April 28, 2026

USDA Weighs Action on Fertilizer Prices

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working with the White House and other federal agencies on steps to address sharply higher fertilizer prices that have added pressure to farmers during spring planting season. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told lawmakers the USDA is in daily contact with the White House, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Homeland Security as officials consider short- and long-term responses. Rollins said an announcement could come soon. Fertilizer markets have been disrupted by conflict in the Middle East and shipping concerns tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global nutrient exports. Rising prices for nitrogen products and other inputs have increased production costs for corn, wheat and other crops. Farm groups have warned that prolonged price increases could further squeeze growers already dealing with lower commodity prices and tight margins. Analysts say fertilizer costs are among the most closely watched expenses heading into the 2026 growing season. 

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Farm Bill Talks Intensify in Congress

Congressional leaders are preparing for renewed debate over the next Farm Bill. Producer organizations are pressing lawmakers to strengthen the farm safety net as growers face weak crop prices, elevated borrowing costs and uncertainty over export demand. Reuters reports commodity groups have called for updates to reference prices, expanded crop insurance support and disaster assistance. The Farm Bill governs major programs including commodity payments, conservation incentives, rural development and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The legislation is typically renewed every five years, but lawmakers have relied on temporary extensions while negotiations continue. Agricultural economists say the next measure will be especially important because many producers are facing narrower profit margins after several years of volatile input costs and shifting markets. Congressional committees are expected to continue hearings and draft language in coming weeks as pressure builds for action before current provisions expire.

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Ag Groups Asking Congress to Address Prop 12 in Farm Bill

A coalition of farm groups and lawmakers is urging Congress to address California’s Proposition 12, saying the state animal-housing law has created costly disruptions for pork producers and consumers nationwide. The measure requires pork sold in California to meet specific livestock confinement standards, including for farms located outside the state. Supporters say the law improves animal welfare, while opponents argue it creates a patchwork of regulations that burdens interstate commerce. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the issue affects producers beyond California and called for federal action. Former Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack also warned that differing state rules could create uncertainty in agricultural markets. Lawmakers from pork-producing states including Iowa, Kansas and North Carolina said the law raises costs and threatens family farms. Several governors also criticized California’s ability to influence farming practices in other states. Veterinary groups cited in the debate said Proposition 12’s housing mandates are not clearly tied to improved animal welfare outcomes. Congress is considering whether to address the issue in the next Farm Bill.

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Lawmakers Push Summer E15 Fuel Sales

Lawmakers are advancing legislation that would allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 gasoline, a move backed by corn growers and ethanol producers who say it would expand fuel demand and lower prices. E15 contains 15% ethanol, compared with the standard E10 blend sold in most markets. Summer sales have faced restrictions in some areas because of federal air-quality rules, though temporary waivers have been granted in recent years. Supporters say permanent access would create a more predictable market for biofuels and increase corn demand at a time when farm income has softened. Retailers and renewable fuel groups also say consumers would benefit from another lower-cost fuel option. Some refining interests have sought regulatory adjustments as part of any compromise. Analysts say the debate reflects the continued political importance of ethanol policy in farm states and the broader Midwest fuel market.

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USDA Says Trade Remains Priority

The Department of Agriculture says expanding export markets remains a top priority as farm groups seek stronger overseas demand for grains, meat, dairy and specialty crops. Trade has become increasingly important for U.S. agriculture as domestic supplies remain ample and commodity prices stay under pressure. Industry groups have urged the administration to pursue new agreements, resolve trade barriers and defend access to existing markets. Exports account for a significant share of U.S. production for crops including soybeans, corn and wheat, as well as beef, pork and dairy products. Producers say improved market access can help lift prices and support rural economies. USDA officials have said they are working with trade partners and federal agencies on enforcement and promotion efforts. Economists note that currency shifts, competition from Brazil and Argentina, and geopolitical tensions remain key factors shaping export opportunities.

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205 Million Cropland Acres are Rented

A new U.S. Department of Agriculture survey shows rented farmland remains a major part of American agriculture, with absentee landowners holding a significant share of cropland and pasture nationwide. USDA’s Tenure, Ownership and Transition of Agricultural Land survey, known as TOTAL, found about 348 million acres of agricultural land are rented for uses including cropland and pasture. The figures exclude federally owned public grazing land. The Plains region, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas, accounts for about 43% of all rented farmland, or roughly 149 million acres, despite having a smaller share of the nation’s landlords. In the Midwest, nearly 800,000 absentee landowners own farmland but do not actively farm it. Those owners represent about 38% of U.S. landlords while controlling 21% of agricultural acres, according to the survey. Nationwide, about 2 million landlords own roughly 167 million acres of cropland and 98 million acres of pasture. Including crop-share arrangements, landlord-owned cropland rises to about 205 million acres.

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