Policy Updates
Farmers have to manage 2027 costs around a supply crunch driven by the Strait of Hormuz, European gas prices, and falling corn prices. The FIELDS awards committed $1.34 billion to eight domestic fertilizer projects on Oct. 22, and Josh Linville of StoneX says it is a real step in the right direction that still falls well short of what farmers need.
“So great to spend time at West Central FS and see all the incredible work being done to support farmers right here in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen.
Meridian Ag Advisor’s Wesley Davis puts data behind 10 puzzles in the 2026 farm economy. Three of them: land values that won’t fall, input costs that won’t ease and a downturn that looks like the 1980s until it doesn’t.
BNSF says the proposed UP-NS merger would leave captive shippers with fewer options and farm inputs with higher freight costs. Union Pacific says it would open new routes and take trucks off the road.
With fertilizer prices elevated, farmers are looking for relief wherever they can find it. The question is whether suspending the Jones Act is a key piece of the puzzle.
“While temporary flexibility can help reduce costs at the pump, America cannot waive its way to long-term energy affordability,” says Daren Coppock, ARA CEO and president.
On this episode of the Scoop Podcast, Ag Retailers Association (ARA) policy leaders Richard Gupton and Hunter Carpenter break down the issues shaping the fall agenda, just after ARA’s fall board meeting in St. Louis.
“We appreciate Chairman Boozman and committee members for recognizing the unique role of retailers and other agricultural businesses in the Senate’s Farm Bill, and we are committed to working with Congress and the Administration to get this bill signed into law,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock.
“ARA supports transparency in fertilizer markets, but Congress should first allow the USDA to complete the comprehensive market study outlined in Section 12302 before creating a permanent federal reporting program,” said Daren Coppock, ARA President and CEO.
Hunter Carpenter offers insight into the policy and regulatory issues dominating the conversation in Washington.
The question facing U.S. agriculture is whether current farm aid is a bridge through temporary hardship — or a pier toward more structural government support.
Researchers estimate a glyphosate ban could cost Illinois corn and soybean growers $300 million to $609 million a year.
New state restrictions and a proposed AFIDA overhaul could reshape land deals, reporting, and due diligence for farmers.
Luke Lindberg points to stronger export sales, reduced trade barriers and expanded opportunities in markets including Ghana, Australia and Vietnam.
SAWA contains several reforms long supported by ARA, including streamlining the H-2A application process, providing greater flexibility for year-round agricultural employment, improving worker portability, and modernizing wage requirements.
The goal is to increase domestic fertilizer supply and strengthen the supply chain.
In late June, the agency revised its technical guidelines for biofuel feedstocks related to the 45z tax credit.
“We appreciate the EPA completing its science-based reviews of new pesticides and advancing their registrations,” said Richard Gupton, ARA SVP of Public Policy & Counsel.
The new order aims to scale regenerative practices and speed up EPA pesticide approvals, but ag retailers worry the MAHA influence could bring unnecessary redundancy to chemical regulations.
Sen. Boozman’s Farm Bill 2.0 bolsters farm safety nets and updates conservation programs, but notably excludes Prop 12, E15 and pesticide labeling.
“Chairman Boozman’s release of the Senate Farm Bill text demonstrates a serious commitment to getting this critical legislation across the finish line,” said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.
In the ongoing restructuring, Deputy Secretary Vaden explains how the agency will retain institutional knowledge while relocating operations to rural America.
The central foundation for those against the merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is if the new entity would in fact enhance competition.
ARA’s Hunter Carpenter breaks down the House-passed Farm Bill—and the critical pesticide labeling and permit reforms that got left behind. From the breakthrough on year-round E15 sales to the high-stakes battle over rail mergers, find out how these decisions impact your bottom line and license to operate.
“This is a victory for rural America,” said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.
A first-ever focused vote on E15 has eyes on The Hill. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “There’s mounting pressure to get something done and take action.”
In this OpEd, Daren Coppock, president and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Associations says “preserving uniform federal labeling protects everyone who depends on the food system—and that means all of us.”
“When farmers struggle, independent ag retailers like our business feel it immediately,” Mike Twining shared.