Agriculture Policy News
From federal agencies to state governments, actions taken by elected officials and policymakers have a direct impact on America’s farmers and ranchers. Stay up-to-date on all things related to policy, including cabinet leadership, the farm bill, farmer-support programs, market access, environmental regulations, labor availability and the health of the ag economy.
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Latest Agriculture Policy News
The January USDA reports have been historically a huge market mover and a great deal of the focus will be on final yields and production.
The December Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows the farm economy will likely stay strained into 2026. As crops face tight margins, biofuels policy — especially E15 and biomass-based diesel — could influence recovery.
Research and polling suggests the money will go toward operating costs, paying down debt, and not be eyed for machinery purchases.
Heading into 2026, markets hinge on EPA biofuel rules, global fertilizer supply and acreage shifts. StoneX warns tight inputs, policy delays and weather risk will shape crop prices and farm margins.
Rice at $132.89 and cotton at $117.35 will receive the highest per-acre rates, but some have called payments a bandage in the midst of current farm economic crisis.
2026 will have USDA’s trade team in Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam
As he finishes up his term as American Soybean Association president, the Kentucky farmer’s key takeaway from his time in the spotlight is the importance of farmers banding together to influence policy.
“You can’t just look at ‘ag’ or ‘farm policy’ any longer,” says Jim Wiesemeyer. “It’s interrelated.”
With trade developments and threatened tariffs causing uncertainty, it has many asking what is the current status for domestic sourcing of fertilizer and what additional tons could be produced stateside.
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.