Ag Labor Bill Dividing the Republican Party

A Republican-backed agricultural labor bill is drawing mixed reactions as lawmakers debate changes to the H-2A farmworker program. The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act would expand H-2A access for year-round employers such as dairy and livestock operations, allow labor certifications to last up to three years, reduce some program fees, and limit large year-to-year wage increases. The most controversial provision would allow certain undocumented agricultural workers already employed on U.S. farms to apply for temporary legal status through the H-2A program. Newsweek reports that supporters say the proposal would move existing workers into a legal workforce without creating a pathway to citizenship, while critics argue it amounts to amnesty. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson says the legislation is designed to address longstanding labor shortages facing agriculture. Farm groups have long called for reforms, saying year-round livestock and dairy operations need a more flexible and dependable agricultural workforce.

Weekly Ethanol Production Rebounds Sharply

U.S. ethanol production rebounded sharply last week, while exports nearly doubled, according to the latest data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association. For the week ending July 17, ethanol production climbed 5.2 percent to 1.09 million barrels per day, up 1.5 percent from the same week a year ago. Ethanol stocks also edged 0.4 percent higher to 24.5 million barrels. Gasoline demand strengthened 1.2 percent from the previous week, though it remained slightly below year-ago levels. Refiner and blender ethanol use also increased 3.5 percent, reaching its highest weekly level since mid-May. The biggest gain came in exports, which jumped 95 percent from the previous week to 158,000 barrels per day. The Renewable Fuels Association says the latest numbers reflect continued strong demand for U.S. ethanol both at home and abroad, providing additional support for the nation's corn growers and biofuels industry.

USB Budget to Sharpen Focus, Maximize Returns

The United Soybean Board has approved a $122.5 million budget for fiscal year 2027, investing soybean checkoff dollars to expand markets and strengthen demand for U.S. soy. The farmer-led board says funding will support research, promotion, and education across food, feed, renewable fuels, industrial products, exports, and sustainable production. USB Chair Brent Gatton says, "We're focused on what moves volume and creates value, from protecting the markets we have to accelerating new uses and opening new doors for U.S. Soy." Key investments include expanding renewable fuel markets, increasing demand for soybean meal and soy oil, growing exports in more than 90 countries, and developing new industrial uses for soy-based products. The budget was approved during the board's July meeting in Indianapolis and is aimed at helping soybean farmers remain competitive while creating long-term market opportunities.

Rural Health Disadvantages in the U.S.

A new analysis from University of Illinois and USDA economists says growing health disparities are contributing to workforce challenges across rural America. The report finds adults ages 25 to 54 in rural communities are dying from natural causes at significantly higher rates than their urban counterparts, with cancer, heart disease, and circulatory disease among the leading causes. Researchers say the trend could have lasting economic consequences by reducing the available workforce needed to support rural businesses and local economies. The study points to several contributing factors, including sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, obesity, nicotine use, and cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers also suggest community conditions, rather than simply living in a rural area, may play a major role in the widening health gap. The findings highlight the importance of improving health outcomes to help strengthen the long-term vitality of rural communities.

Sheep Industry Summer Meeting Focuses on Growth

The American Lamb Board has set its priorities for the coming year, focusing on expanding demand for American lamb and delivering value to sheep producers. During its Summer Board Meeting, the board reviewed marketing, research, and producer education programs, while planning investments for fiscal year 2027. Marketing efforts will include expanded consumer outreach, nutrition messaging, the 2026 Lamb Jam event series, and the new Gather and Graze Cookbook Club. Board members also received updates on export promotions, research projects, and the continued expansion of the Sheep IQ producer education platform. ALB Chairman David Fisher says the board remains committed to investing producer checkoff dollars in marketing, research, education, and industry partnerships that build long-term demand for American lamb. The board says its goal is to strengthen the sheep industry while creating lasting value for U.S. lamb producers.

USDA Investments Support Wetland Mitigation Banking Project

USDA is making $3 million available to help develop wetland mitigation banks that give farmers and ranchers another option for meeting federal wetland conservation requirements. Through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, wetlands are restored or enhanced to generate credits that producers can purchase to offset unavoidable impacts to wetlands elsewhere, helping maintain eligibility for USDA program benefits. NRCS Chief Colton Buckley says, "Wetland mitigation banks provide farmers and ranchers a clear and efficient compliance pathway, while at the same time helping to restore and protect vital wetlands." Priority will be given to projects in states with high numbers of wetlands and conservation compliance requests, including Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota, and several other states. Eligible applicants can request up to $1 million, with applications due by September 8.

Monday Watch List

Markets

On Monday, USDA will release their usual Export Inspections report at 10 a.m. CDT. At 3 p.m. CDT, the weekly Crop Progress report will be released, updating state by state crop ratings following a stretch of hot and dry weather across the Grain Belt.

Weather

Another heatwave has gripped the middle of the country, making it extremely hot across the Plains where temperatures have been above the century mark since the weekend. A front moving through the north will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, especially in the Midwest, offering some relief from the heat.