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.

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.

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.

Federal Orange Juice Standard Updated

California Ag Today
FDA finalizes first major change to pasteurized orange juice rule in decades.

Orange Juice Rule Becomes Reality

Southeast Regional Ag News
Federal government finalizes long-awaited update to orange juice standard, giving Florida growers new flexibility.

Tariffs Still Looming

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
This year, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose broad, worldwide tariffs, but tariffs continue to grab headlines.

California Wildfire Priorities and Good News for Beekeepers

The Agribusiness Update
In 2017, as dozens of wildfires ravaged California’s wine country, UC-Davis, researcher Natalia Pinzón witnessed the devastation firsthand, and the Honey Bee Health Coalition has released the ninth edition of its Tools for Varroa Management Guide.

Fourth of July Food Prices and Good News for Beekeepers

The Agribusiness Update
Your 4th cookout will cost $73.82 for 10 guests this year, according to the American Farm Bureau annual marketbasket survey, and the Honey Bee Health Coalition has released the ninth edition of its Tools for Varroa Management Guide.

NCBA Looks for More Efficient Cattle Hauling Rules

Line on Agriculture
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is advocating for changes to improve livestock hauling. Director of Government Affairs Zoe Wallace highlighted issues with current regulations

Codify H-2A Wage Rates

Fruit Grower Report
While a federal district court recently upheld the Trump administration’s revised wage rule for H-2A ag workers, farmers and ag groups are concerned that the current rates could be reversed or drastically amended by a future administration.

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.

New AEWR Savings and WOTUS Rule Finalization

The Agribusiness Update
After years of rising labor costs, some farmers have seen relief in recent months thanks to the new AEWR rules, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says they’re working to finalize a new Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, rule.

AEWR Upheld

Fruit Grower Report
A federal judge denied a United Farm Workers’ request to temporarily block the Trump administration’s revised wage rule for H-2A workers.

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.

School Cafeterias Get Whole Milk Option Again

Southeast Regional Ag News
USDA says the change aligns with updated nutrition science and consumer preference.

New Strawberry Varieties Help and Court Rules Against New Tariffs

The Agribusiness Update
The introduction of new commercial strawberry varieties has raised expectations for an industry turnaround after years of declining production, and federal trade court ruled President Trump unlawfully used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 10% global tariff.

Georgia Ag Bills Signed and Court Rules Against New Tariffs

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a number of bills related to agriculture, forestry, and natural resources into law, and federal trade court ruled President Trump unlawfully used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 10% global tariff.

Milk Menu Changes Coming to Schools

California Ag Today
A new USDA rule expands dairy options available through federal child nutrition programs.

New SNAP Rules Could Reshape Store Shelves

Southeast Regional Ag News
Federal officials say the changes will increase accountability and expand food variety in participating stores.