August 18, 2025
Sources Confirm No Screwworm Infections in Oklahoma or Texas
The social media world was buzzing about possible New World screwworm infections in southern states like Oklahoma and Texas. Oklahoma State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall says there have been a handful of samples submitted to Oklahoma labs for testing whether the maggot samples are screwworms. Another sample came in from Iowa, too. In every case so far, Dr. Hall said the maggots are not New World screwworms. Oklahoma Farm Report also reached out to Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma State Cattlemen’s Association, and he further confirmed there are currently no screwworm infections in the U.S. Most samples sent in so far are from blowflies. Dr. Hall also said that Mexico hasn’t seen any new cases of NWS since the initial positive test. Dr. Hall said, “There have been no new cases of New World screwworm in that area, 370 miles south of Texas, for the last several weeks.
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Draft MAHA Report Shows No Pesticide Restrictions
A draft of the upcoming MAHA report seen by the New York Times will not propose direct restrictions on ultra-processed foods and pesticides that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., called “major threats.” If it is adopted, the report on the health of America’s children will be good news for the food and agriculture industries, which feared much more restrictive proposals than the ones currently outlined in the draft. Kennedy, the Health and Human Services Secretary, has sought to change the nation’s diet by pushing the industries to make major changes through his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. The New York Times said industry regulators will work with ag stakeholders to make sure the public is aware of and confident in existing pesticide review procedures. However, it also said the administration will back research on technologies to help farmers reduce pesticide use and on the health impacts on the public.
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FARM Program Wants Nominations for Advisory Council
The National Dairy Farmers Assuming Responsible Management (FARM) Program is looking for nominations for its FARM Farmer Advisor Council, uplifting farmer voices and helping shape the future of the FARM Program. FARM will accept nominations until September 15, with new members notified of their spots on the Council by October 15. “Farmer input is critical for serving the collective industry to the best of our ability,” said Meggan Hain, chief veterinary officer for the National Dairy FARM Program. “Through the FARM Advisory Council, farmers have the opportunity to represent their community and help shape the program, producing FARM Program standards that meet market needs and are practical for dairy farmers.” The FARM Farmer Advisory Council serves as a unified voice of the dairy producer community related to on-farm social responsibility areas. A FARM Program participant may nominate two dairy farmers. Visit the FARM Program website for eligibility criteria and more information.
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Oil Group Challenges Trump Plan to Cut Biofuel Import Credits
A top U.S. oil trade group is opposing a government proposal to cut incentives for biofuel imports. The group joined multiple organizations in pushing back against the administration’s resolve to keep the policy in the months ahead. The criticism will force the Trump administration to either side, with farmers looking to protect and prioritize domestic supplies or refiners chasing cheaper feedstock. Both are groups loyal to President Trump. A June Environmental Protection Agency proposal would set aside only half as many tradeable renewable fuel credits to imported biofuels and biofuel feedstocks as it will for domestic ones. The bio-based diesel industry relies on imports to meet federal mandates. The change in policy could be finalized by the end of 2025. The soybean industry argues that the Renewable Fuel Standard was meant to boost domestic production. However, the oil industry says the U.S. lacks enough feedstock to meet federal quotas without imports.
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Wheat Exports to Rebound in the Year Ahead
U.S. wheat exports for 2025-2026 are forecast to increase by 25 million bushels this month, the highest since 2020-2021, based on a strong pace of export sales and competitive pricing. Hard Red Winter Wheat exports are forecast to rise by 300 million bushels, with total commitments almost double from a year ago. That’s based on information from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Export Sales Database. With competitive pricing compared to other exporters, HRW sales have expanded to a wide variety of markets, most notably to Nigeria, Mexico, Venezuela, and Bangladesh. Export sales of Soft Red Winter Wheat (SRW) and Durum are running slightly ahead of last year, and total exports of those classes are forecast to increase during the marketing year. Conversely, sales of Hard Red Spring (HRS) and White currently lag behind last year’s pace and are forecast to be lower year to year. Total 2025-2026 wheat production is forecast at 1.927 billion bushels.
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Lamb Board Returns to Solar Farm Summit
The American Lamb Board cosponsored an exhibit with the American Sheep Industry Association and the American Solar Grazing Association during the 2025 Solar Farm Summit in Chicago. The Solar Farm Summit is a conference and expo focused on dual-use projects connecting solar power and agricultural production. ALB, along with ASI and ASGA, participated with over 70 exhibitors at this event, which aims to create dual-use land opportunities by combining solar power development with agricultural production – or agrivoltaics. “Exhibiting at the Solar Farm Summit is an excellent opportunity for the sheep industry to explore new grazing options that are profitable for producers,” said ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert. “In addition, it was great to see multiple organizations come together to represent the interests of sheep producers from across the country.” ALB also shared literature showcasing land stewardship provided by shepherds and their families who graze pastures to enhance landscapes and improve habitat.
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