February 23, 2026

Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs

The Supreme Court turned the U.S. trade landscape upside down with a decision on Friday striking down the centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s tariff program. Just over one year into the President’s second term, the 6-3 ruling in “Learning Resources, Inc. v Trump” comes after Supreme Court justices showed skepticism in questioning during oral arguments last November. Yahoo Finance said the ruling appears to halt a massive section of Trump’s tariffs that he announced last year on what he referred to as “Liberation Day. Trump said a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act gave the president the ability to declare an economic emergency and take action, but it doesn’t specific tariffs as a specific remedy to the emergency. “IEEPA doesn’t authorize the President to impose tariffs,” read the decision by Chief Justice John Roberts. The Court’s decision doesn’t appear to address the question of eligibility for tariff refunds, which is likely to lead to a complex legal process for companies. 

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Reaction to Supreme Court’s Tariff Decision

Farmers for Free Trade reacted to the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to strike down President Trump’s authority on global tariffs implemented through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Executive Director Brian Kuehl (Keel) said the decision is an important step toward restoring predictability and the rule of law in American trade policy. “Tariffs imposed under IEEPA have been devastating for American farmers, driving up costs for inputs like fertilizer, equipment, and parts while triggering retaliatory tariffs that cut off critical export markets,” Kuehl said. “Farmers have been caught in the crossfire, paying more for what they need while losing access to the customers they depend on.” He also said that Farmers for Free Trade remains deeply concerned that the administration will reimpose tariffs through other means. “The focus now should be on stable trade relationships and expanding market access for American agricultural products,” Kuehl added. 

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Farm Bill 2.0 Provides Additional Certainty

House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson recently released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, or the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” Groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill. “We appreciate the Chairman’s leadership and diligent work to provide legislative answers to the ongoing needs of cattle producers,” said Gene Copenhaver, president of the NCBA. “The bill provides important provisions to streamline voluntary conservation programs, protect grazing as a land management tool, address the critical shortage of rural veterinarians, and establish an important pilot program to safely explore better options for direct-to-consumer sales of locally-raised beef.” Among the improvements, Farm Bill 2.0 expands access to credit and increases outdated agricultural loan limits, amends veterinary grant programs to relieve ongoing rural veterinary shortages, and clarifies animal disease traceability eligibility. 

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Dairy Group Appreciates USDA Purchases

Dairy farmers thanked the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for taking significant steps to boost low milk prices and expand dairy consumption through significant Section 32 purchases. The agency is buying a balanced and effectively targeted mix of dairy products, including the first major butter purchases in five years. “Dairy farmers have shared in the struggles faced throughout the agricultural economy, and these purchases will provide important relief to producers who will benefit from the additional demand, helping them to provide nutritious dairy products to Americans and the world,” said National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud. USDA is buying $75 million worth of butter, $32.5 million in cheddar cheese, $20.5 million in fresh fluid milk, $10 million in Swiss cheese, and $10 million in ultra-high temperature (shelf-stable) milk. The $148 million in purchases is part of a $232 million purchase announcement for numerous agricultural commodities. 

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American Sheep Industry Convention Wraps in Reno, Nevada

The American Sheep Industry Association concluded its 2026 Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada. Producers and partners came together for four days of working sessions focused on production realities, market dynamics, and policy priorities shaping the U.S. sheep industry. “Convention is where our best ideas get pressure-tested and then sent back home to work,” said Ben Lehfeldt (LAY-felt), ASI President. A major focus of the week centered on the American lamb supply chain, and what it will take to expand reliable domestic availability, while protecting and rebuilding demand across foodservice, retail, and consumers. Conversations tied to long-term industry planning emphasized the importance of collaboration, aligning productivity, product consistency, and demand-building so the full supply chain can respond when market opportunities grow. “When demand grows, our job is to help the whole industry be ready for it, through smarter education, practical tools, and consistent marketing that keeps American lamb top of mind,” said ASI Lamb Council Chair Lynn Fahrmeier. 

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OK Governor Declares State of Emergency

A wildfire crisis in Western Oklahoma has intensified significantly, with over 155,000 acres consumed across three counties. In response to the rapid spread and extreme fire weather, Governor Kevin Stitt has declared a state of emergency for each county to accelerate the deployment of critical resources and state support. As local residents and officials survey the destruction, the full extent of the loss remains unclear for now, but the needs of the agricultural community are dire. With calving season underway in Oklahoma, the fires have created a secondary crisis: a significant number of orphaned calves requiring specialized care. Ranchers are facing a critical shortage of hay and livestock feed, fencing materials, and emergency funds for veterinary care. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has established a relief fund to help the producers affected by the severe wildfires. For information or to donate, go to okcattlemen.org. 

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