Senate Farm Bill Stalls Over SNAP Dispute

The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance its Farm Bill Thursday after Democrats rejected the Republican proposal in a 10-11 vote, leaving the legislation without a clear path forward. Committee Chairman John Boozman recessed the markup after negotiations broke down over changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Democrats insisted on a two-year delay before states begin sharing SNAP benefit costs, while Republicans offered a one-year delay. “I want us to get to a bipartisan agreement,” said Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar. “But first and foremost, that includes addressing this ridiculous SNAP situation.” The committee did approve several amendments, including provisions to permanently move the Food for Peace program to USDA and allow hot rotisserie chicken purchases through SNAP. Boozman said he can reconvene the committee later this year as lawmakers continue negotiations on the overdue Farm Bill.

Farm Credit Urges Continued Farm Bill Negotiations

The Farm Credit Council is encouraging lawmakers to continue working toward a bipartisan Farm Bill after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance the legislation. Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert thanked Chairman John Boozman, Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, and committee members for their efforts while expressing disappointment that the bill did not move forward. “As producers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, completing a five-year Farm Bill is more important than ever,” Seyfert said. She noted the proposal includes provisions to expand credit availability for farmers and ranchers, strengthen crop insurance, and modernize Farm Service Agency loan programs. The committee rejected the bill Thursday after disagreements over SNAP funding changes. Farm Credit says it remains committed to working with both parties during the congressional recess to help advance a five-year Farm Bill that provides certainty for agriculture and rural America.

USDA Reminds Producers of Fall Crop Insurance Deadlines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers that deadlines to purchase or make changes to crop insurance coverage for fall-planted crops are approaching. The next major sales closing dates are September 1 and September 30, although deadlines vary by crop and location. Producers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agent soon to review coverage options for the 2027 crop year. Federal crop insurance remains a key part of the farm safety net, helping producers manage weather and revenue risks. USDA says farmers can choose from several coverage options, including yield protection, revenue protection, and area risk plans. Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and the Micro Farm program also remain available for diversified and small-scale operations. Producers can find sales closing dates and other important deadlines through USDA's Risk Management Agency online tools or by working with their local crop insurance agent.

Agribusiness Companies Raise 2026 Profit Outlooks

Several major agribusiness companies have raised their 2026 earnings forecasts, citing stronger demand across key crop markets and improved oilseed processing margins. Archer-Daniels-Midland increased its full-year profit outlook after reporting better-than-expected quarterly results. The company said higher grain prices encouraged farmers to market stored corn and soybeans, boosting deliveries to ethanol plants and soybean processors. Corteva also raised its earnings forecast, pointing to solid demand for seed products as growers continue shifting acreage toward soybeans. However, the company said farm incomes remain under pressure from mixed commodity prices. Meanwhile, Bayer reported an unexpected increase in quarterly profit, helped by stronger sales of seed technology. The improved outlooks suggest demand remains solid across several agricultural sectors, even as producers continue navigating higher production costs and uncertain commodity markets.

USDA Celebrates National Farmers Market Week

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is encouraging Americans to support local producers during National Farmers Market Week through August 8. Rollins signed a proclamation recognizing the role farmers markets play in creating marketing opportunities for producers, strengthening rural communities, and connecting consumers with fresh, American-grown food. “Every purchase at a farmers market is an investment in American agriculture, our rural communities, and our country’s future,” Rollins said. USDA says farmers markets help family farms reach local customers while giving consumers greater access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and other farm-raised goods. The department is encouraging families to visit their local farmers market during the week to meet producers and learn more about where their food comes from. USDA says supporting farmers markets strengthens local economies while helping keep more food dollars in rural communities.

USDA Marks Food for Peace Shipment Bound for Africa

U.S. wheat, rice, and sorghum organizations joined USDA and World Food Program officials in New Orleans to celebrate the latest Food for Peace shipment headed to East Africa. The U.S.-flagged Liberty Grace was loaded with more than 28,000 metric tons of Louisiana rice before traveling to Houston to take on nearly 20,000 metric tons of U.S. hard red winter wheat. The shipment is expected to help feed more than one million people in Kenya for a year. “This massive shipment showcases the strength of our historic partnership with U.S. commodity groups, our merchant marine workforce, and the World Food Program,” said USDA Deputy Undersecretary Michelle Bekkering. The event also marked USDA's new role overseeing the Food for Peace program, which has long relied on American-grown commodities to provide international food assistance.

Friday Watch List

Markets

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the July U.S. Employment report at 7:30 a.m. CDT. In the afternoon, CFTC will wrap up the week with the Commitments of Traders report at 2:30 p.m. CDT.

Weather

A cold front will enter the western Midwest Friday, leading to scattered showers and storms in the eastern Dakotas, Minnesota, northern Iowa, and Wisconsin. Some of these storms could be strong to severe, with damaging winds and hail the primary threats. Widely scattered showers and storms will also develop across the Ohio Valley, mainly during the afternoon and evening hours.