May 1, 2025

EPA Releases Better Strategy to Protect Endangered Species

The Environmental Protection Agency released its final Insecticide Strategy that identifies practical protections for federally endangered and threatened species from the use of insecticides. At the same time, it also provides flexibility for pesticide users and growers. The Strategy identifies mitigations aimed at protecting more than 900 species listed by the Fish and Wildlife Service that the EPA considers when it registers a new insecticide or reevaluates an existing one. “We have found common-sense ways to keep endangered species safe that won’t place unneeded burdens on the growers who rely on these tools for their livelihood, and which are necessary to ensure a safe and plentiful food supply,” said Administrator Lee Zeldin. “We are committed to ensuring the agriculture community has the tools they need to protect our country, especially the food supply, from pests and diseases.” EPA will continue to work with stakeholders to update this as additional information becomes available. 
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U.S. Ag Groups React to EPA Strategy

The EPA released an updated draft Insecticide Strategy, and U.S. agriculture groups and supporters reacted to the news. “EPA’s numerous pragmatic improvements to the draft Insecticide Strategy have created a final strategy that can be better implemented by applicators while also protecting threatened and endangered species,” says NASDA CEO Ted McKinney. The American Soybean Association appreciates the EPA for incorporating common-sense improvements into the Strategy. “These enhancements will help make Endangered Species Act implementation easier for U.S. farmers, but more work remains to be done, including reforming how the agency assesses risks to species,” says ASA President Caleb Ragland. National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. appreciates the agency’s efforts to engage stakeholders throughout the process. “By engaging farmers in the process, the new strategy strengthens environmental protections without compromising our nation’s safe and secure supply of food, feed, and fiber,” says National Cotton Council Chairman Patrick Johnson.
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Strengthening Local Meat Processing Capabilities

Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Tina Smith (D-MN) reintroduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, legislation that would provide support to America’s small meat and poultry processors to strengthen and upgrade their operations. The bill would give small meat processors more access to information that’s critical to food safety planning, allowing for more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and direct resources toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. “It’s important that we invest in expanding local processing capabilities to help them meet consumer demand,” said Thune. “This will provide them with more local marketing opportunities.” Smith also said the legislation is important to Minnesota, the largest turkey producer in the country. “We know that a strong meat and poultry processing industry is critical to maintaining a stable economy, especially for our farmers,” Smith said. “Right now, only a handful of large companies have come to dominate the industry.” 
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USDA Issuing $1.3 Billion to Specialty Crop Producers

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a second round of payments coming for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, providing $1.3 billion in additional program assistance. USDA’s Farm Service Agency has already delivered just under $900 million in first-round payments to eligible producers. “We’re putting farmers first,” Rollins said. “After a thorough review of USDA funding for certain programs to ensure they uphold our commitment to responsible distribution of American taxpayer dollars, USDA resumed MASC payments.” Rollins also said she’s happy to announce this second round of support for specialty crop producers and is thankful for the work they do to produce the safest and most abundant food supply for America’s families and the world. MASC helps producers with higher marketing costs, and it covers crops like fresh and dried fruits, vegetables like dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms, tree nuts, and several other specialty crops. 
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Rural Mainstreet Index Stays Below Growth Neutral

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth neutral for the 18th time in the past 19 months in March. When comparing 2025 farm income against 2024 farm income, only 3.7 percent of bankers expect an increase, while 63 percent predict an income drop. For the tenth time in the past 11 months, the Index said farmland prices sank. Farm equipment sales also dropped for the 19th straight month. When discussing tariffs, only 7.5 percent of bank CEOs recommend returning to January 2025 tariff levels. According to trade data from the International Trade Association, regional exports of agriculture goods and livestock for the first month of 2025, compared to the first month of last year, fell from $1.1 billion in 2024 to $964.3 million in 2025, for a decline of 14 percent. Mexico began 2025 as the top destination for ag exports, accounting for 45 percent of total regional agriculture and livestock exports. 
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Corn Groups Ask Ford to Stand with Rural America

Over 20 state corn organizations and the National Corn Growers Association are formally calling on Ford Motor Company to reinstate its production of Flex Fuel Vehicles and reengage in advancing renewable fuel technologies that support rural America. In a joint letter to Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, the coalition representing corn farmers expressed deep concern about the automaker’s move away from FFVs, particularly in its F-Series truck lineup. The letter highlights the critical role American-grown ethanol plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening energy independence, and supporting local economies. “Farm families have historically chosen many Ford F-150s not only for their towing and payload capabilities, but also because F-150s are a truck they could fill with ethanol,” the letter said, “a domestic and renewable fuel made from corn, grown and refined in the very communities where Ford trucks are the most popular.” The letter urges Ford to restart flex-fuel production.
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