Boozman Hopes Senate Farm Bill Markup Happens Next Week

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says he hopes to hold a farm bill markup next Thursday as negotiations continue on key provisions. The Arkansas Republican says discussions are ongoing with Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, including a Democratic proposal to delay a state cost-share requirement for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “We’re working on it,” Boozman said, adding that his goal remains a bipartisan farm bill. Agri-Pulse reported that the committee’s schedule has been complicated by the continued absence of Senator Mitch McConnell, who remains in rehabilitation and has not been cleared to return to the Senate. Without a full Republican attendance, Boozman could need Democratic support to advance the legislation. Current discussions focus on delaying the SNAP benefit cost-share requirement scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2028.

USDA Updates Wetland Determination Guidance for Producers

USDA is providing farmers with greater certainty when making land management decisions by updating guidance on certified wetland determinations. The Natural Resources Conservation Service has issued an interim final rule stating that most wetland determinations made since November 28, 1990, will be considered certified if producers were notified of the decision and given appeal rights. NRCS Chief Colton Buckley says the change gives producers confidence when planning field improvements and other operations. “We want to empower farmers, ranchers, and landowners to do what they do best – farm the land,” Buckley said. Certified wetland determinations affect eligibility for USDA farm loans, conservation programs, crop insurance, and commodity programs. The agency says the rule also reduces administrative burdens by preventing previously certified determinations from being reinterpreted or replaced unless a producer requests a review.

USGBC Focuses on Trade and Market Growth at Annual Meeting

Members of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council are meeting this week in Milwaukee for the organization's 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, with a focus on expanding export opportunities and strengthening global trade. USGBC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand says the gathering is designed to help shape the organization's future while continuing its mission of developing markets and enabling trade. “We still hold tight to our mission of developing markets, enabling trade, and improving lives around the world,” LeGrand said. The meeting includes discussions on trade policy, supply chains, and emerging export markets. Participants also will hear from U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Julie Callahan, USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg, and Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski. The conference concludes Friday with board reports, policy recommendations, and the election of new board members.

NFU Foundation Announces Annual Scholarship Recipients

The National Farmers Union Foundation has announced this year’s scholarship recipients, recognizing students committed to agriculture, leadership, and community service. Cadence Konechne (koh-NECK-knee) of the South Dakota Farmers Union received the Hubert K. and JoAnn Seymour Scholarship, while Beau Milton of Montana Farmers Union and Ruby Sheaffer of the Wisconsin Farmers Union were awarded Stanley Moore Scholarships. Mary Oluyemi (oh-loo-YAY-mee) of Purdue University and Jakari (jah-CAR-ee) Brown of Southern University and A&M College received Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences Scholarships through NFU’s partnership with MANRRS (manners). “NFU is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of advocates and providing resources to ensure their success,” said NFU President Rob Larew. The foundation says its scholarships support students pursuing education at accredited colleges, universities, and technical schools while encouraging the future of agriculture through leadership and service.

Ethanol Production Reaches Second-Highest Level On Record

U.S. ethanol production climbed to its second-highest level ever last week as output reached a 28-week-high, according to data from the Energy Information Administration analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association. Production increased 3.6 percent for the week ending July 24, averaging 1.13 million barrels per day, or nearly 47.6 million gallons daily. Output was also above year-ago levels and the five-year average. Ethanol stocks rose one percent to a nine-week high of 24.7 million barrels, while gasoline demand increased slightly but remained below last year and the five-year average. Refiner and blender ethanol use also improved, reaching the highest level since May 2025. Ethanol exports declined 13.3 percent during the week, averaging 137,000 barrels per day. The Renewable Fuels Association says the industry continues to see strong domestic production despite softer export activity.

FFA Hosts Leadership Conference for Next Generation of Farmers

The National FFA Organization recently brought together 45 young agricultural leaders from 23 states for the 2026 New Century Farmer Conference in Indianapolis. The July 18-22 event focused on building leadership and career skills while helping FFA alumni explore opportunities in agriculture and strengthen their farm businesses. “One of the most valuable aspects of New Century Farmer is bringing together young producers from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn from industry experts and one another,” said Emma Slavens, National FFA Program Manager. Participants visited agriculture businesses, including Corteva Agriscience, CNH Industrial, and Reynolds John Deere, while learning about crop protection, equipment, business management, and financial planning. FFA says the conference helps young producers develop a vision for the future of their operations while creating networks and connections they can rely on throughout their careers.

Thursday Watch List

Markets

On Thursday, USDA will release the weekly Export Sales report at 7:30 a.m. CDT. At the same time, the Bureau of Economic Analysis will release the advance estimate of second quarter U.S. GDP, as well as the June Personal Consumption Expenditure Index.

Weather

A small disturbance moving into the Northern and Central Plains is forecast to strengthen on Thursday, producing widespread showers and thunderstorms there into the western Midwest. Some areas of heavy rain and severe weather will be possible out of the storms.

July Food Price Outlook Shows 3.1 Percent Increase

The USDA’s July Food Price Outlook said food prices will rise 3.1 percent this year. Food-at-home prices will rise by 2.7 percent, while the food-away-from-home category will climb 3.5 percent. Looking ahead, food prices will likely rise another 3.1 percent in 2027. This year, beef and veal prices increased 1.4 percent from May to June and were almost 12 percent higher than the same time last year. Pork prices rose less than one percent from May to June, while poultry prices fell by 0.6 percent during the period. Retail egg prices fell almost a full percent and were 28 percent below June 2025. Overall, retail egg prices are predicted to end the year with a 31 percent price drop. Retail fresh vegetable prices decreased by 1.2 percent from May to June. However, prices for fresh vegetables at retail stores are likely to end 2026 up seven percent from the previous year.

Groups Urge FAA to Reject Ag Businesses from Drone Oversight

A coalition of advocacy, legal, and photojournalism organizations is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to reject a proposal that would allow large livestock operations and slaughterhouses to restrict drone flights over their facilities. The groups say the proposed rule would let some farms obtain Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions, limiting aerial photography that has documented manure spills, disease outbreaks, livestock housing conditions, and other issues at large animal operations. Supporters argue existing FAA drone regulations already protect public safety and that no evidence has been presented showing drones pose a security risk to agricultural facilities. They contend additional flight restrictions would reduce transparency and make it harder for journalists, researchers, and watchdog groups to document conditions at large livestock operations. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal before deciding whether to move forward with the rule. Agricultural organizations supporting the proposal say it would improve security and protect sensitive facilities.

USDA Weekly Export Inspections Mixed

USDA says export inspections were mixed last week, with corn shipments slowing while soybean and wheat exports improved. Corn inspections for the week ending July 23 totaled 1.49 million metric tons, down from the previous week and slightly below the same week last year. Soybean inspections rose to nearly 349,000 metric tons, though they remained below year-ago levels. Wheat inspections climbed to almost 395,000 metric tons, topping both the previous week and the same period in 2025. For the current marketing year, corn export inspections remain well ahead of last year's pace at 75.3 million metric tons. Soybean inspections continue to trail last year as trade disruptions reduced shipments earlier in the season, while wheat inspections also remain behind last year's pace. The weekly inspection totals provide an early indicator of export demand for U.S. grain.

Senate Ag Democrats Worried About USDA reorganization

Senate Agriculture Committee Democrats are warning that a proposed reorganization of USDA’s Rural Development mission area could limit access to critical programs in rural America. Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Peter Welch of Vermont, along with 20 colleagues, say the plan could impact services that support rural businesses, housing, health clinics, childcare facilities, water systems, electric projects, and broadband expansion. The senators say Rural Development needs enough experienced staff to process applications and deliver funding approved by Congress. “Rural communities, small businesses, and families will lose access to important services if the proposed reorganization plan moves forward,” the senators wrote. They also say staffing shortages are already affecting rural communities as farmers and families face higher costs from tariffs and global conflicts. The lawmakers are urging USDA to ensure Rural Development can continue delivering support where it is needed most.

USDA Reminds Farmers of Important Deadlines

USDA is reminding farmers and ranchers that deadlines are approaching for several programs designed to help offset higher input costs, recover from disasters, and strengthen financial protection. The Farm Service Agency says applications for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program are due August 7, while the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program deadline is August 12. Eligible landowners also have until August 31 to review potential base acre increases for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. USDA says this is the first opportunity to update base acres since 2002. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” said Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam. “These deadlines represent real opportunities for producers to recover from market and weather challenges.” Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office soon to make sure they do not miss available assistance.

FFA highlights role of agricultural education in developing future workforce

National FFA leaders and members highlighted the importance of agricultural education and career and technical education during a panel discussion on Capitol Hill. The event featured FFA students sharing how their experiences helped shape career paths in areas like agricultural communication, plant sciences, and agricultural education. Industry leaders also discussed how FFA helps build the talent pipeline needed for the future of agriculture. “We know the skills students gain through agricultural education and FFA prepare them for success in a wide range of careers,” participants said. The discussion was supported by members of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. National FFA says the organization now serves more than one million members nationwide, helping students prepare for more than 350 careers in agriculture, business, science, engineering, education, and communications.

Wednesday Watch List

Markets

On Wednesday morning, the Energy Information Administration will release the weekly Petroleum Status report, including last week's ethanol production and stocks. Later in the afternoon, the Federal Reserve will conclude their July meeting and make their interest rate decision at 1 p.m. CDT.

Weather

A cold front has stalled out from the Central Plains to the Southeast on Wednesday. Areas of scattered showers and thunderstorms will form near the front. Additional showers will develop across the Northern Plains with a small disturbance moving into the region late Wednesday afternoon and evening, which will develop into a larger storm system for the rest of the week and weekend.

USDA: Phased Reopening for Livestock in Southern U.S. Ports

USDA will begin reopening the southern border to cattle imports from Mexico next month after determining conditions have improved in the fight against New World screwworm. The Agriculture Department says the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry will reopen August 24 for cattle from Mexico's Sonora state. Additional ports at Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, could reopen later if Mexico continues meeting animal health requirements. Every animal entering the U.S. will undergo a full USDA inspection for signs of New World screwworm. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says, "The closure of the Southern ports of entry for the last year has been a tough but necessary action to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and protect the American livestock industry." USDA says reopening plans remain flexible and could be paused if the screwworm risk increases.

Cattle Producer Groups React to USDA Announcement

Cattle organizations are supporting USDA's decision to begin a phased reopening of the southern border to live cattle imports from Mexico after progress in controlling New World Screwworm. The Douglas, Arizona, port of entry is scheduled to reopen in 30 days, with ports at Columbus and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, expected to follow after additional biosecurity reviews. National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall says USDA's aggressive response has "put us in a strong position to begin safely and gradually reopening our southern border to cattle shipments." The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association also praised the phased approach, saying the temporary closure gave officials time to strengthen surveillance, expand sterile fly production, and improve response protocols. Both groups emphasized they will continue supporting strong safeguards to protect the U.S. cattle herd while allowing normal cattle commerce to resume.

NCGA Applauds USMCA Negotiations

The National Corn Growers Association is encouraged by progress in talks to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement following last week's negotiations in Mexico City. NCGA says the USMCA remains vital to American agriculture, supporting strong export demand and providing certainty for farmers, grain handlers, and rural communities. NCGA President Jed Bower says, "American growers, particularly corn farmers, have benefited immensely." He notes the agreement generates demand for 1.8 billion bushels of U.S. corn and contributes an estimated $20 billion to the U.S. economy. The organization is urging the United States, Mexico, and Canada to continue negotiations and resolve remaining issues quickly to preserve the long-term benefits of the trade agreement. USMCA is currently under review by the three countries as officials work toward updating the agreement. The U.S. elected not to renew the agreement for another 16 years, instead opting for yearly reviews over the next ten years.

Soybean Growers Appreciate Ag Input Exemptions

The American Soybean Association is welcoming new tariff exemptions for some key agricultural inputs under the Trump administration's latest Section 301 trade action but says more relief is needed. ASA says exemptions for certain seed, fertilizer, crop protection products, and machinery parts will help farmers manage production costs. ASA President Scott Metzger says, "We appreciate that the administration recognized the importance of exempting some of these critical inputs," but adds that other essential products still face new tariffs that could increase farming costs. The soybean group is urging the administration to expand exemptions for additional agricultural inputs while pursuing new trade agreements that create export opportunities for U.S. farmers. ASA also continues to support exempting countries that have free trade agreements with the United States and are meeting their trade commitments from any future tariff actions.

USDA: Cattle Herd Expands Slightly

U.S. cattle on feed totaled 11.4 million head on July 1, up two percent from a year ago, according to USDA's latest Cattle on Feed report. Feedlots placed 1.4 million head during June, down three percent from last year, while marketings also fell by three percent to 1.66 million head, the lowest June total since records began in 1996. Despite the larger inventory, analysts say the report was less bearish than the headline suggests because cattle are remaining in feedyards longer rather than entering the system in greater numbers. One market analyst says, "The two percent rise in cattle on feed reflects cattle staying in feedyards longer, not more cattle entering the system." The report suggests feedlots have ample market-ready cattle in the short term, but supplies of replacement cattle continue to tighten.

USDA Union Rallies Against Relocation

Current and former USDA officials are urging the Trump administration to reconsider plans to relocate more than 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to regional offices across the country. During a briefing last week that was hosted by federal union leaders, critics said many employees are expected to leave rather than relocate, raising concerns about staffing levels and the department's ability to carry out key responsibilities. Former Acting Agriculture Secretary Kevin Shea warned the move could affect USDA's work in areas such as animal and plant health, food safety, and forest management, saying an experienced workforce is essential to those missions. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the reorganization one year ago, with regional hubs planned for North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado, and Utah. USDA says the restructuring is intended to move more employees closer to the farmers, ranchers and rural communities they serve.