House Passes the 2026 Farm Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a sweeping farm bill aimed at strengthening agricultural programs and rural communities, a move supporters say will bring stability to farmers and ranchers nationwide. The Hill said the bill, approved 224-200, reauthorizes key food and farm programs for five years while expanding rural investment and improving regulatory certainty. Lawmakers say those provisions will help producers better plan for the future amid volatile markets and rising input costs. Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the challenges in advancing the bill. “A lot of the E15 proponents are very interested in the Farm Bill progressing,” Johnson said. For farmers, the bill’s support for rural infrastructure and streamlined rules could lower costs and open new markets. While ethanol provisions were ultimately separated for future consideration in May, many agricultural groups view the bill as a critical step toward long-term stability and growth in U.S. agriculture. An amendment from Anna Luna of Florida, approved 280-142, removed proposed farm bill language that would establish federal law over state and local pesticide regulations. 

Ag Groups React to House Farm Bill Passage

The House of Representatives passed the 2026 Farm Bill, called the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and ag groups expressed appreciation. The National Pork Producers said that the bill included 100 percent of the group’s policy requests, including a fix for California’s Prop 12. “Today’s House bill passage is a testament to the power of rural America when we stand up for our farms and future generations,” said NPPC President Rob Brennamen. Gregg Doud, the president of the National Milk Producers Federation, said the House-passed bill “supports the farm safety net, preserves existing conservation programs, protects common food names, and supports animal health programs.” Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, said this legislation “supports farmers, ranchers, and consumers, and provides economic growth for rural communities.” Farm Credit Council President Christy Seyfert said, “The Farm Bill strengthens the tools producers need to navigate rising costs and tighter margins.”  

House Ag Chair Grateful for Farm Bill Passage

House Ag Committee Chair Glenn GT Thompson (R-PA)  said working for the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities is an honor, and he was grateful that the Farm Bill passed through the House 224-200. “It’s an honor, even when the work requires debating the farm bill through the night,” Thompson said. “I can think of no more important work than championing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and I’m pleased it passed out of the House with a strong bipartisan vote.” With 14 Democrats and one independent voting in favor of the bill, it’s the highest number of votes from the minority party on a House farm bill since 2008. Only three Republicans voted against the bill, so with over 96 percent of the GOP voting in favor, it’s the highest level of Republican support for a House farm bill in history. “I especially thank everyone involved in negotiations that allowed the farm bill to proceed to the floor and that helped secure a future vote on year-round E15 in May,” Thompson added. 

USDA Taking Steps to Give Better Service

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is restructuring its Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services mission area, announcing plans to create a new Food and Nutrition Administration aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery nationwide. The reorganization will shift leadership and staff from Washington, D.C., to regional hubs across the country, aligning programs more closely with state partners and the communities they serve. Officials say the move will not disrupt nutrition assistance programs but will streamline operations and strengthen oversight. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the effort supports both consumers and producers. “This reorganization is designed with those commitments in mind, as we continue to nourish children and families in need through nutrition programs that not only are provided by America’s farm families, but programs that pave a pathway to better health and economic stability,” Rollins said. Supporters say the changes could benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers by strengthening demand for domestically-produced food through more efficient and accessible nutrition programs.

Ethanol Production Drops to a Three-Month Low

U.S. ethanol production fell to a three-month low in the week ending April 24. That’s according to new data from the Energy Information Administration, which raises concerns across the agricultural sector. Output declined by 31,000 barrels per day to an average of 1.009 million, with the steepest drop occurring in the Midwest, the nation’s top ethanol-producing region. Midwest ethanol production dropped by 22,000 barrels a day to an average of 957,000 barrels a day. Inventories also tightened, falling to a 50-day low of 25.881 million barrels. For U.S. farmers, particularly corn growers, the slowdown could signal weaker short-term demand for ethanol feedstocks, potentially pressuring prices. However, tighter inventories may help stabilize markets if production rebounds. Industry stakeholders say maintaining strong biofuel demand is critical to rural economies. While production dips can create uncertainty, ethanol remains a key market for U.S. corn, supporting farm income and local communities tied to biofuel production.

FAPRI Reports on Global Agriculture Outlook

A new global outlook report highlights both challenges and opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers as international markets continue to shift. The 2026 International Agricultural Market Outlook, released by the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, projects tighter margins in key commodity sectors but sustained demand for agricultural products. The report notes that while crop expansion in countries like Brazil and Argentina will continue, growth is slowing, potentially easing competitive pressure over time. Meanwhile, rising global feed demand, driven largely by increased meat production, offers continued market opportunities for U.S. grain producers. Livestock producers may also benefit from strong global beef prices and steady demand, even as production challenges persist. “Margins have been tight in cereals markets where prices have fallen from peaks…, but input costs remain stubbornly high,” the report noted. Despite volatility and global uncertainty, analysts say consistent demand for feed grains, oilseeds, and protein provides a foundation for long-term growth in U.S. agriculture.

Friday Watch List

Markets

Friday features a number of noteworthy reports, beginning with USDA's Commodity Costs and Returns update at 10 a.m. CDT, the first update to the series since the beginning of the war in the Middle East. Later in the afternoon at 2 p.m. CDT, USDA will release their Fats and Oils and Grain Crushings reports with processing data for March. Finally, at 2:30 p.m. CDT the CFTC will round out the trading week with the Commitments of Traders report, updating positions as of Tuesday, April 28.

Weather

A storm system is moving through Texas with scattered showers and thunderstorms. That system will continue eastward Friday and Saturday. Isolated showers will be found in a couple of batches in the Central Plains and Midwest as well. Cold air across the north resulted in areas of frosts and freezes Friday morning, which may be more widespread in the Midwest for Saturday morning.