Federal

Trump says US ‘not looking to renew USMCA trade agreement

From Farm Policy News Reuters’ David Shepardson reported that “President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the U.S. might not renew its free trade agreement ​with Canada and Mexico and criticized trade deficits with those countries, ‌although he said he was talking with their leaders about the matter.” “The three countries need to approve a renewal of their existing agreement ... Read More »

US winter wheat conditions worst since 2006

From Successful Farming According to the latest USDA data, the nation’s winter wheat crop is in its worst condition since 2006. In its Crop Progress report, released Monday, the department rated 46% of the crop poor or very poor, which is the highest combined percentage since June 2006. Read the rest of the article here. Editor’s note: Washington’s winter wheat crop ... Read More »

Buckley named chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service

On May 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of Colton L. Buckley as chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the nation’s primary private lands conservation agency. Buckley, who currently serves as associate chief of NRCS, brings extensive leadership experience in conservation and agriculture policy to the role. As associate chief, he has overseen the agency’s ... Read More »

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 ... Read More »

NAWG Statement on 2026-27 WASDE Report

On May 12, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its first outlook for the 2026–27 crop year in the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, projecting the smallest U.S. wheat crop in decades. According to the report, total wheat production is expected to decline more than 20% from the 2025–26 crop year, falling from nearly ... Read More »

House of Representatives Passes the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

On April 30, 2026, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567). In response, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Jamie Kress issued the following statement: “NAWG appreciates Chairman Thompson’s leadership in advancing this critical legislation. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 delivers meaningful improvements that will provide ... Read More »

USDA Issues Second Supplemental Disaster Payment to Farmers, Extends Program Application Deadline to August 12

On April 24, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is maximizing disaster assistance support for producers by issuing a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payment to eligible producers who have approved program applications for losses due to natural disasters in calendar years 2023 and 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has ... Read More »

Farm Bureau survey reveals real impact of fertilizer availability, price

By Faith Parum Economist Rising input costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East are adding strain to an already challenging farm economy. To better understand how global fertilizer market disruptions are affecting producers during spring planting, the American Farm Bureau Federation conducted a Fertilizer Availability Survey of farmers and ranchers across the country. More than 5,700 farmers responded ... Read More »