National Ag News for July 08, 2025
Trump Willing to Let Migrant Laborers Stay on U.S. Farms
Once again, President Donald Trump emphasized his willingness to protect American farmers who rely on immigrant workers to operate their farms. At a rally in Iowa last week, the president said he would allow farmers who hire migrant workers to take charge and permit the migrants working in agriculture to remain in the country. News Nation says this plan wouldn’t create a path to citizenship that many immigration advocates wanted, but it would protect them from the possibility of being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during workplace raids. The president said that by implementing a plan for farmworkers to avoid being taken into custody, it will benefit a farming industry that contributed about $223 million to the nation’s gross domestic product in 2023. During the event in Iowa, Trump said he’s heard of migrants who worked for farms for more than 15 years getting thrown out pretty violently.
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NASDA Concludes Successful Trade Mission
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture concluded an inbound trade mission with a high-level Moroccan agricultural delegation in June. The visit further strengthened bilateral agricultural cooperation and deepened ties between the U.S. and Morocco, laying important groundwork for continued engagement. The mission also opened new avenues for collaboration and future trade opportunities. “The visit was an important step in further strengthening agricultural ties between Morocco and the U.S.,” said NASDA CEO Ted McKinney. “It’s clear there’s a strong appetite on both sides to build long-term trade relationships grounded in shared values and innovation.” Moroccan leaders expressed a strong interest in expanding agricultural partnerships with the U.S. Throughout the mission, delegates explored opportunities for trade collaboration in areas like soil management, biotechnology, food safety, drought resilience, and many other areas. The Moroccan delegation included senior officials from the country’s food safety authority and executives from leading Moroccan agricultural organizations.
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AFT Awards Almost Three Million Dollars Nationwide
American Farmland Trust awarded $2,820,250 in grants to 208 farmers and ranchers across the country through the 2025 Brighter Future Fund programs. Of the recipients, 113 are beginning farmers, underscoring AFT’s commitment to support the next generation of agricultural stewards and to ensure a more resilient and equitable food system. Now in its fifth year, the Brighter Future Fund continues to help fund producers working to strengthen on-farm resilience, enhance soil health, plan for long-term viability, and grow climate-smart local food systems. “These farmers and ranchers are leading the way in growing a more sustainable and secure agricultural future,” said Ashley Brucker, senior manager of grantmaking for the Brighter Future Fund. “Whether they’re just starting out or building on a generation of stewardship, they are implementing practices that protect land, improve soil, and serve their communities.” For a full list of 2025 awardees and to help support the program, go to farmland.org(Link is external).
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Ranchers Want Mexican Gray Wolf Delisted from ESA
The Public Lands Council and the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association announced support for the Enhancing Safety for Animals Act. The legislation would delist the Mexican gray wolf and separate the populations in the U.S. and Mexico, allowing for proper management of the species. “Now is the time to recognize the catastrophic impact that bad federal policy has on local communities,” said PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “For too long, ranchers in states near our southern border have shouldered the burden of managing this species with limited tools and little support from the federal government that’s imposed all manner of burdens.” The organizations point out that the Fish and Wildlife Service has been recovering the Mexican wolf for more than 25 years. ”Despite what it reports, the wolf is recovered numerically and genetically,” said New Mexico Cattle Growers Association President-Elect Tom Paterson. “It’s time to delist the Mexican gray wolf.”
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USDA to Forecast U.S. Grape Production
Starting at the end of this month, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will mail the Grape Inquiry-August 2025 survey to approximately 2,000 U.S. growers. The survey asks for grape acreage and projected production. NASS will forecast 2025 grape production based on the information collected. “The information from this survey directly impacts U.S. grape growers,” said NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons. “Growers can use the forecast data when making business plans and marketing decisions.” He also said the data can inform programs and projects provided by agencies, Cooperative Extension, state and local governments, and other industry groups in service to the nation’s growers. Growers can respond to the survey online at agcounts.usda.gov(Link is external), by mail, or by fax. The information provided is protected and confidential in accordance with federal law. The 2025 U.S. grape forecast is scheduled for August 12, 2025. All reports compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service are available at nass.usda.gov(Link is external).
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Michigan Beef Served on Fourth of July
The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association announced that Michigan beef was on display at the White House during the Fourth of July Celebration in Washington, D.C. Michigan cattle producer and former Michigan Cattlemen’s Association board member Don Nevill raised some of the high-quality beef that was served to White House guests. The guest list included major dignitaries, servicemembers, Cabinet officials, and senior White House staff. “I am incredibly honored to have beef from my farm in Michigan served at the White House for the Fourth of July,” said Nevill. “I’ve been in the cattle business my whole life, and I’m just blown away by the opportunity.” Nevill began his career by starting a herd at the age of 14. The Michigan farmer traveled to Washington, D.C., from his family farm to participate in the event, where he had the opportunity to visit with President Trump, walk the White House grounds, and view fireworks.
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