Study Highlights Corn’s $142 Billion Impact on U.S. Economy

America’s corn farmers generated an estimated $142 billion in economic activity in 2025, according to a new study from the National Corn Growers Association. The report found growers produced a record 17.02 billion bushels of corn on nearly 99 million acres, with the crop valued at more than $70 billion. The study says corn production contributed $56 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product, supported more than 482,000 jobs, and generated $32 billion in wages across more than 500 industries nationwide. “Every bushel of corn produced in the United States in 2025 contributed an associated $8.34 in economic activity to the broader U.S. economy," said NCGA economist Gretchen Kuck. The report also comes at a time when many corn growers are facing a fourth straight year of tight margins from low corn prices and high input costs, highlighting agriculture’s economic value well beyond the farm gate.

Beef Grazing Initiative Aims to Boost Producer Profits and Resilience

A new $42 million initiative from the American Farmland Trust's Beef Grazing Network aims to help 700 beef producers improve profitability through better grazing practices, healthier soils and stronger marketing opportunities. Backed by $30 million from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the program will serve producers across the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Texas. Nearly $20 million will go directly to producers to adopt adaptive grazing systems that reduce input costs, improve forage production, strengthen drought resilience, and increase long-term returns. Participants will also receive technical assistance, soil health assessments, and training to verify sustainable grazing practices that can qualify them for premium beef markets. “Sustainable grazing systems can create value for producers, communities and the land,” said American Farmland Trust in a news release. “Through the Beef Grazing Network, we're bringing producers together to create economic resilience through opportunities for price premiums.” The initiative will also build producer-led mentoring and marketing networks.

USDA, SBA Partner to Help Farmers Challenge Federal Regulatory Actions

The USDA and Small Business Administration have signed a new agreement aimed at helping farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses challenge what the agencies describe as unfair federal regulatory and enforcement actions. The memorandum of understanding creates a formal partnership under USDA's Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework and includes a new USDA Lawfare Portal where producers can report regulatory disputes and seek assistance. “Producers and ranchers who feed this nation should never face the full power of government alone,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This partnership with the SBA creates clear pathways for redress, ensures fairness in enforcement, and demonstrates that Washington stands with the hardworking Americans who sustain our country.” USDA also says the agreement is intended to reduce regulatory burdens, improve coordination between federal agencies, and provide producers with additional legal resources when facing disputes that could threaten their farms, ranches, or businesses.

Administration Issues with USMCA

The Trump administration declined to extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, starting a decade-long clock to wind down the trade deal as it seeks changes to try to reshore manufacturing jobs and reduce U.S. trade deficits ‌with its North American neighbors. Reuters said the decision, announced after a six-year review of the North American free trade zone, keeps the agreement in place for another ten years, with annual reviews before it expires, unless the three countries agree to renew it with changes. "'The United States did not agree to renew the USMCA in its current form,' U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement. “As a result, the USMCA is not renewed. The United States will continue to engage with Mexico and Canada to address the agreement's shortcomings ​and our trade deficits with these countries.'" The U.S. decision was widely expected, as Greer said that more time was needed to address problems with USMCA, including persistent and growing U.S. goods trade deficits with both countries.

Texas Ag Commissioner Urges FDA to Approve Feed-Based Ivermectin for Screwworm Fight

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging the Food and Drug Administration to authorize ivermectin in medicated livestock feed as the New World Screwworm continues spreading across Texas. Miller says while the FDA recently approved injectable ivermectin for emergency use, feed-based treatment would allow producers to protect entire herds more efficiently and provide a practical way to help protect free-ranging deer and other wildlife. “Injectable ivermectin was an important first step, but it's not enough,” Miller said. “Feed-based ivermectin would allow producers to protect entire herds quickly and efficiently with far less stress on both livestock and producers.” The request asks the FDA to issue an emergency authorization, so feed manufacturers can begin producing medicated feed immediately. Miller says an "all-of-the-above" approach—including sterile flies, surveillance, inspections, injectable treatments, and feed-based ivermectin—is needed to stop the parasite before it causes even greater losses for livestock producers and threatens the nation's food supply.

CattleCon 2027 Applications Open for Contest, Scholarships

Applications are now open for several opportunities leading up to CattleCon 2027, set for Feb. 2-4 in Nashville, Tennessee. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is accepting entries for its National Anthem Contest, Beef's Got Talent competition, student internships, and scholarships. The National Anthem Contest and Beef's Got Talent are open through October 15, giving members and aspiring performers a chance to take the stage during the annual convention. College students can also apply for internships that provide hands-on experience with convention operations and networking opportunities across the beef industry. Scholarships are available for young beef producers, students, farmers and ranchers, covering complimentary registration and discounted lodging. "CattleCon offers valuable opportunities for leadership, education, and networking," NCBA said, encouraging producers and students to apply before the October 15 deadline. Registration and housing for CattleCon 2027 open August 10.

Tuesday Watch List

Markets

On Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. CDT, the Census Bureau will release the May Trade Balance report, which USDA will then use to update their monthly export database. Otherwise, there are no other major reports scheduled so traders will continue to look to U.S. weather to inform decisions.

Weather

A stalled system will continue to produce widespread showers and thunderstorms across the South and Southeast on Tuesday. In addition, a slow-moving cold front is moving across the Northern Plains into the Upper Midwest. That area will again be the target for additional showers and thunderstorms, some of which may become severe.