Wheat Market & Black Sea and USDA Staffing Shortages

The Agribusiness Update
Warfare between Russia and Ukraine is elevating uncertainty in global wheat markets as attacks threaten agricultural infrastructure around the Black Sea, and Farmers are reporting difficulty obtaining federal conservation assistance after substantial staffing reductions at USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Dairy meeting

Idaho Ag Today
The University of Idaho will host the annual meeting of a national group of dairy economists Sept. 23-24 in Twin Falls. 

US-Candada Trade Disputes and Wheat Harvest Progress

The Agribusiness Update
The U.S.–Canada trade dispute is creating new concerns for American farmers as retaliatory tariffs and import restrictions kick in, and the 2026 wheat harvest continues to make progress, with hard red winter wheat now complete and soft white wheat nearing the finish line.

Dairy Trade with Canada

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Dairy is again at the center of trade war escalation with Canada as President Trump has banned Canadian dairy products and other goods from America’s second biggest trading partner.

New fertilizer plant

Idaho Ag Today
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins: "Together we take the latest and perhaps the greatest at least step so far moving backward American fertilizer independence."

Trump EOs Back Ranchers, COOL Needs Congress; 300K MT Beef Imports Will Come Revealed

Line on Agriculture
Executive orders aim to support ranchers but stop short of reinstating mandatory COOL. The National Farmers Union is urging Congress to act, noting a Senate Farm Bill amendment would restore COOL.

In a follow-up, the administration authorized 300,000 metric tons of lower-tariff beef imports over 90 days to ease prices. Now we know where the beef will come from.

Winegrape Sales Still Down and 2026 Cover Crop Report

The Agribusiness Update
With harvest underway, California farmers are again struggling to find buyers for their winegrapes, and the 2026 National Cover Crop Report indicates growing interest in cover crops.

Idaho hop acres up

Idaho Ag Today
Idaho hop acres rebound a little….After plummeting the past two years.

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.

Farmers Are Using AI

Farm of the Future
In a recent survey, about 14% of farmers are using artificial intelligence, and another 11% weren’t sure whether they were or not.

Beef Import Plan

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Farmers and ranchers are bracing for the impact of President Trump’s plan to allow beef imports to increase by 660-million pounds over a 90-day period.

Dairy Protein Increase and Canada's Retaliatory Tariffs

The Agribusiness Update
U.S. dairy producers are stepping up efforts to increase the protein content of milk due to changing market incentives and global demand, and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs may not be directly aimed at American farmers, but ...!

Weather, drought and farming

Idaho Ag Today
I called Idaho Farm Bureau spokesperson Sean Ellis to find out how Idaho farmers are progressing with their crops.

H-2A Reforms on Hold and Ag Trade Deficit Down

The Agribusiness Update
A court ruling casts uncertainty over recent reforms to the H-2A ag guestworker program, leaving current wage rates in place for now, and U.S. ag exports are expected to strengthen as USDA raised its trade forecast and projected a smaller ag trade deficit for 2026.

Farm Bureau Weighs In as California Legislative Session Ends

California Ag Today
Wolf funding and grazing goats bring wins, while autonomous farm equipment remains unfinished business.

California, It’s Time to Pick Your Favorites

California Ag Today
People’s Choice voting is open for California Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog and photo contests through September 7.

Constellation announces $100 million

Idaho Ag Today
Constellation announces $100 million investment that includes Idaho farmers.

Talks with Canada Escalate and Farmers Afraid to Speak

The Agribusiness Update
Canada is escalating its trade fight with the U.S., announcing retaliatory tariffs on about $19.9 billion worth of U.S. goods, including dairy and agricultural equipment, and ag leaders say farm country is facing a serious crisis and farmers are increasingly afraid to speak publicly.

8-31 Riata & Sterling Meldrum

Idaho Ag Today
Young Farmers and Ranchers District Chairs Riata & Sterling Meldrum tell us about what being a YF&R member means to them.

Mexican Livestock Trade Resumes and Trade Delegation to Australia

The Agribusiness Update
USDA began reopening Southwest ports for livestock trade last week, more than a year after suspending crossings to slow the spread of New World Screwworm, and USDA sent a delegation to Australia last week to strengthen export opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers.