WOTUS Update

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
The American Farm Bureau joined other agriculture stakeholders in submitting comments after reviewing the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed “Waters of the United States” Rule.

Fodé Vs Dept. of Ecology

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
A years-long water rights dispute between a Grant County farm family and the state Department of Ecology went before the Washington Supreme Court last week.

The Local Story Behind the School Lunch Tray

Southeast Regional Ag News
Farm to School Month highlights millions in purchases from Alabama farmers and more than 14 million meals.

$13.5 Million Available for California Nutrition Incentives

California Ag Today
CDFA opens grant applications aimed at connecting CalFresh shoppers with California-grown fruits and vegetables.

California Eyes Water Capture Ahead of El Niño

California Ag Today
New DWR Director Thomas Gibson discusses groundwater recharge, water storage and what the state’s water plans could mean for agriculture.

Know Your Pests: Spotting the Oriental Fruit Fly

California Ag Today
As California prepares for its Invasive Species Council summit, CDFA is asking Californians to know the signs of an invasive pest that can threaten hundreds of fruits and vegetables.

Measuring groundwater

Idaho Ag Today
Groundwater levels to be measured in an additional 400 wells across Treasure Valley and Payette Valley.

Georgia Tightens Screwworm Safeguards Again

Southeast Regional Ag News
Georgia’s response serves as a reminder for Southeast livestock owners to check requirements before moving animals.

Georgia Looks to Grow Rural Veterinary Care

Southeast Regional Ag News
Loan repayment program aims to bring veterinarians to communities facing critical shortages.

School Lunch Never Sounded This Good

Southeast Regional Ag News
Florida Future Chef crowns a winner with a menu highlighting locally grown foods.

Sandison New NASDA President and Judge Pauses USDA Scramble

The Agribusiness Update
During the 2026 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, members elected Washington State Ag Director Derek Sandison as NASDA’s new President, and a federal judge considers a temporary pause on USDA plans to relocate employees across the country.

NM Port of Entry Opening, EPA Spends Time with Farmers

Line on Agriculture
New Mexico may reopen the Santa Teresa port of entry to Mexican cattle as soon as September 24 while USDA continues its phased reopening of southern border livestock crossings.

Jim Macy, Region 7 Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, discussed issues of concern to the agriculture industry, including diesel emission fluid, death, WOTUS, common-sense rulemaking, and following the rule of law.

Georgia Eases Screwworm Entry Rules

Southeast Regional Ag News
New Mexico animals return to standard entry requirements, while additional restrictions remain for animals coming from Texas.

The Farm Bill Waiting Game

Southeast Regional Ag News
Disaster assistance, input costs and animal health are among the issues on the table for Southeast agriculture.

Fake Cattle, Real Money: Livestock Scam Warning

Southeast Regional Ag News
Alabama agriculture officials warn social media cattle buyers to watch for fraudulent sellers and even AI-generated livestock images.

EPA Grants RFS Exemptions, USDA Introduces New Rancher Intiative

Line on Agriculture
The Environmental Protection Agency has granted 1.76 billion gallons of exemptions from the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA plans to reallocate these volumes to 2026 and 2027 obligations, effectively neutralizing the impact.

Meanwhile, the USDA's Ranchers First Initiative introduces a new insurance option for ranchers to retain heifers for breeding, expands disaster assistance, supports small beef processors, and prioritizes American beef in federal procurement.

Florida Takes Aim at Southern Pine Beetle Threat

Southeast Regional Ag News
Assistance program helps private forest landowners strengthen pine stands as neighboring states face beetle outbreaks.

Ground Beef Import Proclamation Signed by POTUS, H-2A Worker Wage Rate Verdict

Line on Agriculture
President Donald Trump's proclamation to remove tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings has drawn criticism from some Republicans and the U.S. cattle industry, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

A federal judge has invalidated a Trump administration rule that would have lowered wages for some foreign farm workers, citing insufficient public input.

Pasture Mealybug Confirmed in Georgia

Southeast Regional Ag News
First confirmed case adds to concerns over the invasive grass pest across the Southeast.

California Looks to Australia for Agtech Ideas

California Ag Today
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross highlights Queensland’s approach to agricultural innovation, investment and on-farm technology.