Needs in Olympia for Agriculture

Fruit Grower Report
With an election around the corner and the potential for new voices in Olympia next year, the ag industry is pleading for help.

Rail Merger Draws Farm Opposition

California Ag Today
National Farmers Union pushes back on proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination.

Rail Merger Raises Questions for Agriculture

Southeast Regional Ag News
Farm group cites consolidation concerns while Union Pacific points to reliability and market access.

FFA Next Gen Conference and Trump & Xi Reach Agreement

The Agribusiness Update
The National FFA recently hosted its third Next Gen Conference of the year, bringing 72 FFA members from 23 states to Kansas City for a closer look at careers in animal agriculture, and President Trump and China's President Xi Jinping agree to a two-month extension of their tariff truce and announced next steps for their Board of Trade.

Apple Exports to Our Neighbors

Fruit Grower Report
About 30% of Washington's apple crop gets exported every year to other markets around the world, including our neighbors to the north and south.

Need for More Guestworkers

Fruit Grower Report
It’s no secret that finding adequate, affordable ag labor is a huge challenge for farmers, especially in recent years.

Trump EOs Back Ranchers, COOL Needs Congress; 300K MT Beef Imports Will Come Revealed

Line on Agriculture
Executive orders aim to support ranchers but stop short of reinstating mandatory COOL. The National Farmers Union is urging Congress to act, noting a Senate Farm Bill amendment would restore COOL.

In a follow-up, the administration authorized 300,000 metric tons of lower-tariff beef imports over 90 days to ease prices. Now we know where the beef will come from.

Winegrape Sales Still Down and 2026 Cover Crop Report

The Agribusiness Update
With harvest underway, California farmers are again struggling to find buyers for their winegrapes, and the 2026 National Cover Crop Report indicates growing interest in cover crops.

Online Greenhouse Training and 2026 Cover Crop Report

The Agribusiness Update
Nutrient Management Level 2 is part of the award-winning Greenhouse Online Training program offered by the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and the 2026 National Cover Crop Report indicates growing interest in cover crops.

Trump Strengthens U.S. Cattle Industry and DOJ Investigates Record Beef Prices

The Agribusiness Update
President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle industry, and the Department of Justice is expanding its investigation into record-high beef prices.

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.

8-31 Riata & Sterling Meldrum

Idaho Ag Today
Young Farmers and Ranchers District Chairs Riata & Sterling Meldrum tell us about what being a YF&R member means to them.

More Tyson Closures and Produce Imports Impacting Domestic Production

The Agribusiness Update
Tyson Foods will close two beef facilities and seek a buyer for a third, and U.S. fruit production has declined 32% and vegetable have fallen 10%, while fresh fruit and vegetable IMPORTS have each increased about 70%.

Need for Guestworkers

Fruit Grower Report
It’s no secret that finding adequate, affordable ag labor is a huge challenge for farmers, especially in recent years.

Boozman's Final Offer

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Senate Ag Committee Republicans’ remaining hope to advance a farm bill is the expected return of Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell from a lengthy medical absence.

Feral Swine Eradication and Klobuchar on Farm Bill

The Agribusiness Update
The USDA has $35 million for partnerships to respond to the threat of feral swine to American agriculture, and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says she’s committed to working with Senate Ag Chair John Boozman to advance a new Farm Bill.

Ag Labor Needs

Fruit Grower Report
H-2A reform is just one of many labor challenges farmers are facing today that need to be fixed.

California PFAS Pesticide Bill Won't Move Forward This Year

California Ag Today
Senate misses deadline to advance AB 1603.

Farm Bureau Warns Base Acre Proposal Could Cost California Farmers

California Ag Today
Policy group says mandatory update could reduce commodity program support.

Senate Farm Bill Effort Stalls After Thursday Committee Vote

Southeast Regional Ag News
House and Senate leaders offer differing perspectives as producers await a new five-year farm bill.