August 14, 2025
Crop Insurance Deadline Drawing Closer
The USDA reminds agricultural producers that the final date to apply for or make changes to their existing crop insurance coverage is quickly approaching for fall-planted crops. Sales closing dates vary by crop and location, but the next major sales closing dates are September 1 and September 30. Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2026 crop year. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the applicable sales closing date. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency lists sales closing dates in the Actuarial Information Browser, under the “Dates” tab. Producers can also access the RMA Information Reporting System tool to specifically identify applicable dates for their operation, using the “Insurance Offer Reports” application. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the U.S. rural economy.
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U.S. Combine Sales Continue to Decline while Canadian Sales Rise
Recent data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers showed Canadian sales of combines grew 11.4 percent in July 2025 compared to July of last year. Canadian sales of two-wheel-drive tractors also increased slightly, growing three percent in July 2025 compared to July 2024. U.S. sales of combines fell 43 percent, while total agricultural tractor sales fell by 4.9 percent in July 2025 compared to last year. “While we are encouraged by the modest growth in Canadian combine and tractor sales, the significant declines in the U.S. reflect ongoing caution in the marketplace,” said AEM Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “We believe North American farmers are carefully evaluating their capital assets and taking a measured approach to equipment purchases, balancing operational needs with broader economic uncertainty.” The biggest drop in the U.S. was in self-propelled combine sales, dropping almost 44 percent from July 2024 (638 sold) to 2025 (359).
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Corn Growers Want Action After USDA Report
The National Corn Growers Association is intensifying its call for action from Congress and the administration after the USDA’s WASDE report projected a 16.7-billion-bushel corn crop this year. That further threatens the livelihood of farmers already facing record-low corn prices. “Corn growers are already marketing their corn for extremely low corn prices, and this massive projected corn supply without market-based solutions to increasing corn demand is already causing corn prices to drop further,” said NCGA President Kenneth Hartman, Jr. “Because we need markets fast for this supply, we are redoubling our call for Congress to pass legislation that allows year-round consumer access to E15.” NCGA also points out that this solution comes at no cost to consumers, requires no additional infrastructure developments, and would generate demand for 457 million additional bushels of corn. NCGA is also pushing the administration to quickly broker additional trade agreements and finalize details on others.
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Farmers Applaud Common-Sense Fix for Diesel Engines
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented on the EPA’s announcement that it will revise Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) guidelines for manufacturers of heavy trucks and off-road equipment. Manufacturers will be directed to update the software in equipment that uses DEF to prevent them from losing power. “Farm Bureau thanks the EPA and Administrator Zeldin for their common-sense approach to heavy trucks and off-road equipment that uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid,” Duvall said. “When a vehicle runs out of DEF or there is an error in the software, it loses power, causing delays that could be the difference between getting a crop harvested or animals to their destination.” He also said the agency’s decision to grant a grace period to make repairs or refill DEF is the right thing to do, which keeps farmers in the field and commerce moving. Since 2010, diesel trucks and tractors have used DEF to reduce emissions of nitrous oxides.
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Beef Production Drops More Than Expected
The USDA said beef output will fall more than previously expected in 2025 and 2026 amid reduced slaughter and lower dressed weights. Production this year is now forecast at 25.926 billion pounds. If realized, that would be down almost four percent year over year. The USDA last month estimated beef output to be 26.18 billion pounds. For 2026, production is now forecast at 25.47 billion pounds, down 1.8 percent on an annual basis and down from the July outlook of 25.815 billion pounds. Pork output is expected to fall this year after previous expectations for an increase. Production in 2025 is now predicted to be 27.747 billion pounds, a decrease from the previous year’s output of 27.789 billion pounds. In 2026, pork output is projected at 28.38 billion pounds, a one percent year-over-year increase but down from the previous month’s forecast. Prices for steers, barrows, and gilts are all expected to rise.
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Applications Open for WD Farr Scholarship Program
Graduate students pursuing careers in meat science and animal science are encouraged to apply for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. Established in 2007 by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, the scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate students committed to advancing the beef industry. Eligible students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of the applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, a statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by September 19, 2025. The 2025 scholarship winners will be recognized at CattleCon 2026, February 3-5, in Nashville, Tennessee. The scholarship honors the successful career of the late W.D. Farr, a third-generation Colorado native, pioneer rancher, statesman, and banker who was known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock, and water development resulted in significant and positive changes to farming methods.
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