Southeast Pork Alliance and AFBF Urges Resume Talks with Canada

The Agribusiness Update
During the Southeast Summer Conference in July, six state pork organizations announced the formation of the Southeast Pork Alliance, and American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall is urging the U.S. and Canada to return to the negotiating table.

Cattle Inventory Up, Placements Down, POTUS Beef Import Plan Critisized

Line on Agriculture
The USDA's August Cattle o Feed report showed a rise in feedlot inventory to over 11.1 million head, up nearly 200,000 from the previous year.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association criticized President Trump's call to increase beef imports, warning it could hinder efforts to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd

Georgia Animal Movement Changes and H-2A Continues to Grow

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Ag Commissioner announces enhanced interstate animal movement requirements for all warm-blooded animals entering Georgia from Texas, and the H-2A ag worker program continues to grow, with the DOL certifying 17% more jobs in the first half of fiscal 2026 than last year.

Tariff Reductions on Equipment and More Meat and Eggs Available

The Agribusiness Update
President Trump announced tariff reductions on certain agricultural and industrial equipment, and Americans are expected to have more meat and eggs available in the coming years.

Specialty Crop Assistance

Fruit Grower Report
The USDA announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program that was announced late last year.

New World Screwworm in Texas

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Wednesday night, the USDA received official confirmation of the first case of New World Screwworm in Texas.

Great American Cotton Plan and WOTUS Rule Finalization

The Agribusiness Update
The USDA announced a new Great American Cotton Plan, saying it aims to strengthen cotton farm income, expand trade and increase demand, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says they’re working to finalize a new Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, rule.

Georgia Grown Resource Center and Expanding Chinese Ag Purchases

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper announced the launch of the Georgia Grown Resource Center in Albany, and U.S. officials are seeking expanded Chinese purchases of American farm goods ahead of an expected presidential trip next month.

2026 Florida Woman of the Year in Ag and War Could Add Pressure for Farmers

The Agribusiness Update
Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Dr. LuJean Waters as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture, and agricultural economists warn ongoing conflict in the Middle East could put added financial pressure on U.S. farmers.

California Farmworkers Day and Renewable Fuels Standard

The Agribusiness Update
California Farm Bureau recognized efforts in the state Legislature to honor farmworkers through the designation of Farmworkers Day, and EPA releases long-awaited final Renewable Fuels Standard volume obligations for 2026 and 27.

Georgia Farm Dog Contest and Renewable Fuels Standard

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Farm Bureau is looking to recognize a furry farm hero through its 2026 Georgia Farm Dog Contest, and EPA releases long-awaited final Renewable Fuels Standard volume obligations for 2026 and 27.

Immigration Enforcement Survey and One Farmer-One File

The Agribusiness Update
The California Farmer Immigration Enforcement Survey is the first to assess the impact of the mass deportation agenda on California farms, and USDA announced the “One Farmer, One File” modernization plan, designed to put “farmers first” with technological improvements.

Hurricane Helene Relief and One Farmer-One File

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia farmers, ranchers and foresters in eligible counties can begin applying for assistance for losses due to Hurricane Helene on March 16th, and USDA announced the “One Farmer, One File” modernization plan, designed to put “farmers first” with technological improvements.

FarmPath Applications Open and National Potato Council Names New President

The Agribusiness Update
Applications are open for FarmPath, a national program designed to make farming more accessible and achievable for aspiring and beginning farmers, and he National Potato Council installed its 2026 roster of Executive Committee leaders during the group’s annual Washington Summit.

Conservation Reserve Program and Farm Bridge Assistance on Schedule

The Agribusiness Update
The USDA announced the enrollment periods for agricultural producers to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program, and USDA says they're on schedule to meet the late-February rollout for the Farm Bridge Assistance program.

USDA's Dairy Margin Coverage Program and Brazil New Top Beef Producer

The Agribusiness Update
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced expanded enrollment for the 2026 Dairy Margin Coverage Program, and Market estimates show Brazil passed the U.S. as the world’s number one beef producer in 2025.

American Peanut Council Reorganization and Ag Economy Slide to Stop

The Agribusiness Update
The American Peanut Council announced a reorganization under the leadership of President and CEO Luke Blaustein, and Ag economists are predicting the slide in the U.S. farm economy will stop in the new year.

Governors Summit in Idaho and USDA Push for More Ag Research

The Agribusiness Update
During the Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability in Idaho, American Farmland Trust announced a new initiative called “Thriving Farms and Ranches,” and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a number of coordinated actions that emphasize American agricultural research and innovation.

Georgia Cottom Commission Donates Socks and USDA Push for More Ag Research

The Agribusiness Update
The Georgia Cotton Commission recently donated 12,000 pairs of socks to various homeless shelters across the state, and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a number of coordinated actions that emphasize American agricultural research and innovation.

Oregon Wine Board of Directors and Renewed Farm Bill Negotiations

The Agribusiness Update
The Oregon Wine Board announced its new slate of Board officers and the Governor’s appointment of two new board directors to the 2026 Oregon Wine Board of Directors, and House Republicans plan to revive farm bill negotiations in January.