AGP Executive Report

USDA Beef Push: Secretary Brooke Rollins unveiled the Ranchers First Initiative as the U.S. cattle herd hits a 75-year low, pairing new breeding insurance (BRAND/LRP) with disaster recovery help for CRP grassland and fresh funding to expand regional slaughter via SPUR guaranteed loans and processor continuity. Trade & Prices: Farm groups and lawmakers are warning that Trump’s plan to expand foreign beef imports (up to 300,000 metric tons) could undercut ranchers and strain inspection systems, even as consumers worry about food safety and affordability. Biofuel Waivers: Sources say the EPA is likely to approve expanded small-refinery biofuel waivers soon, a move that could affect farm demand for crops tied to renewable fuel credits. Food Safety Pressure: A new wave of August recalls and FDA-linked outbreaks is keeping consumers on edge, with imported products and Salmonella/E. coli/Listeria concerns in the mix. PFAS Pesticide Fight: The Center for Food Safety and partners sued over EPA approval of trifludimoxazin, a PFAS pesticide used on major crops. SNAP Change in South Dakota: The state submitted a waiver to exclude soft drinks from SNAP purchases statewide, targeting high-sugar beverage spending. Rural Labor Outreach (CA): California is funding expanded bilingual farmworker radio programming to connect workers with training and job opportunities. Tech-Grid Politics With Ag Stakes: Data-center backlash is intensifying, with power and water constraints raising broader costs that could ripple into rural infrastructure and energy prices.

Meat Processing Policy: President Trump says he’ll authorize legal documents letting farmers and ranchers process their own food, with USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins pointing to “big announcements” on Monday—an effort aimed at breaking up the meatpacking “monopoly” and boosting small processors’ ability to compete. Water & Irrigation Risk: A new federal Colorado River plan is raising uncertainty for cities and farmers as drought cuts loom; Nevada is suing over potential reductions that could threaten basic needs. Farm Labor: Washington fruit grower Borton & Sons plans 928 permanent H-2A worker layoffs after harvest, underscoring how quickly seasonal labor demand can shift. Drought/Disaster Aid: Kanawha County, West Virginia, voted to apply for an NRCS buyout program after repeated flooding, using a local match to potentially remove structures and restore flood-prone land. Food Safety: Walmart-linked mangoes sold in several states are recalled for possible Salmonella contamination. Fertilizer Supply: Louisiana’s $3.7B Blue Point One ammonia plant broke ground, targeting 2029 production that could strengthen domestic nitrogen supply for the Corn Belt.

US-Mexico Trade: The U.S. is using high-level talks to push back on Mexico’s plan to give EU-style legal protections to regional cheese names in Mexico, arguing terms like “parmesan” and “feta” are generic and could block U.S. producers. Colorado River Fight: Nevada sued the Trump administration over new Colorado River water-allocation rules that could cut Lower Basin deliveries by up to 70%, leaving farmers and cities facing major uncertainty. Beef Tariff Pause: Trump’s 90-day pause on foreign beef import tariffs is raising alarms among ranchers who fear cheaper imports could undercut U.S. cattle producers. Food Safety: FDA updates include a white rice recall tied to specific lot codes for foreign-material contamination risk, and earlier cyclospora research projects are reportedly being shelved or disrupted amid USDA funding moves. Local Ag Politics (Texas): Texas Agriculture Commissioner race heats up as candidates argue over issues like drought, farmland pressure, and regulation. Ag Supply Chain & Inputs: Tariff fallout continues to ripple through producers and consumers, with Illinois estimates putting tariff costs in the tens of billions since 2025. Water + Growth (Desert West): Cave Creek, Ariz., warns federal river plans may not be enough to sustain water-dependent communities. Rural Industry Spotlight: South Dakota’s Hutterite colonies highlight modern tech-driven poultry and livestock production. Food as Medicine: Tampa General Hospital is spotlighted for committing to healthier hospital meals.

U.S.-Canada Trade War Hits Farms: Ranchers and farm groups are warning that tariff moves and uncertainty are squeezing cattle and broader farm input costs, with Kansas ranchers pointing to a record-low domestic herd and high land values as key drivers of record beef prices. Beef Import Plan Sparks Backlash: Lawmakers and ranchers are pushing back on Trump’s temporary removal of tariffs for large volumes of imported beef, arguing it dodges the domestic herd problem and could worsen price volatility. Right-to-Repair Fight Continues: Farmers are being notified about options in the John Deere class-action settlement over repair tools and software access, but advocates say the dispute isn’t fully resolved. Water Crisis Anxiety Spreads to Agriculture: In the Colorado River basin, towns and farmers face growing uncertainty as federal plans could cut supplies sharply, forcing difficult crop investment decisions. Local Ag Stories With National Reach: Kansas dairy growth is increasingly tied to immigrant labor; meanwhile, a Salinas Valley lettuce demand drop shows how foodborne illness scares can hit growers fast. Policy/Community Signals: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker highlighted ag’s economic role amid fertilizer, fuel, and trade headwinds, while New Mexico’s Rep. Melanie Stansbury spotlighted conservation and community pride.

On-Farm Processing Push: Trump moved to let farmers and ranchers process their own meat, aiming to break the “meat monopoly” and reduce reliance on big packers—an idea that’s already drawing pushback from cattle groups worried it won’t fix record ground beef prices. Beef Import Price Plan: The administration also waived tariffs on 300,000 tons of beef, but economists say the supply boost is small versus total consumption, so cheaper burgers may be limited. U.S.-Canada Trade War Hits Ag Inputs: Canada’s planned 50% steel/aluminum tariffs and added duties on agricultural equipment are raising costs for U.S. farm machinery makers, with ripple effects for farmers and ranchers. Legal Questions on Tariffs: AP reports Trump’s Canada tariffs rely on a little-used 1930s statute, raising uncertainty about whether the move can survive court challenges. Water Stress for Farmers: A Colorado River plan to cut water amid drought is increasing planting uncertainty for cities and farmers. Energy Costs on Farms: A new look at Ohio farm economics flags electricity prices as a major squeeze as grid costs rise. Crop Update: Arkansas soybean harvest is underway with record acreage and a forecast yield around 57 bushels/acre. Wildlife & Public Lands: Isle Royale closed four campsites due to higher wolf activity, underscoring how shifting conditions affect land use and tourism.

Meat Policy Shake-Up: Trump authorized legal steps to let farmers and ranchers process their own meat, aiming to break up a “nasty monopoly” of big packers—cattle producers say it could add options but won’t fix broader price and market pressures. Food Safety & Recalls: Washington and 15 states are tied to a recall of alfalfa sprouts (Salmonella and Shiga-toxin E. coli) from Everything Sprouts/Calco, with dozens of illnesses reported. School Meals: USDA and HHS launched the next phase of “Harvest to Hallways,” pushing more local farm supply into school cafeterias plus kitchen upgrades. Trade & Tariffs: Manitoba announced $100M+ in tariff aid after U.S. 50% tariffs on $27.6B of Canadian exports; U.S. ranchers warn beef import moves could hurt domestic producers. Agronomy Research: Penn State found cover crops can change plant defenses and insect feeding—pea-based cover crops may boost predator preference for caterpillars. Local Impacts: Big Lake, Minnesota is weighing a 125-job industrial project on agricultural land; Skagit County ag producers can apply for SBA disaster loans after freeze/frost and drought. Weather Outlook: Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a mostly mild winter with wetter conditions in parts of the West and drier pockets elsewhere.

Meat Processing Push: Trump says he’s moving to let farmers and ranchers process and sell their own meat to break the “nasty monopoly” of the Big Four packers, while Rollins signals support for smaller processors and changes to rules affecting sales across state lines. Beef Tariff Backlash: The plan to temporarily lift tariffs on some imported lean beef trimmings (for ground beef) is still drawing fire from cattle producers and lawmakers, who warn it could stall herd recovery and depress prices. Food Safety Watch: The cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has now reached 20 states with 11,458 illnesses reported; a new lawsuit alleges illness after a Taco Bell chalupa. Drought & Water Stress: Drought monitors show worsening dry conditions in the Missouri Lakes region and northern Arkansas, with severe impacts possible; Wisconsin also remains heavily drought-affected despite some rain. Value-Added Ag Funding: USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Glen Smith highlighted a nearly $50,000 value-added grant supporting a Wisconsin hazelnut processor. Biofuels Update: A revised 45Z model could boost soybean oil’s credit value for renewable diesel and biodiesel, creating new farm monetization opportunities. Data Center Politics: X and OpenAI report a China-linked bot farm targeting U.S. debate over AI and data centers, adding another layer to the fight over local power and water demands. Grid Heat Risk: A report warns heat waves strain power supply as drought hits water-dependent generation and fuel logistics.

Food Safety: The FDA says a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has now hit 20 states and 11,458 illnesses, with Georgia, Tennessee and Texas added; investigators are focused on lettuce from a central Mexico Taylor Farms site. Beef Policy & Trade: Multiple reports show mounting backlash to Trump’s plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign ground beef to lower prices, with cattle producers warning it could stall herd recovery and disrupt local markets. Hurricane Recovery (Ag Impacts): On Hawaiʻi Island, officials report power restoration progress after Hurricane Lala, including Kaʻū Hospital and Pāhala customers, while Kaʻū coffee farms assess major storm damage. Drought/Heat Losses: California farmers face more than $800 million in losses this year from heat, drought and erratic spring weather, hitting pistachios and other major crops. Animal Health: The FDA issued an emergency approval for ivermectin (Bimectin) to fight New World screwworm in cattle as cases rise in Texas. Local Food Access: Iowa launched “Honor Harvest,” a food box program connecting rural veterans with fresh Iowa produce from Choose Iowa members, creating new market options for farmers.

Beef Price Shock: Trump’s plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef for 90 days has ranchers fuming, arguing it could crush domestic cattle prices without meaningfully lowering what shoppers pay. Biofuels Policy Fight: Farm and biofuel groups are urging Trump to reject a big expansion of small-refinery waivers, warning it would cut demand for U.S. crops and renewable fuels while RIN prices slide. Drought Relief: USDA declared drought disaster conditions for parts of Puerto Rico, unlocking emergency loans for farmers hit by extreme dry weather. Dairy Push for Protein: CoBank says U.S. milk protein is starting to outpace butterfat as incentives shift, aiming to better match global demand and support cheesemakers. Food Safety: USDA recalled nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products due to missing federal inspection marks. Right-to-Repair: A federal court preliminarily approved a $99 million John Deere right-to-repair settlement for hundreds of thousands of farmers. Local Farm Economy: Wisconsin dairy producers report drought stress but rely on carryover feed after last year’s strong harvest. Trade War Pressure: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs and U.S. threats on autos and other goods are raising alarms for agriculture and rural businesses, especially in border states.

Beef Prices & Herd Policy: Trump moved to lower grocery ground beef prices by expanding the lean-beef import quota by 300,000 metric tons in 2026, rolling it out in Sept. tranches—ranchers and farm groups warn it undercuts a U.S. herd already at historic lows. U.S.-Canada Trade War: Canada announced dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on $27.6B of U.S. imports starting Sept. 8, with agriculture equipment and dairy among targeted sectors; U.S. exporters and border-region businesses are bracing for job and price pressure. Farm Costs Into 2027: USDA-linked reporting says production costs are expected to keep rising into 2027 as seed, chemicals, repairs, and labor stay elevated, squeezing price-taker farmers. Fertilizer Supply Push: CF Industries and partners broke ground on Louisiana’s Blue Point One low-carbon ammonia plant, aiming to expand U.S. fertilizer feedstock capacity by 2029. Pest Control With Fewer Chemicals: University of Minnesota researchers are testing cover-crop approaches (including pennycress) to protect soybeans from aphids while reducing reliance on insecticides. Food Safety Watch: Hawaii health officials are investigating a sixth, locally acquired cyclosporiasis case on Oʻahu. Rural Land-Use & Ag Tourism: Virginia county supervisors debated limits on weddings and events at farm wineries and similar operations, focusing on traffic, noise, and safety impacts. Energy Prices Touch Farms: Distillate fuel oil inventories fell as diesel prices climbed, a reminder of how fuel costs can ripple into harvest and farm operations.

U.S.-Canada Trade War: Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods are met by Canada’s dollar-for-dollar retaliation on about $20B of U.S. imports, with steel, dairy, appliances and farm equipment in the crosshairs—raising fears of higher prices and broader fallout even as analysts think a deal is still possible. Beef Policy Shock: The administration’s push to ease beef processing rules and temporarily import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef for 90 days is drawing heavy pushback from farm groups and ranchers, who warn it’s a short-term fix that could undercut herd rebuilding. Food Distribution Scrutiny: Senators Tammy Baldwin and Cory Booker ask the FTC to investigate Sysco’s planned $29.1B acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot, arguing it could consolidate power and lift costs for independent restaurants and consumers. Animal Health Alert: Michigan confirmed chronic wasting disease in farmed white-tailed deer in Calhoun, Kent and Mackinac counties, expanding surveillance and trace follow-ups. USDA Program Administration: Missouri’s FSA offices face temporary staffing and county coverage changes, including a scheduled Ralls County closure on Oct. 1 with files moving to Pike County. Food Costs on Fixed Incomes: Reporting highlights how rising grocery prices are pushing older Americans toward cheaper processed foods and, in some cases, skipping medication. Biofuel vs. Farm Interests: Reuters reports the White House is seeking higher small-refinery waivers for biofuel blending—an outcome that could spark backlash from Midwest agricultural groups that rely on strong biofuel mandates. Drought Disaster: USDA declared drought disaster status for 26 Puerto Rico municipalities, unlocking emergency loans for farmers as dry conditions worsen.

US-Canada Trade War Hits Agriculture: Canada launched dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on about $20B of U.S. goods, with duties of 15%, 25% and 50% on roughly 700 products starting Sept. 8, including dairy, cheese, seafood and agricultural equipment—raising costs for U.S. buyers and adding pressure on farm-linked supply chains. Beef Import Plan Sparks Rancher Backlash: Trump announced a 90-day, tariff-free import allowance of up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef, aiming to cut record grocery prices by requiring sales 25% below market; ranchers say it’s a band-aid that won’t fix a shrinking U.S. cattle herd and could squeeze producers. Farmers Push Back on Tariff Fallout: Local cattle producers in multiple states warned that imports won’t solve long-term herd and drought-driven supply issues, while consumers and businesses in border states like Massachusetts are already seeing higher invoices tied to the tariff lists. Policy Fight Over Forest Access: The USDA/Forest Service proposed rescinding the Roadless Rule, a move conservation groups warn could open more national forest land to roads and logging—an issue that can ripple into rural land use and timber-related economies. Hunger Action Month: Feeding America’s campaign highlights rising food insecurity, with USDA data cited on millions of households facing hunger.

US-Canada Trade War: Canada announced “dollar-for-dollar” retaliatory tariffs on about $20B (up to 50%) of U.S. imports, effective Sept. 8, targeting steel, dairy, appliances, farm equipment and more, alongside a C$7.5B support package—after the U.S. imposed 50% duties on $20B of Canadian goods when talks collapsed. Dairy Pressure: U.S. dairy groups backed the tariff push, arguing Canada underfills USMCA dairy quotas and uses loopholes, while Canada frames the move as protecting workers and farmers. Farm Input Costs: Diesel prices remain a major squeeze for farmers and the broader supply chain, with analysts warning there’s little near-term relief as low inventories amplify shocks. Produce Safety & Demand: After the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, fresh-produce sales are starting to rebound, though growers worry consumers still feel uneasy. Potato Import Rules: USDA tightened P.E.I. potato import rules after potato wart was detected, drawing backlash from island growers who say the risk is being politicized. Sorghum Markets: The National Sorghum Producers asked regulators to scrutinize a new CME sorghum futures contract, warning the delivery map may not reflect key production areas. Local Land Use: Louisa County will hold a Sept. 1 hearing on the Southpaw Solar Farm proposal, with the developer saying the land will stay productive via grazing and restoration. Hurricane Recovery: USDA is offering technical and financial help to Hawaiʻi agricultural producers recovering from Hurricane Lala, including livestock and land restoration programs.

Beef Import Backlash: Trump’s plan to bring in up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef for 90 days—sold 25% below market—has ranchers and cattle groups warning it could undercut herd rebuilding after the U.S. herd hit a 75-year low, with criticism coming from Minnesota, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Florida, and beyond. Trade War Pressure on Agriculture: The U.S.-Canada tariff fight is escalating fast: Canada says it will retaliate with “dollar-for-dollar” tariffs starting Sept. 8, while U.S. Section 338 duties already hit a wide range of Canadian goods, raising alarms for cross-border farm supply chains and sectors like dairy and honey. Farm Costs Climb: Diesel prices are rising into harvest, with AAA data pointing to the highest mid-August levels in a decade and tighter distillate supplies—adding strain to already-thin margins. USDA Conservation Help: USDA extended the Emergency Conservation Program application deadline in Nebraska wildfire-impacted counties to Oct. 26, offering cost-share and technical assistance for restoration. Energy & Water Risks for Rural Areas: A Nebraska water district is planning for critically low supply in 2027, while Wisconsin counties are weighing a major new transmission line route through farmland.

US-Canada Trade War Hits Agriculture: Trump’s 50% tariffs on about $20B of Canadian goods kicked in Saturday after talks collapsed, with Canada promising “dollar-for-dollar” retaliation starting Sept. 8—raising fresh alarms for farm exports and rural supply chains. Beef Affordability vs. Herd Rebuild: Trump’s plan to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef at a discount is drawing GOP and cattlemen pushback, warning it could pressure domestic producers and slow herd recovery. Border Reopens for Mexican Cattle: The US is restarting live cattle imports from Mexico via Douglas, Arizona, under screwworm-related safeguards, as economists question whether it will meaningfully lower beef prices. Food Assistance Pressure: SNAP enrollment continues to fall fast as tightened work rules and eligibility changes reduce participation, with major drops reported in states like Arizona and Georgia. School Meals, Farm-to-Table: USDA and HHS announced “Harvest to Hallways” to connect more local farmers and ranchers to school nutrition, fund kitchen upgrades, and expand healthier meals. Food Safety Watch: Health officials are tracking a growing cluster of E. coli and Salmonella tied to alfalfa sprouts, underscoring ongoing summer outbreak risk.

U.S.-Canada Trade War Hits Agriculture: Trump’s 50% tariffs on about $20B of Canadian imports took effect Saturday, with Canada pledging “dollar for dollar” retaliation starting Sept. 8; leaders say the fight will raise costs and disrupt sectors including dairy, agricultural equipment, and other farm-linked goods. Beef Supply Pressure: Tyson Foods is closing three beef processing and packaging plants as the U.S. cattle inventory hits a 75-year low, raising concerns for ranchers, trucking, and grocery prices. Ranchers Push Back on Beef Imports: Kansas and Missouri lawmakers warned Trump’s plan to expand tariff-free ground beef imports could hurt domestic cattle producers. Cattle Border Reopens (Screwworm Watch): The USDA is partially reopening the Douglas, Arizona port for Mexican cattle from Sonora starting Aug. 24, even as a New World screwworm case was confirmed in Sonora. Grain Markets: Corn futures rose after Pro Farmer’s crop estimates pointed to a smaller U.S. corn crop and weaker field conditions, while soybeans were modestly lower. Targeted Grazing for Wildfire Fuels: Goats are being used in Washington to reduce brush and fine fuels where equipment struggles, offering a low-impact alternative to herbicides. Food Safety: FDA issued nine citations to a Chicago indoor garden after a July 24 inspection, including training, water records, pest exclusion, and sprout sanitation issues.