January 22, 2026

U.S. Lawmakers Push for Expanded Farm Aid as Farmers Struggle

Congressional leaders are pressing for expanded federal farm assistance to help producers coping with low commodity prices, rising input costs and ongoing financial stress. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman and Agriculture Appropriations Chair John Hoeven said this week that the next funding package should build on the USDA’s $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance to stabilize rural economies through 2026. The proposed expansion would broaden coverage to include prevent-plant acres, expand specialty crop aid and adjust loan limits, advocates said. Farm groups backed the proposal, noting that one-time payments help but don’t fully address long-term cash-flow challenges. Critics argue Congress’ current funding package lacks dedicated additional farm aid, leaving producers vulnerable to credit constraints. The American Farm Bureau Federation called the absence of more support “shocking” amid sustained economic pressures. Farm advocates said timely action is essential as planting season nears, with many producers still reeling from market disruptions and narrow profit margins.

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STB Rules Union Pacific – Norfolk Southern Merger Application is Incomplete

The Surface Transportation Board on Jan. 16 unanimously rejected a merger application from Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, ruling that the filing was incomplete because it lacked required information. The railroads submitted the formal application on Dec. 19, 2025. In its decision, the board said it was required to reject the filing “without prejudice,” allowing the companies to submit a revised application that addresses the deficiencies identified by regulators. The board emphasized that its action was based solely on the incompleteness of the initial filing and should not be viewed as an indication of how it might ultimately rule on a revised proposal. The decision does not represent a rejection of the potential merger itself. The STB said applications of this nature must include specific information, which was missing from the Dec. 19 submission. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern were instructed to inform the board by Feb. 17 whether they plan to refile. Any revised application must be submitted no later than June 22, 2026.

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Analysis Shows Need for E15 for Iowa’s Corn and Ethanol Industry

Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry faces continued decline without immediate approval of nationwide, year-round sales of E15 gasoline and access to ultra-low carbon fuel markets, according to a new study released by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. The study comes as farmers confront a corn carryout exceeding 2 billion bushels and rising input costs for fertilizer, seed and machinery. It estimates corn prices at $1.52 per bushel, a level that could force some producers to downsize or leave farming without expanded demand. Iowa remains the nation’s top corn producer and a leading ethanol state, with yields rising about 15% faster than the U.S. average, the study said. However, new markets are critical to sustaining growth. Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller said passage of year-round E15 would help stabilize demand but is not enough long term. He said access to ultra-low carbon ethanol markets, including sustainable aviation and marine fuels, depends on investments such as carbon capture and sequestration pipelines. “Without new corn demand, Iowa could face a 1980s-style farm crisis,” Mueller said.

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U.S. Export Sales Data Shows Mixed Results, Corn Faces Weakness

Recent U.S. export sales reports show a mixed picture for agricultural shipments, with corn export figures hitting a marketing–year low as soybean and sorghum sales fluctuate. USDA data released this month showed a slump in old-crop corn commitments, though new crop sales still exceed last year’s pace. Despite weak corn numbers, soybean exports have posted stronger weekly shipments, with China, Mexico and other destinations buying significant volumes, according to export reports. Industry analysts said the divergence highlights ongoing demand uncertainty across commodities, as global supply competition and price sensitivity affect U.S. farm goods. Corn producers hope improving demand from Asian buyers and competitive pricing can help reverse the slump, but export pace remains well below ideal for growers dependent on overseas markets.

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Corn and Soybeans Show Upside in Market Trading

U.S. corn and soybean futures climbed Wednesday as markets reacted to broader trade optimism and technical buying, with soybeans notably rising 11 cents. Traders said improved demand signals from export news, particularly China’s fulfillment of soybean purchases, helped lift sentiment. Corn futures also edged higher, supported by export sales reports showing stronger commitments to several destinations and seasonal crop inspection data. Market analysts cautioned that prices remain volatile, sensitive to global weather patterns, currency movements and trade policy shifts that could quickly alter outlooks. Despite the uptick, overall export sales volumes for the marketing year remain mixed, leaving producers watching closely for sustained buyer interest.

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Food Policy Tracker Highlights Growing Agriculture Policy Activity

A new Civil Eats Food Policy Tracker report this week underscored the flurry of federal actions shaping U.S. food and agriculture policy, including dairy, nutrition and farm support initiatives. The tracker catalogs policy shifts such as changes in school dairy standards, nutrition guidelines and evolving farm safety-net programs, offering stakeholders a comprehensive view of current trends. Experts say such transparency is key for producers and consumers navigating the complex intersection of health, agriculture and economics. A surge in legislative and executive activity reflects growing attention to food affordability, nutrition and agricultural sustainability amid broader economic pressures. The tracker also highlights state-level debates over farmland taxation and conservation, indicating that agriculture policy is increasingly a multi-layered issue across the U.S.

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