Small Family Farms Dominate and Farm Bill Extension Expires

The Agribusiness Update
In 2024, about 86% of all farms were SMALL family farms, with gross cash farm income below $350,000, and the latest extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expired September 30, leaving Congress without a new long-term agriculture policy.

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.

GOP Pushing Farm Assistance and Rural Mainstreet Index Down

The Agribusiness Update
GOP lawmakers are pushing to attach roughly $11 billion in direct farm assistance to a defense spending package, and rural bankers are growing more concerned about the farm economy as higher fuel and fertilizer costs weigh on producers.

Farm Bill Expires, What is Going on With Sulphur?

Line on Agriculture
The 2018 Farm Bill’s expiration has put new Conservation Reserve Program contracts and some other agricultural programs on hold. Meanwhile, sulfur supply concerns—including restricted exports and disruptions to global trade—are creating uncertainty for farmers, even though sulfur-based fertilizers were unexpectedly cheap this summer.

Farmers File Solar Panel Lawsuit, Horticulture Careers Highlighted

Line on Agriculture
Farmers and renewable energy groups are suing the USDA over changes to the REAP program, arguing the new restrictions hinder solar project funding.

Seed Your Future is making efforts to promote the wide range of horticulture careers and connect students with local employers during Green Career Week, October 5–9.

$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.

$10,000 Grants Target Growing Agritourism

Southeast Regional Ag News
The new Farm to Stay program could help agricultural operations welcome visitors and diversify income.

GFB's Ag In Classroom Program and Farm Bill Lacks Prop 12 Fix

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program has awarded $500 grants to 10 elementary school teachers, and the National Pork Producers Council welcomed progress on the farm bill, but said lawmakers must address California’s Proposition 12.

USDA Draws New Line on Dairy Checkoff Spending

California Ag Today
Agriculture Department says producer dollars should focus on strengthening markets.

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.

Farm Credit System Stable and Senate Farm Bill Praised

The Agribusiness Update
The Farm Credit System remains financially sound, but rising credit risk is becoming a concern, and Ag groups praise the Senate Ag Committee’s farm bill for permanently transferring the Food for Peace program to USDA.

Tax Considerations When Using USDA Livestock Programs

Line on Agriculture
Tax implications when receiving reimbursement from USDA or insurance companies for disaster-related losses.

AEWR Cap

Fruit Grower Report
Farms and ranches that employ workers under the H2-A program now have their federally mandated minimum wage under the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

Cheese Names Debate and USDA Aid to American Beef Herd

The Agribusiness Update
A dispute over cheese names has become a sticking point in U.S.-Mexico trade negotiations, and USDA is rolling out a broad package of programs aimed at rebuilding America’s beef herd and strengthening the nation’s cattle industry.

USDA Plans $57.5 Million Fresh Citrus Buy

California Ag Today
California growers are expected to benefit as USDA targets oranges, grapefruit and mandarins through its Section 32 program.

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.

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.

Canada Retaliates with Tariffs, US Ethanol Opportunities Abound

Line on Agriculture
Canada is retaliating against U.S. tariffs with new duties of up to 50% on American products, including fish, cheese, and milk, effective September 8.

Meanwhile, Guatemala is preparing to launch its E10 program, which could significantly boost U.S. ethanol exports, with the U.S. planning to increase ethanol production by an additional 1 billion gallons over the next 36 months. Japan and Mexico are also transitioning to E10, creating substantial new markets for ethanol.