agronomic gaps.

The US Wheat Associates is noted for its higher-priced wheat compared to competitors like Australia, Canada, and the Black Sea region. Joe Sowers, regional vice president, explains that the US has invested in breeding technologies to produce superior wheat for domestic use, which translates into better performance in automated production lines

The United Soybean Board of Directors is making efforts to diversify the use of soybeans.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is looking to expand and diversify its dairy export strategy through Project Diversify, a data-driven initiative that simplifies complex export market information into actionable insights for exporters.

The American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall highlights the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act as a key solution to the farm labor shortage, emphasizing the need for a year-round workforce. The bill, introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson, aims to expand the H-2A guest worker program and modernize farm labor systems.

The USMEF reported that Mexico's temporary ban on US pork offal due to pseudo-rabies detection in Iowa has cost exporters $7 million weekly. Restrictions on products from Iowa and Texas, along with new verification rules, have disrupted supply chains.

President Donald Trump has proposed an additional $11 billion in farm assistance funding to help agricultural producers recover from losses due to the Biden administration's regulations. This supplements the $12 billion already distributed this year.

(Photo: from farmprogressshow.com) The 2026 Farm Progress Show, taking place September 1-3 in Boone, Iowa, will feature a new agronomy zone where exhibiting companies can demonstrate their crop inputs, such as seeds, crop protection, and fertility products, with live-growing crops.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has released a draft of the farm bill, which updates farm programs, conservation credits, and rural development. The bill builds on last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, focusing on commodity reference prices and nutrition policies, which constitute 85% of the bill's spending

Owen Wagner from Rabobank notes that the energy market's volatility, particularly the drop in oil prices from $120 to below $80, significantly impacts agricultural commodity prices.

The value of premium crops, such as white corn, non-GMO, and organic varieties, which offer farmers higher prices compared to standard yellow corn and soybeans.

R-CALF USA, led by CEO Bill Bullard, is advocating for specific measures in the farm bill currently under Senate review. Key points include the need to revise a cattle procurement tool that allows meat packers to manipulate prices through unpriced formula contracts, which removes cattle from competitive price discovery markets

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned about a policy rider attached to legislation that could undermine the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins visited the Texas ranch that had the first case of NWS in an animal since 1966.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is advocating for changes to improve livestock hauling. Director of Government Affairs Zoe Wallace highlighted issues with current regulations

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.