Xi and Trump Talk Trade and Diesel Prices Skyrocket

The Agribusiness Update
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Trump in Washington last week and agreed to extend their trade truce through Jan. 10, and record-high diesel prices are pressuring farmers while the Trump administration considers whether restricting diesel exports could provide relief.

Trump Strengthens U.S. Cattle Industry and DOJ Investigates Record Beef Prices

The Agribusiness Update
President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle industry, and the Department of Justice is expanding its investigation into record-high beef prices.

USDA Extends Supplemental Disaster Relief

Idaho Ag Today
USDA Extends Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Application Deadline, Announces New Flexibilities for 2023 and 2024 Quality Losses

Ag Tractor Sales Down and Wheat Harvest Update

The Agribusiness Update
U.S. agricultural tractor sales dropped nearly 11% in July compared to last year, with combine sales down more than 5%, and Hard Red Winter wheat harvest is nearly complete, with less than 10% remaining, and the crop continues to grade U.S. No. 1.

Post Recess Farm Bill and Trade Deficit Decline

The Agribusiness Update
Senate Ag Chair John Boozman says he will reconvene committee members in September to vote again on his farm bill package, and the U.S. trade deficit declined in June but remains only slightly below levels seen before President Trump’s second term.

Hurricane Insurance Expansion and U.S. Meat Record Sales

The Agribusiness Update
USDA’s Risk Management Agency announced a significant expansion of the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index endorsement and the Tropical Storm Option, and U.S. retail meat sales climbed to a record $112 billion in 2025 as consumers continued prioritizing meat protein despite higher grocery prices.

Beef Packing Antitrust Investigation and Judge Denies AEWR Block

The Agribusiness Update
The DOJ is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, and a federal judge in California has denied a request by the United Farm Workers to temporarily block the Trump administration’s revised wage rule for H-2A workers.

Record drought

Idaho Ag Today
IDWR Director issues Emergency Drought Declaration for all 44 Idaho counties.

Washington Bee Atlas and Deere Right to Repair Settlement

The Agribusiness Update
In just its second year, the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Washington Bee Atlas collected and identified records of nearly 30 new or rare bee species in the state, and John Deere announced it has reached a settlement in its “right to repair” lawsuit, bringing the case to a close.

Smallest Wheat Crop on Record and Organic Producer Delays

The Agribusiness Update
U.S. farmers expected to plant the smallest wheat crop on record this year, and organic producers reporting delays in federal reimbursements intended to offset certification costs.

National Barley Yield Contest

Idaho Ag Today
The inaugural year of the National Barley Yield Contest (NBYC) concluded with a new U.S. record.

Fiona Ma Named Champion of Ag and Bipartisan Support for Farmers

The Agribusiness Update
California Farm Bureau presented California State Treasurer Fiona Ma with the Champion of Agriculture Award, and lawmakers from both parties voiced support for American farmers during a Senate Ag Committee hearing.

Precision Dairy

Idaho Ag Today
Precision agriculture, a concept more ag producers and more citizens are becoming aware of.

Washington Bee Atlas and AFBF Offers Solutions

The Agribusiness Update
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Washington Bee Atlas has collected and identified records of nearly 30 new or rare bee species in the state, and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall offered Senate Ag Committee a variety of solutions for increasing demand for U.S.-grown agricultural goods.

Less Paperwork, More Time in the Field

Southeast Regional Ag News
USDA’s new technology initiative aims to simplify farm program reporting while gaining industry backing.

Organic Sales Climb and Farm Bill 2.0 Moves to House

The Agribusiness Update
U.S. sales of certified organic products accelerated in 2025 reaching $76.6 billion with an annual growth rate of 6.8%, and House Ag Committee advanced a Republican-led farm bill 34-17 in a vote early Thursday.

Georgia Wine Highway Passport and Farm Bill 2.0 Moves to House

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Wine Producers have launched the Georgia Wine Highway Passport, a new digital program powered by the tech company Bandwango, and House Ag Committee advanced a Republican-led farm bill 34-17 in a vote early Thursday.

Streamlining the process for ag producers

Idaho Ag Today
Streamlining the process for ag producers to apply for various USDA programs.

National Ethanol Conference in Orlando and Advanced Materials for Farm Equipment

The Agribusiness Update
Speaking at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Renewable Fuels Association President Geoff Cooper

celebrates record 2025, and researchers are developing advanced materials that could make farm equipment lighter, stronger and more durable.

Idaho ag exports up

Idaho Ag Today
Idaho set a record for total value of agricultural exports in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.