House Ag Chair Proposes Sweeping Change in Ag Labor Program

House Agriculture Committee Chairman G. T. Thompson has introduced legislation aimed at expanding the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and addressing long-standing farm labor shortages. Politico said “The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026” would broaden access to H-2A workers while allowing some undocumented agricultural employees in the U.S. to apply for temporary legal status under the program if they meet eligibility requirements. Thompson said the proposal is intended to modernize what he called a "broken" farm labor system. "With the border now secure, it is time to address these shortcomings and provide fair and legal pathways for all agriculture to obtain workers when they can’t find U.S. citizens willing to perform these tasks," Thompson said. The legislation closely aligns with priorities of dairy producers and other labor-intensive agricultural sectors that have sought year-round access to a reliable workforce. However, some provisions are expected to face opposition in Congress as lawmakers debate broader immigration policy.

Livestock Groups React to Thompson’s Proposal

Major livestock groups are applauding new legislation that would expand the H-2A guest worker program to year-round agriculture, calling it the most significant farm labor reform proposal in decades. The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman G. T. Thompson, would allow dairy and pork producers to use H-2A workers by removing the program's seasonal requirement and permitting contracts of up to 350 days. The National Milk Producers Federation said the bill would finally give dairy farms access to a legal guest worker program while helping current employees transition into a workable visa system. "This will ensure we don't face a major workforce disruption as dairy farms transition to H-2A,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. The National Pork Producers Council also endorsed the measure, saying it would provide year-round livestock operations with access to a more reliable workforce. “Agriculture needs a stronger workforce,” said NPPC President Rob Brenneman. 

U.S. Farmers Plant Less Corn, More Soybeans in 2026

U.S. farmers planted fewer corn acres and more soybeans this spring, according to the latest Acreage report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. USDA estimates 95.3 million acres of corn were planted in 2026, down three percent from last year. Soybean acreage increased by five percent to 85.4 million acres. Wheat plantings fell six percent to 42.7 million acres, while cotton acreage rose six percent. The report is based on a June survey of more than 90,000 producers and reflects what farmers actually planted this season. USDA also reported larger grain inventories as of June 1. Corn stocks totaled 5.29 billion bushels, up 14 percent from a year ago. Soybean stocks increased by five percent to 1.06 billion bushels, while wheat stocks climbed eight percent to 920 million bushels. The updated acreage and grain stocks figures are expected to play a key role in grain market direction as traders evaluate 2026 crop production and supply prospects.

Administration Acts to Help Lower Fertilizer Costs

The Trump administration is temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain imported phosphate fertilizers, a move USDA says could significantly reduce fertilizer costs for American farmers. According to the department, the action is expected to lower phosphate fertilizer prices by about 22 percent and save producers an estimated $1.82 billion annually. USDA says more than 100,000 farms across 97 million planted acres could benefit from increased fertilizer supplies and greater market competition. "Today's announcement will bring immediate relief to producers who rely on these critical inputs," said Brooke Rollins.  USDA said the temporary suspension is part of a broader strategy to improve fertilizer affordability and strengthen domestic supply chains. Other efforts include expanding U.S. fertilizer production, addressing anti-competitive practices in agricultural inputs, and supporting new manufacturing projects aimed at reducing dependence on foreign fertilizer sources.

Groups React to Suspension of Countervailing Phosphate Duties

President Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending countervailing duties applied to imported phosphate. “One of our farmers’ biggest expenses every year is fertilizer, and that’s only been made worse by actions of companies looking to tighten their control of the market,” said Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said seventy percent of farmers in a spring 2026 survey said they wouldn’t be able to afford all the fertilizer they needed for this season. “Suspending import taxes on this critical farm resource will improve fertilizer availability and help to reduce input costs at a time when farmers begin to plan for the 2027 crop, while tackling increasingly challenging financial decisions,” said Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association. “This action is an important step toward improving access to competitively-priced fertilizer as we look ahead to next year,” said National Sorghum Producers Chair Amy France. 

U.S. Wheat Associates Announces New Chair

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking agribusinesses interested in expanding exports to West Africa through a trade mission to Ghana (GAH-nuh) this September. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications through July 3 for the September 22-25 mission. The program is designed to connect U.S. exporters with buyers from Ghana and other fast-growing markets across the region. "This mission to Ghana is a chance to introduce buyers from across West Africa to the highest-quality goods America's farmers, ranchers, and producers have to offer," said Luke J. Lindberg of the USDA. Ghana imported $175 million in U.S. agricultural products in 2025, and USDA sees strong growth potential for poultry, beef, grains, soybeans, animal feed, dairy products, and milk powders. USDA says the trade mission is intended to help create new export opportunities, boost farm income, and strengthen rural economies by connecting American producers with buyers in emerging international markets.

Wednesday Watch List

Markets

July will begin with a relatively quiet day for reports, with the weekly Petroleum Status report out at 9:30 a.m. CDT. USDA will also release a series of crop processing updates in the afternoon at 2 p.m. CDT such as the May Oilseed Crush, Grain Crush, and Cotton Consumption reports.

Weather

A heat dome of hot and humid air continues to sit and build across the eastern half of the country. Areas of showers and thunderstorms will continue on the edge of the heat from the Central Plains into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes for Wednesday. Some of those will be severe, especially across the Upper Midwest. Some additional showers will develop across the Delta and Southeast as the humidity becomes too much for the atmosphere to handle.