Ag Committee Advances Farm Bill 2.0 to Uncertain Future in Full Senate

The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its 2026 farm bill on a narrow 12-11 party-line vote after Sen. Mitch McConnell’s return enabled action on the measure. The bill includes major agriculture priorities such as year-round E15, mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and the Fertilizer Transparency Act. Democrats objected to a provision requiring states with high SNAP payment error rates to share benefit costs, with The Hill reporting that Chair John Boozman offered a one-year delay, though Democrats argued states need more time. Agri-Pulse reported that Republicans clashed over the absence of “Save Our Bacon” language to override state livestock confinement laws such as California’s Proposition 12, but Boozman declined to reopen amendments. Looking ahead, AgWeb reported that Senate floor action is unlikely before the upcoming election recess. The Washington Sun noted the bill faces a 60-vote Senate threshold and an uncertain path amid expiring farm bill authorities and mounting financial pressures on farmers.

Farm Organizations Welcome Key Measures

Agriculture groups broadly welcomed Senate Agriculture Committee approval of the Agricultural Act of 2026, calling it a key step toward enacting a long-delayed five-year farm bill. The American Sugar Alliance praised committee members for advancing legislation that would provide greater certainty for sugar producers and workers facing economic challenges. Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert said the bill would help farmers weather ongoing uncertainty thanks to provisions that expand credit access, modernize programs, and ease regulatory burdens. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture also endorsed the legislation, citing the need for a bipartisan farm bill to address rising input costs, weather-related losses, trade challenges, and rural economic stability. National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower praised the inclusion of year-round E15, a key priority for corn growers. He said expanded E15 access would lower fuel costs, increase ethanol demand, and bolster U.S. energy security. All four groups urged Congress to move the bill toward final passage.

Pork Producers Anticipate Proposition 12 Solution in Next Steps

The National Pork Producers Council welcomed progress on the farm bill. Still, it said lawmakers must address California’s Proposition 12 and the growing patchwork of state livestock housing regulations as the legislation advances. NPPC President Rob Brenneman said pork producers need a five-year farm bill that protects them from having to modify production practices to comply with differing state animal welfare laws. The group argues Proposition 12 increases costs and creates uncertainty for the nation’s more than 60,000 pork producers. NPPC also cited concerns from Illinois swine veterinarians Bill Hollis and Aaron Lower, who argued animal welfare cannot be measured solely by space requirements and warned that state-specific mandates could hinder the industry’s ability to adapt to new research and evolving best practices. As Congress moves further into negotiations, NPPC is asking leaders to craft a solution to conflicting state livestock housing laws.

Food for Peace Provision Gets Applause

U.S. Wheat Associates and National Sorghum Producers praised the Senate Agriculture Committee’s farm bill for permanently transferring the Food for Peace program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. U.S. Wheat Associates said the change would better align the international food aid program with USDA’s agricultural expertise and longstanding role in delivering humanitarian assistance. The group thanked Senate Agriculture Committee leaders and Sen. Jerry Moran, whose bipartisan amendment was included in the bill, noting the move would benefit both people facing hunger and future customers of U.S. agriculture. National Sorghum Producers also highlighted the Food for Peace provision as a major priority, alongside year-round E15 access. NSP Chair Amy France said placing the program permanently at USDA would strengthen ties between American farmers and international food assistance while reinforcing the use of U.S.-grown commodities in global hunger relief efforts.

Farmers Union Members Call for Updated Policy During Legislative Fly-In

During its annual Legislative Fly-In, National Farmers Union intensified its push for farm policy reform. NFU brought nearly 250 farmers to Washington for meetings with lawmakers and federal officials. Participants urged Congress to pass a farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net, expands competition, restores mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and creates new domestic markets for agricultural products. Following Senate Agriculture Committee approval of the Agriculture Act of 2026, NFU President Rob Larew welcomed several provisions, including mandatory country-of-origin labeling and nationwide, year-round E15 access, calling them meaningful victories for family farmers and consumers. However, Larew argued the legislation does not go far enough to address the economic pressures facing agriculture, including rising input costs, market concentration, and an outdated farm safety net. He said many farmers remain in crisis and warned that incremental changes alone will not reverse financial challenges in rural America.

NCBA Responds to Stand-Up Program Announcement

The new Stand-Up Program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture would provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal-state meat inspection programs through the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program. Currently, 30 states participate under the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, but only 11 of the 30 eligible states participate in the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program, according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NCBA says high regulatory and compliance costs have been barriers to further state participation. Additionally, persistent labor challenges in the processing sector continue to create challenges and uncertainty around efforts to diversify processing options for producers around the country. While the announcement includes funding, structural changes need to happen within the program to help support additional states' participation, NCBA says. The association is looking forward to further details on this new effort in the coming days. 

Friday Watch List

Markets

On Friday, USDA will release the September Cattle on Feed report at 2 p.m. CDT. Shortly after, CFTC will wrap up the week with the weekly Commitments of Traders report, updating positions as of Tuesday, September 15.

Weather

A small system is riding the northern edge of the country on Friday, producing areas of moderate to heavy rain from South Dakota into Wisconsin and Iowa. Other areas of showers will move from the Ohio Valley into the Southeast as well. Temperatures remain hot south of the precipitation while being cooler to the north.