Technology Decisions and H-2A Continues to Grow

The Agribusiness Update
Rising farm labor costs and depressed crop prices have pushed California farmers to seek labor-saving technology to remain financially viable, 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.

Universal Meals Program and Expanding Chinese Ag Purchases

The Agribusiness Update
Mandates such as California’s Universal Meals Program already provide funding to improve access to nutritious meals served to public-school students, and U.S. officials are seeking expanded Chinese purchases of American farm goods ahead of an expected presidential trip next month.

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.

Fertilizer Fix and Farm Support Programs

The Agribusiness Update
Reuters reports that the Trump administration is seeking other sources of fertilizer ‌amid the ongoing Iran war's shipping constraints, and Federal farm support programs are playing an increasingly central role as American producers navigate economic uncertainty, high costs and weak prices.

More Funding and Tariff Relief and USMCA Importance

The Agribusiness Update
President Trump will seek funding for the war in Iran, while Republican lawmakers debate wildfire aid and $15 billion in tariff relief for farmers, and leaders from Ag, manufacturing, and technology met in Washington to highlight the importance of renewing the USMCA.

Ag Groups Urge Congress to Finish Farm Bill and More Farmers Turn to Specialty Crops

The Agribusiness Update
Farm groups urge Congress to move quickly on a new Farm Bill, and some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits.

AEWR Calculations In Georgia and EU Open to Lowering Tariffs

The Agribusiness Update
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and others are seeking detailed information about how the USDA calculates the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, and the EU says it’s open to lowering tariffs on U.S. fertilizer imports.

Japanese Beetle Treatment and Rural Broadband Improving

The Agribusiness Update
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Pest

Program is seeking permission from property owners to treat their yards for Japanese beetle, and Rural Broadband Association released its “2024 Broadband-Internet Availability Survey Report,” capping off a year in which NCTA members made remarkable strides in delivering robust and reliable high-speed connectivity in the most rural parts of the country

American Pecan Board Nominees and Rural Economy Still Uncertain

The Agribusiness Update
The USDA seeks nominees for the American Pecan Promotion Board needed to fill six seats, and while U.S. continues benefiting from solid economic growth, the rural economic outlook remains uncertain.

Climate Adaptation Plan Update and SAF Coalition Growing

The Agribusiness Update
The USDA joined 20 agencies in releasing an updated Climate Adaptation Plan to ensure federal operations are increasingly resilient to climate change impacts, and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition welcomed ten new organizations into its membership.

H5N1 Vaccine and Renewable Diesel Displaces Biodiesel

The Agribusiness Update
The U.S. and European Union are taking steps to acquire or manufacture H5N1 bird flu vaccines, and renewable diesel has displaced biodiesel in Renewable Fuel Standard volume mandates.

Food For Progress Priority Countries and USCA Praises Product of USA Rule

The Agribusiness Update
The USDA announced the Food for Progress Priority Countries for 2024, and the U.S. Cattlemen's Association calls USDA's final voluntary 'Product of USA' rule a victory.

Final Packers and Stockyards Act and AM for Every Vehicle Act Gains Support

The Agribusiness Update
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association responds to USDA's final Packers and Stockyards rule, and the AM for Every Vehicle Act hits the magic number of 218 voting co-sponsors it needs to ensure passage through the House of Representatives.

Wheat Food Council Social Media Campaign and Vilsack Seeks Dairy to Canada

The Agribusiness Update
Wheat Foods Council launches social media campaign to educate fitness professionals about the benefits of wheat foods in healthy diets, and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack seeks "creative" ways to sell more U.S. dairy products in Canada.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Pt 2

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is telling biofuel companies that this is a “make or break moment” and the time is now to make the case for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Pt 1

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is telling biofuel companies that this is a “make or break moment” and the time is now to make the case for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

U.S. Farm Expenditures and Survey Says Farm Bill Unlikely

The Agribusiness Update
USDA releases 2022 Total Farm Production Expenditures summary that are estimated at $452.7 billion, up 15.2%, and for the first time in Purdue University polling, more farmers than not say Congress is UNLIKELY to pass a farm bill this year.

U.S. Farm Expenditures and Survey Says Farm Bill Unlikely

The Agribusiness Update
USDA releases 2022 Total Farm Production Expenditures summary that are estimated at $452.7 billion, up 15.2%, and for the first time in Purdue University polling, more farmers than not say Congress is UNLIKELY to pass a farm bill this year.

Smithfield Closures and USDA Shortage of Technical Service Providers

The Agribusiness Update
Smithfield Foods employee says company plans to close 37 sow farms, and House and Senate members address USDA's shortage of Technical Service Providers.

Smithfield Closures and USDA Shortage of Technical Service Providers

The Agribusiness Update
Smithfield Foods employee says company plans to close 37 sow farms, and House and Senate members address USDA's shortage of Technical Service Providers.