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.

Bingham water lawsuit

Idaho Ag Today
An Idaho farm family that has worked the same land in Bingham County for generations is suing the Idaho Department of Water Resources.

Measuring groundwater

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

Dirt Road podcast

Idaho Ag Today
Listeners might come for the ag, but they stay for the stories. The Dirt Road Discussions podcast.

Tax Considerations When Using USDA Livestock Programs

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

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.

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.

Congress Returns from Recess

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Congress returns from its August with much unfinished business and huge impacts for agriculture.

Canadians Pull Out of Talks and Argentinian Beef Imports

The Agribusiness Update
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called steep new U.S. tariffs on $20 billion worth of his country’s goods “a miscalculation” after trade talks with Canada collapsed, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association criticized a social media post by President Trump regarding beef imports.

Endangered Species Act Changes Take Effect August 20

California Ag Today
New federal regulations revise threatened species protections and critical habitat decisions.

Florida Names Permanent Leadership for Agricultural Water Policy Office

Southeast Regional Ag News
Jessica Ferris appointed director as Megan Seward continues as assistant director, guiding Florida's agricultural water and conservation efforts.

Water users reprieve

Idaho Ag Today
Gov. Little recommends proactive solutions to the Idaho Water Resource Board to give Swan Falls trust water users a reprieve for the 2026 irrigation season.

UC Davis: Winter Grains Could Help Keep Farmland Productive

California Ag Today
New research suggests winter crops may offer California farmers an alternative to fallowing land while adapting to groundwater restrictions.

Specialty Crop Assistance Deadline

Fruit Grower Report
If you grow tree fruit in these difficult times, or any other specialty crop for that matter, a deadline for assistance is fast approaching.

NRCS water proposal

Idaho Ag Today
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho is seeking proposals to expand the number of eligible watersheds enrolled.

Trusted Advisors Connecting Farmers to Conservation Programs

Farm of the Future
Some farmers might be leaving money on the table by not enrolling in a conservation or carbon sequestration program.

Fertilizer Prices Plunge and USDA Staffing Shortages

The Agribusiness Update
Fertilizer prices have retreated sharply in recent weeks as concerns over prolonged supply disruptions tied to tensions in the Middle East have eased, and ag and conservation groups want staffing shortages at USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency addressed.

Cloud seeding 1

Idaho Ag Today
Take a look at Cloud Seeding which has been around for about 80 years.

SOIL MOISTURE SENSORS

Idaho Ag Today
MINI-CASSIA PRODUCERS EXPERIMENT WITH SOIL MOISTURE SENSORS TO SAVE WATER

Conservation Grant Program Sign Up Underway

Line on Agriculture
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grant Program (CIG). Priority areas include irrigation management, nutrient management, grazing lands, soil health, water quality, water quantity, habitat improvement, and pest management. The deadline for applications is July 27.