U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA forecasts historic wheat lows and record soybean gains amid drought, trade tensions, and rising input costs for the 2026/27 season.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says a multi-agency Trump administration effort will target fertilizer costs and boost U.S. production, with a major announcement expected yet this week.
Following a major stakeholder meeting, USDA is boosting survey sample sizes and moving data-focused offices out of D.C. to rebuild farmer trust and improve the accuracy of its agricultural reports.
In a candid conversation with Farm Journal, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says USDA’s message to fertilizer companies is simple: “Be part of the solution, don’t be part of the problem.”
As the Iran war drives fertilizer prices up 40%, the Trump administration is warning against price gouging. A new survey shows only 60% of corn farmers have secured their nitrogen needs for 2026.
ARA took its priorities to Capitol Hill to push for a Farm Bill finish line and fixes that affect retailers’ day-to-day operations—especially transportation rules, trade uncertainty, and biofuels policy.
Why is a long-term farm bill even needed with the provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill? Industry leaders explain their views on the issue.
USDA’s chief economist says 2026 brings moderating costs, slightly higher crop prices and shifting acreage, but he warns biofuels policy and global competition remain key wild cards for farm income.
With the boxing legend declaring “processed food kills” and federal leaders pledging to redirect billions in nutrition dollars, the rollout delivered a forceful message in favor of fresh produce and whole proteins.
The January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows high input costs, weak prices, policy uncertainty and eroding trust in data have pushed many producers from planning for profitability to fighting for survival.
In addition to higher farm payments and better crop insurance, Paul Neiffer says the most overlooked impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill could be how farmers structure their operations.
As USDA and HHS rolled out a $700 million regenerative ag pilot, the real story unfolds behind closed doors. Missouri dairy farmers Jon and Brittany Hemme share what they heard and what it means for producers.
During his trip to Clive, Iowa, Trump reaffirms support for year-round E15, backing corn growers and ethanol, while announcing John Deere’s expansion of two new domestic production and distribution facilities.
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden outlined a list of priority topics for the agency in 2026.
What if you only had to give your info to USDA once? NRCS Chief Bettencourt says that’s the goal, one file for FSA, NRCS and other agencies within USDA, so staff can get back to the basics of better serving farmers.
With its upcoming legislative fly-in, ARA’s policy team has been working on its priorities for the year ahead.
Updated guidelines from USDA and HHS urge Americans to focus on protein, full-fat dairy, fruit and veggies and avoid processed foods.
Research and polling suggests the money will go toward operating costs, paying down debt, and not be eyed for machinery purchases.
“You can’t just look at ‘ag’ or ‘farm policy’ any longer,” says Jim Wiesemeyer. “It’s interrelated.”
Another set of estimates have been released to divvy up the $11 million earmarked for eligible row crop producers. Payments range from $21 per acre for barley to a high of $134 per acre for rice.
At a White House roundtable with farmers, a rice producer’s candid message stole the spotlight. Meet Meryl Kennedy, the rice producer who had a powerful message for President Trump last week.
In a recent one-on-one interview, Luke Lindberg highlights the three-point plan and the three-step process Ag Secretary Rollins and the team at USDA are deploying to create what they are calling “the new golden age for American agriculture.”
Record corn exports are tightening stocks and lifting prices, but long-term strength depends on expanding domestic demand. Could year-round E15 overcome legislative hurdles in Washington and change the market trajectory?
“We encourage the administration to explore practical credit and lending tools that help farmers access inputs today and pay over time, so retailers can continue serving as trusted advisors while operating on slim margins,” said Richard Gupton, ARA’s SVP of Public Policy and Counsel.
The bridge payment announcement coincides with the busiest time of year with higher volumes of land sales; 40% or greater of annual volumes occur in the fourth quarter for some ag real estate companies.
China’s pledge to buy 12 MMT of U.S. soybeans is facing questions over timing, storage capacity and price competitiveness, leaving markets uncertain whether the full promise can be met before year-end.
USDA says anticipated trade aid could be announced the first week of December, but ag economists are split on whether payments would provide relief or worsen lingering risks such as high input costs and market distortions.
USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce says USDA’s new phase of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program expands eligibility, requires in-person enrollment and targets losses from the 2023 and 2024 weather disasters.