November 21, 2025

‘New Democrat Coalition’ Releases Rural Revitalization Agenda

The New Democrat Coalition, made up of about 115 House Democrats, on Thursday unveiled a sweeping Rural Revitalization Agenda aimed at boosting healthcare access, strengthening the farm economy and expanding broadband in underserved communities. The coalition said the plan is designed to spur long-term economic growth in rural areas. The effort is led by Reps. Kim Schrier of Washington, Jim Costa of California, April McClain Delaney of Maryland and Josh Riley of New York. The agenda focuses on stabilizing rural hospitals, improving access to medical services and addressing persistent hunger. It also calls for new investment in small and specialty crop producers, reforms to trade and Farm Bill programs, and measures to ensure farmers can compete in global markets. Another major pillar targets the digital divide by expanding reliable, affordable broadband and modernizing federal connectivity programs. Coalition leaders said they intend to work across the aisle on a bipartisan Farm Bill while pushing for greater parity and support in existing rural programs.

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Trump Administration Proposes Endangered Species Rule Changes

The Trump administration has proposed a sweeping set of changes to the Endangered Species Act, setting up a fight with conservation groups that say the revisions would sharply weaken protections for imperiled wildlife. The draft rules would allow economic considerations to factor into decisions about safeguarding habitat and species. The proposal would also eliminate automatic protections for newly listed threatened species, instead requiring case-by-case regulations, and reduce the role of future climate-related threats in listing decisions. Environmental groups warn the administration is trying to narrow what qualifies as “harm” under the law by excluding many forms of habitat modification.  Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the changes will protect species while “respect[ing] the livelihoods of Americans who depend on our land and resources.” Officials say the changes are aimed at improving efficiency and transparency. The proposal is expected to draw significant legal challenges and could reshape how the federal government manages wildlife recovery for years.

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Harvest Wrapping Up Across U.S.

USDA reports that the 2025 U.S. harvest is nearing completion, with 91 % of the country’s corn crop and 95 % of soybeans harvested as of Nov. 16 in the top 18 producing states. Corn harvesting lags the five-year average of 94 % and trails last year’s progress when 98 % was already completed. Soybean harvests are just one point behind the five-year pace of 96 % and three points behind 2024’s 98 % finish. Farmers in key states like Iowa report essentially wrapping up operations, with only about 3 % of corn and 1 % of soybeans left to harvest.  Weather disruptions earlier in the season, including rain and frost, help explain the slower pace in some regions. With harvest nearly done, focus is turning to winter wheat planting and preparation for the next crop year.

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HPAI Confirmed in North Carolina Turkey Operation

North Carolina agriculture officials said Wednesday that nearly 9,500 turkeys at a Wayne County breeder operation have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, marking the state’s first commercial poultry case since January. State Veterinarian Mike Martin told WNCN that detections of H5 bird flu have risen nationwide in recent months, driven by wild bird transmission and migratory patterns. He urged commercial growers and backyard flock owners to remain vigilant for symptoms as the virus continues to circulate widely in wildlife. Agriculture officials emphasized the discovery is not expected to affect Thanksgiving turkey supplies and does not pose a risk to public health. The virus is highly contagious among birds but considered low-risk to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected animals do not enter the food supply. Under federal HPAI protocols, the state will test additional flocks within a 10-kilometer control zone in coordination with industry and USDA partners.

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Wheat Farmers Encouraged by Latin America Trade Deals

U.S. wheat farmers are welcoming the Trump administration’s efforts to expand agricultural trade in Latin America, with officials saying four new trade frameworks expected to be signed within the next two weeks. Dalton Henry of U.S. Wheat Associates told RFD-TV News on Wednesday that the agreements could boost demand in key markets such as Ecuador, where trade barriers are easing and purchasing opportunities are growing. Frameworks with El Salvador and Guatemala are also under development, offering potential expanded access for U.S. wheat in countries that rely heavily on imports. Henry noted that Argentina remains a major competitor in the global wheat market but said a trade framework could foster cooperation and stability in regional supply chains. “U.S. wheat farmers are cautiously optimistic,” Henry said, adding that the agreements could strengthen export relationships across Latin America and promote long-term market growth. Finalization of the pacts could provide a critical boost for producers facing global competition and fluctuating prices.

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Sorghum Testing Well Despite Lack of Investment

Sorghum yields exceeded expectations across Missouri this year, but fewer seed companies participated in variety trials due to budget constraints, officials said. Mark Wieberg, senior research specialist and coordinator of the University of Missouri’s Variety Testing Program, told Farm Progress interest in grain sorghum, or milo, is growing among farmers. “It’s probably the crop we get the most questions about,” he said. The program, which is self-funded through company entry fees, faces financial uncertainty when participation drops. “If we don’t get enough entries, we don’t get enough money to cover costs,” Wieberg said. Sorghum does not attract the same investment as corn or soybean trials, making continued testing a challenge. This year, trials included 10 varieties at four Missouri locations. Columbia yielded nearly 170 bushels per acre, with all varieties producing more than 140 bushels per acre. Wieberg said the strong results highlight sorghum’s potential, even as funding pressures persist for the program.

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