GOP: House Farm Bill has Broad Support

House Republican leaders are ramping up efforts to secure support for a sweeping farm bill ahead of a planned vote next week, according to reports. Politico said a notice circulated Monday highlights leadership’s strategy, stressing that the legislation is budget-neutral and prioritizes what it calls “responsible spending on agriculture,” which is language aimed at appealing to fiscal conservatives. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson has been meeting with key factions, including the Freedom Caucus, and described recent talks as encouraging. “I have not had any indication that the vote will be delayed,” he said, despite competing legislative battles. Democrats, however, are urging opposition. Representatives like Jim McGovern warned colleagues that backing the bill carries political risks, arguing it would cut nutrition assistance. “The stakes are far too high for us to cede ground on the issue of affordability,” they wrote, framing the vote as a pivotal moment.

Tracking the Farmer Bridge Payments

The Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program is delivering billions in aid to row crop producers as farmers grapple with a worsening agricultural economy. Nearly $9.6 billion has already been distributed, with corn and soybean growers receiving the largest share of payments. Corn alone accounts for about 42 percent of total disbursements, or $3.45 billion, followed by soybeans at $2.27 billion. Wheat, cotton, and rice round out the top recipients, while other eligible crops have collectively received hundreds of millions more. Officials say totals are expected to rise as additional applications are approved. Iowa has received the highest total of FBA payments so far, according to program data, with farmers in the state receiving $843 million. Texas and Illinois follow closely behind. Despite the assistance, producers continue to face mounting financial pressure from rising fertilizer and fuel costs, prompting concerns that additional federal support may be needed.

USDA Wants More Farmers Included in Surveys

The USDA is planning changes to its crop reporting process after a sharp decline in farmer participation raised concerns about data reliability. Officials say response rates for the agency’s March 31 planting intentions report fell to 37.6 percent, down from 44.3 percent last year and the lowest on record. In response, the USDA intends to expand its survey efforts. Reuters said, pending approval, the agency will increase the number of farmers surveyed for its June acreage report by roughly 35 percent, with smaller increases planned for reports later in the year. “This should substantially boost our usable reports and increase the precision for major field crop estimates,” said Joseph Parsons, head of the agency’s statistics service. The USDA also plans to add clearer explanations of uncertainty in its reports and introduce a new annual review comparing early forecasts to final crop totals, aiming to improve transparency and rebuild confidence.

Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments in Glyphosate Lawsuit

The United States Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on April 27 in Durnell v. Monsanto, a closely watched case involving allegations that exposure to the herbicide Roundup caused cancer. The lawsuit, brought by a Missouri plaintiff named John Durnell, claims that Roundup and its active ingredient, glyphosate, led to the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He’s asking the Court to uphold a $1.2 million jury award. The case is one of thousands filed over the past decade against Monsanto Company, now owned by Bayer. Bayer argues that the claims should be dismissed, citing federal law that limits states’ ability to impose additional labeling requirements. Plaintiffs counter that their claims align with federal standards requiring adequate safety warnings. The National Agricultural Law Center said the outcome could shape future litigation involving pesticides.

Democrats Concerned About Forest Service Reorganization

A group of Senate Democrats is raising concerns about a planned reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, warning it could weaken the agency’s effectiveness. Led by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), alongside Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), 32 senators voiced objections in a letter criticizing the restructuring plan announced March 31. “We write with strong concerns regarding the announced reorganization,” the lawmakers stated, warning that it “may lead to additional capacity and workforce reductions.” The senators noted the Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and supports hundreds of millions more acres of public and private lands. They also cited a recent survey showing declining performance and warned that potential impacts to more than 6,500 employees could further erode the agency’s ability to meet its mission.

Former House Ag Chair Scott Dies at 80

David Scott, a longtime Democratic congressman and influential agriculture leader, has died at age 80. That’s according to members of the Congressional Black Caucus. First elected in 2002, Scott served more than two decades in Congress after earlier work in Georgia state government. In 2021, he became the first Black lawmaker to chair the House Agriculture Committee, marking a historic milestone. During his tenure, he was known for advocating on behalf of farmers and rural communities while also working across party lines. Zippy Duvall, head of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said, “He was committed to improving conditions for America’s farmers and was willing to reach across the aisle to get the job done.” Duvall added that Scott consistently prioritized “the well-being of others,” offering condolences to his family and those he represented.

Friday Watch List

Markets

Reports for Friday include USDA's Food Price Outlook at 10 a.m. CDT. In the afternoon, USDA will also release their monthly Cold Storage and Poultry Slaughter reports, as well as their annual Dairy Products report, all at 2 p.m. CDT. Finally, at 2:30 p.m. CDT, CFTC will release their weekly Commitments of Traders report, updating positions as of Tuesday, April 21.

Weather

A storm system has moved up into the Canadian Prairies where pockets of moderate to heavy snow will be falling throughout the day. Some of that snow will get into Montana as well. The cold front to the system will push through the Midwest with scattered showers and thunderstorms, but will be more widespread along the southern end of the front. Storms Friday morning are still holding together and are forecast to remain so as they move through the Delta throughout the day. Some heavy rain and severe weather will be possible with these storms.