Farm Bureau: Farmer Losses Projected to Deepen

Several years of high inflation and low commodity prices, coupled with volatile production costs, are continuing to squeeze farmers financially. These forces are projected to hit farmers with $32 billion in losses for the major row crops in 2027 after a projected loss of $31 billion in 2026. Fruit, vegetable, nut and other specialty crop farmers faced billions of dollars in losses in 2025, with difficult market conditions continuing throughout 2026. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the losses felt across the farm economy in the latest Farm Bureau Intel.

The Farm Bureau Intel states, “Corn losses are projected to increase from $131 per acre in 2026 to $167 per acre in 2027. Soybean losses are projected to increase from $80 per acre...

PODCAST - Episode 42: Crops Under Fire, Ft. Murphy Campbell and Andrew Kanyemba

Simon Duke opens with a brief news round-up: USMCA non-renewal in favour of bilateral US trade deals with Canada and Mexico, EU Deforestation Regulation expansion to include coffee and palm oil derivatives, and Fourth of July grilling demand dynamics. The episode's focus, however, is on current grain and oilseed market dynamics.

Murphy Campbell (Grains and Oilseeds Reporter, Expana) covers the USDA's June Acreage Report — wheat planted acres at a 149-year low, corn surprising to the upside despite Iran-driven fertilizer cost spikes

President Trump Takes Action to Lower Fertilizer Costs and Support American Farmers

Today [June 29, 2026], President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties (CVDs) on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, providing immediate relief to American farmers while advancing the Administration’s broader strategy to strengthen America’s fertilizer supply chain.

The temporary suspension will increase phosphate fertilizer availability, improve competition, and help lower one of agriculture’s largest production expenses while supporting a stable and reliable fertilizer supply ahead of future planting seasons.

Current USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion annually through lower phosphate fertilizer...

Roger Marshall - Senator Marshall Releases Statement on Senate Farm Bill 2.0 Framework

Washington - Today [June 25, 2026], U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman introduced a working draft of the Agricultural Act of 2026.

"This farm bill is built for the people who feed, fuel, and clothe America, and modernizes the programs that farmers and ranchers rely on every day. This language continues the work we started last year in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and we are moving in the right direction to get the job done for America's...

President Trump Signs Executive Order Advancing Regenerative Agriculture

On the heels of President Donald J. Trump signing an Executive Order advancing regenerative agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins simultaneously announced a final Regenerative Feedstock Rule, a landmark action that will help farmers voluntarily capture new value from regenerative agricultural practices through biofuel markets.

The announcement builds upon President Trump’s historic record of support for American agriculture and domestic biofuels. From delivering nationwide year-round E15, establishing the highest Renewable Volume Obligations in American history, and extending the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending June 12, 2026

A US–Iran memorandum to pause the Gulf war could be signed as soon as Sunday, though wording is still being finalized.

Iran is pushing for the deal to also end fighting in Lebanon and includes demands like lifting sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and halting hostilities across all fronts, while nuclear issues would be postponed.

Trump said a “great settlement” was ready and called off new strikes, but details remain unclear. Reports also suggest tensions persist around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
 
Below is...

Crop-Threatening 'Super El Niño' Also Likely to Create Regional Winners, Say Expana Experts

This year’s (2026-2027) El Niño weather phenomenon can significantly affect global commodities, and food price inflation can be expected, especially if it is confirmed to be what is commonly known as a ‘Super El Niño’.

While most of the mainstream media's focus is on the devastating consequences of the Super El Niño phenomenon, it is worth noting that it will have a large but also highly varied economic impact across different regions. There are both winning and losing countries - and by extension, agricultural commodities

Secretary Rollins Announces FY27 Funding for Programs to Open Global Markets to American Farmers

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that USDA is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2027 trade promotion programs.

USDA’s trade promotion programs operate as powerful public-private partnerships. They allow USDA to work with farmers to lower trade barriers with foreign governments, creating space for American agribusinesses to secure overseas sales. Applications are being accepted through 5 p.m. EDT, August 14, 2026.

“At USDA, Farmers First means giving our hardworking farmers, ranchers, and producers the tools they need to feed the world...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending May 29, 2026

Three months into the Iran war, the United States and Iran have reached a tentative framework to extend a ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease some US blockade measures, though the deal has not been approved by US President Donald Trump, reports Reuters. 

The proposed agreement would create a 60-day window for broader negotiations after months of conflict disrupted global oil, LNG, and other commodity markets. Major unresolved issues include Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The framework is seen as a temporary de-escalation measure aimed at stabilizing energy markets rather than...

Secretary Rollins Signs Disaster Declaration for Pennsylvania Counties

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, along with U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, met with agricultural leaders today in Pennsylvania to announce U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance to help producers recover from recent freeze events. Secretary Rollins signed a disaster designation for 17 counties in Pennsylvania due to damage and losses caused by below-freezing temperatures that occurred April 19 through April 21, 2026.

“Fighting for our farmers means being there for them when Mother Nature hits, today we are showing that USDA stands...

USDA Requests Producer Input to Support Transparent Reporting of 2026 Crops, Inventories, and Values

Over the next several weeks, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the June Agricultural Survey by contacting over 90,000 producers across the nation to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2026.

“The June Agricultural Survey is one of the most significant and recognized surveys NASS conducts,” said Joseph L. Parsons, NASS administrator. “When producers take part, they help ensure that the nation’s agricultural reporting remains accurate, transparent, and free from speculation. Their responses directly support...

Sen. Schiff Outlines Farm Bill Priorities for California

Today [May 7, 2026], U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released an outline of his priorities for the 2026 Farm Bill following the recent passage of a Farm Bill by the U.S. House of Representatives.  

As the first U.S. Senator from California to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, Senator Schiff is advocating for a Farm Bill and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that reflects economic opportunity, health, sustainability, national security, and prosperity. He is also reiterating his opposition to a...

Day 59 of Iran War: Trump Floats Phone-Based Negotiations; Hormuz Traffic Stays Low

Iran has intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war with the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveling to Russia today.

Araghchi is expected to meet President Vladimir Putin, with talks set to focus on bilateral relations and broader regional developments, including the US-Israel war on Iran.

US President Donald Trump said Iran could begin negotiations by phone if it wants to end the two-month war. Key sticking points remain Iran’s nuclear program and access to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively...

Day 54 of Iran War: Ceasefire Extended as US Maintains Naval Blockade

US President Donald Trump extended the Iran ceasefire to allow more time for Tehran to submit a proposal and for negotiations to continue, while keeping a US naval blockade on Iranian ports in place. Iran called the blockade a violation of the truce and said it would not negotiate under pressure.

Tensions remain high across the region, with continued violence in the West Bank and southern Lebanon despite ceasefires.  Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained, heightening concerns over global oil supplies, as both sides blame...

Day 46 of Iran War: Trump Says Iran Deal Still Possible Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions 

US and Iranian negotiating teams may return to Islamabad later this week to resume talks aimed at ending the war, following failed weekend negotiations and the US blockade on Iranian ports. 

Iran’s military denounced the blockade as unlawful and warned it could threaten shipping throughout the Gulf. Even with rising tensions, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was still “holding."

Instability in the Strait of Hormuz is increasing pressure on the global energy markets, with roughly 20,000 ships reportedly stuck and major supply chains being disrupted...

Applegate Farms, LLC Commits $50,000 to Help Midwest Corn Farmers Reduce Nitrogen Fertilizer Use

Applegate Farms, LLC, maker of APPLEGATE^®, the nation's leading natural and organic meat brand, today announced a partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use on 3,000 acres of farmland in the Midwest. The $50,000 investment is a cornerstone of the company's Groundwork initiative, which works to help farmers transition to more environmentally sustainable practices and boost biodiversity on agricultural lands.

The program, formally called the N Rate Risk Protection program, is open to conventional corn farmers willing to reduce their use of nitrogen fertilizer by approximately 20 pounds per acre. All farmers will receive a per-acre stipend for participation...

Creation of the USDA National Proving Grounds Network to Strengthen US Farm and Ranch Profitability

USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins today announced the launch of the USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech (NPG-Ag), a nationwide initiative designed to rigorously evaluate agricultural technologies under real-world U.S. farming and ranching conditions.

“Agricultural research in the United States has long supported the development of practical solutions that improve farm and ranch productivity while strengthening rural economies; indeed, innovation has been our competitive edge and ensured food security since the nation’s founding 250 years ago,” said...

Day 38 of Iran War: Trump Deadline Looms as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate

Tensions are escalating as the 8 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, April 7, set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, approaches, with the looming possibility of US strikes on key infrastructure intensifying the standoff.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure if the strait is not reopened.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open...

Day 35 of Iran War: US, Israel Expand Strikes on Iran as Washington Ramps Up Pressure

The United States and Israel have expanded their attacks on Iran as Washington intensifies pressure on the Iranian government.

US President Donald Trump has stepped up his rhetoric, warning that the US military “hasn’t even started” targeting key infrastructure and threatening to intensify its bombing of Iran if it does not agree to Washington’s terms.

Pakistan said it would continue efforts to push Washington and Tehran towards ending the war, though it acknowledged “obstacles” to peace...

Day 33 of Iran War: US, Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran Amid Diplomatic Deadlock

US and Israeli airstrikes have continued across Iran, targeting industrial and civilian infrastructure, including steel plants and pharmaceutical factories, according to Iranian state media and officials.

US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to deliver a White House address this evening, said the war could be wrapped up within two to three weeks even without a formal agreement. He warned he might reconsider America’s commitments to NATO if European allies do not play a larger role in countering Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz...

Day 27 of Iran War: Trump Asserts Talks Underway as War Continues

The US-Israeli war on Iran shows no sign of abating, with attacks growing more intense even as US President Donald Trump asserts that peace talks are underway, a claim Tehran has denied.

Trump has asserted that Iranian leaders want a deal but fear internal backlash, and the White House has warned it is prepared to “unleash hell” if Iran refuses a resolution.

Markets continue to react. Oil prices are climbing once more amid fading hopes of de-escalation, while analysts warn the war could disrupt global...

Summer Waiver and Increased Urgency for Year-Round E15

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall called for EPA’s summer waiver to allow sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, or E15, to be made permanent amidst growing urgency and calls for the passage of legislation.

“Farm Bureau thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA for granting a waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer, but the time is now for Congress to make the availability of E15 permanent.

“Biofuels play an important role in meeting America’s energy needs and are a win-win for farmers and drivers...

IUF and TESCO Signed a New Global Agreement to Strengthen Workers’ Rights in Food Supply Chains

The IUF with its affiliate USDAW, the union representing workers in the largest UK supermarkets chain TESCO, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TESCO.

It establishes a collaborative framework to promote and protect workers’ rights across TESCO’s global food supply chains, with a focus on gender equality. The MoU contributes to the implementation of human rights due diligence initiatives as it reflects a shared commitment to responsible business conduct, with TESCO committing to engage its suppliers on improving labour conditions and meaningful...

Farm Bureau Calls on House Agriculture Committee to Pass Farm Bill

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today commented on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

“Farmers appreciate the work Chairman G.T. Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee have done in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. It will provide much-needed certainty for farmers who are facing record high expenses and historically low crop prices.

“The bill updates important food and farm programs, enhances conservation efforts, bolsters assistance to specialty crops, and makes critical investments in agricultural research. We urge House Agriculture Committee members to...

USDA Announces Enrollment Period for Farmer Bridge Payments

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening the enrollment period for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program, providing $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop producers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The FBA enrollment period opens Feb. 23 and closes April 17, 2026.  

“Improving the farm economy is our top priority at USDA, and we have simplified and streamlined the application process for the bridge program to ensure producers get the financial assistance they need as quickly as possible as we’re kicking off the spring planting season. President Trump continues to put farmers first. If our farmers are not economically able to continue

Farmers Appreciate Focus on Supply Chain Issues

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s executive order to boost production of certain crop protection tools.

“AFBF appreciates the administration for affirming that food security is national security. Phosphate fertilizers and effective products reviewed and approved by the EPA enable farmers to protect the health of their crops while using fewer natural resources. A strong domestic supply chain reduces dependence on foreign imports and helps ensure continued access to tools that contribute to the success of farmers who grow the food and fiber America’s families rely on...

OKFB Members Discuss MAHA, Legislative Outlook at Annual Leadership Conference

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members made the trek to Oklahoma City for the organization’s annual leadership conference on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

More than 150 members had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and fellowship with other Farm Bureau members and state legislators during the one-day event as they honed their leadership skills and received updates on several top issues facing agriculture.

The conference kicked off with an update on the Make America Healthy Again initiative with Corteva’s Warren Mayberry and John Campbell of the Southern Crop Production...

USDA: Joint Op-ed in Newsweek "President Trump Is Strengthening Farmers’ Rights"

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Small Business Administrator (SBA) Kelly Loeffler, and U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin published a joint opinion piece in Newsweek highlighting how President Trump is strengthening farmers' rights, cutting regulations, and lowering costs.

“Earlier this week, the Trump administration set the record straight on the right to repair, paving the way for annual operating costs on the farm to drop by 10 percent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidance to manufacturers reaffirming the agency’s position that...

USDA Trade Mission Expands Opportunities for US Agricultural Exports to Indonesia

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Jakarta, Indonesia next week to expand market access, boost American agricultural exports, and take advantage of the new opportunities created by the U.S.-Indonesia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. 

Led by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg, the mission is scheduled for Feb. 2 through 6, 2026, and includes 41 agribusinesses, trade organizations and representatives from three state departments of agriculture.

“This mission is a chance for us to turn the opportunities of the landmark Indonesia trade deal into real sales for American farmers...

Agricultural Groups Sound Alarm about Farmers’ Future

Agriculture groups sound an alarm about the economic crisis in rural America in a letter sent today to Congress. 56 organizations representing a cross-section of agriculture signed the letter, sending a strong message to Congress.

The letter describes an existential threat looming over many farms, stating, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector. An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater, farm bankruptcies continue to climb, and many farmers may have difficulty securing financing to grow their next crop.”

Farm losses are the result of a multitude of challenges...

USDA Announces Commodity Payment Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

Eligible producers to receive pre-filled program applications and payments in February

Today [December 31, 2025], U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the next phase in the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), the eligible commodity per-acre payment rates. As announced earlier this month by President Trump and Secretary Rollins, $12 billion will be paid to American farmers in 2026. Of that amount, $11 billion consists of one-time FBA program payments. This is in response to four years of disastrous Biden administration policies that created record-high input and production costs...

Farmers, Producers, and Ag Leaders Praise President Trump’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today highlighted the outpouring of support from governors, commodity groups, farm bureaus, and agriculture industry leaders across the country following President Trump’s announcement of $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments. As producers battle historic market disruptions, rising input costs, and the lingering effects of foreign trade manipulation, agriculture leaders are praising the administration’s swift action to deliver relief and strengthen the farm safety net. Below is a compilation of what they are saying about this critical support for...

Farm Bureau: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for your friends and family will cost less than last year, marking the third straight year of price declines. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of Thanksgiving staples that make up a classic holiday feast for 10, which is $55.18 or about $5.52 per person.

This is a 5% decrease from 2024. Three years of declines don’t fully erase dramatic increases that led to a record-high cost of $64.05 in 2022.

The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey...

Renewable Fuel Proposal Would Benefit Drivers and Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on an EPA proposal to reallocate renewable fuel production that will be lost to small refinery exemptions.

“Renewable fuels are an important tool in meeting America’s domestic energy needs. EPA’s proposal takes a positive step toward strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard and reinforcing the role farmers play in growing crops for biofuels. By addressing small refinery exemptions through reallocation, the agency is pursuing policies that promote energy independence through American-grown fuels.

“Farm Bureau urges EPA to adopt a full...