May 04, 2026

More Reaction to House Farm Bill Passage

U.S. agriculture groups continued to react to the House of Representatives’ passing of its 2026 Farm Bill. “Instead of caving to attacks on the livestock industry from groups posing as farmers and ranchers, a bipartisan group advanced a bill that will provide needed certainty for producers,” said Ethan Lane, the vice president of government affairs for the NCBA. Zippy Duvall, President of the Farm Bureau, said the bill includes “important updates to research and conservation, increased loan limits, and clarity on interstate commerce.” NTCA, the Rural Broadband Association, said the House Farm Bill authorizes several critical USDA telecommunications programs, including the ReConnect Program, which has helped connect rural residents. The Land Trust Alliance applauded the House Farm Bill passage, which included many of the Alliance’s highest priorities, including the largest single federal source of funding for voluntary private conservation. “The legislation includes increased access to credit programs, funding for precision agriculture, and many of our other priorities,” said American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger.

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Disappointment with the House Farm Bill Passage

Some farm and advocacy groups are voicing strong disappointment following House passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, arguing the legislation fails to meet the needs of producers and rural communities. The bill passed 224-200, but critics say it lacks meaningful investment and reform. The National Young Farmers Coalition said the measure falls short for beginning producers facing rising costs and barriers to entry. “The House proposal is ultimately shortsighted, offering young and beginning farmers breadcrumbs when what is needed is a comprehensive commitment,” said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Young Farmers Government Relations Director. Meanwhile, Friends of the Earth criticized the bill as favoring large agribusiness interests while cutting conservation funding and weakening environmental protections. Both groups agree the legislation misses a key opportunity to support farmers through volatile markets, high input costs, and climate pressures, urging the Senate to take a more bipartisan approach that delivers stronger support for producers and long-term agricultural sustainability.

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World Rice Supplies Threatened by War, El Niño

Global rice supplies are expected to tighten this year as farmers across Asia reduce planting due to rising input costs and worsening weather conditions, raising concerns for food security and U.S. producers alike. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization said fertilizer shortages and higher fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict are forcing growers in key exporting countries like Thailand and Vietnam to scale back production. At the same time, developing El Niño conditions are expected to bring hotter, drier weather, further pressuring yields. “Farmers have already started planting rice in some countries and are using fewer inputs because prices have gone up,” said the Food and Agriculture Organization. Reuters said for U.S. farmers and ranchers, tighter global supplies could create new export opportunities and support stronger commodity prices, particularly for rice producers competing in international markets.

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U.S. Export Demand Mixed

U.S. export demand for key crops showed mixed signals in the latest weekly report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with shipments of corn, soybeans, and wheat all dropping more than 20 percent week-over-week, even as some sales improved. Corn sales were a bright spot, rising to 1.597 million metric tons, up 21 percent from the previous week, while wheat sales for the upcoming marketing year also jumped sharply. However, soybean sales fell 29 percent, reflecting softer global demand. Exports told a different story, with corn shipments down 18 percent, soybeans falling 21 percent, and wheat declining 22 percent week-over-week. Still, demand from key buyers like Mexico, China, and Indonesia remains steady. While the short-term dip in exports may pressure prices, stronger corn and wheat sales suggest underlying demand remains intact, an encouraging sign for U.S. farmers relying on global markets for long-term stability.

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Record-Challenging Daytime Temps in the Forecast

A late-season cold snap is expected to sweep across much of the eastern U.S., raising concerns for farmers and ranchers as crops enter a critical growth period. Forecasters at AccuWeather say the chill could impact up to 230 million people, with frost and freeze risks returning to parts of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Northeast. Temperatures in some southern areas may run 20 to 30 degrees below average, while pockets of frost could damage early-season crops, fruit trees, and vineyards. The unusually cool pattern may linger into mid-May. “Since the growing season is well underway, a hard frost this late in the game in early May would be a big setback for farmers and gardeners,” said forecaster Chad Merrill. For U.S. agriculture, the cold threatens yield potential and could increase costs, but it also underscores the importance of risk management tools and crop insurance in protecting farm income.

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Culver’s “Scoops of Thanks” Returning on May 7th 

Culver’s is once again turning dessert into support for agriculture with its annual “Scoops of Thanks Day,” set for May 7, 2026. The one-day fundraiser invites guests to receive a scoop of Fresh Frozen Custard in exchange for a $1 donation, with proceeds benefiting local agricultural education programs. Part of the company’s Thank You Farmers Project, the initiative has raised more than $8 million since 2013, including over $1 million for local FFA chapters. In 2025 alone, more than 171,000 scoops were served during the event. “Seeing Scoops of Thanks Day continue to grow over the years has been incredibly special,” said Alison Demmer, senior public relations manager at Culver’s. Supporters say the fundraiser directly benefits U.S. farmers and ranchers by investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders, helping ensure a strong workforce and continued innovation in food production.

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