May 07, 2026

Farm Banks Remain a Key for U.S. Farmers and Rural Communities 

Farm banks remained a cornerstone of the rural economy in 2025, providing critical financing to farmers, ranchers, and small agricultural operations across the country. According to the American Bankers Association, banks held nearly $212 billion in farm loans, accounting for more than one-third of all agricultural credit nationwide. Of that total, 1,372 farm banks—many deeply rooted in rural communities—provided $122 billion in lending, with a strong focus on small and micro-farms. These institutions supported more than one million small farm loans, helping producers manage operating costs, invest in equipment, and sustain their businesses. “Farm banks play an outsized role in supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,” said Ed Elfmann, senior vice president of agricultural and rural banking policy for the ABA. Beyond lending, farm banks contribute to rural stability through job creation and long-term community ties and continue to serve as a vital lifeline for agricultural producers and the broader rural economy.

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ASA Urges Caution on Section 301 Investigation 

U.S. soybean farmers are warning that new trade actions could worsen already difficult economic conditions. That’s according to testimony from the American Soybean Association before federal trade officials. ASA Vice President Dave Walton told the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative that exports remain critical to the industry, with 68.7 million metric tons of soy products shipped during the 2024-2025 marketing year, valued at $29.6 billion. “Soybeans are the largest ag export in the U.S., and robust trade is a top priority for our industry,” Walton said. He cautioned that new tariffs or trade disruptions, particularly involving China, could reverse progress made since the 2018 trade dispute, when soybean export values to China dropped sharply. Farmers are already facing an estimated $117 per acre loss alongside high input costs. ASA is urging policymakers to pursue targeted trade remedies and protect key export markets to maintain stability for U.S. producers.

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EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Fungicide Strategy

The Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft Fungicide Strategy and is seeking public input as part of a 60-day comment period, aiming to balance environmental protection with the needs of U.S. agriculture. The proposal outlines a science-based framework to protect more than 1,000 endangered and threatened species while maintaining access to essential crop protection tools. Developed under federal pesticide and wildlife laws, the strategy focuses on identifying risks, applying mitigation measures, and determining where protections are needed. Officials say the approach is designed to give farmers flexibility while ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The agency emphasized that approved pesticides must meet strict safety requirements and pose no health risks when used properly. The draft also highlights the importance of fungicides in helping producers manage disease, prevent resistance, and maintain crop yields. The EPA is encouraging farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to provide feedback before finalizing the strategy, which could shape future pesticide regulations nationwide.

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Recent U.S. Ethanol Production Climbs 

U.S. ethanol production edged higher in the week ending May 1, according to data from the Energy Information Administration and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association. Output rose 0.8 percent to 1.02 million barrels per day, while ethanol stocks increased slightly to 26 million barrels, well above both last year’s levels and the five-year average. However, gasoline demand, a key indicator for ethanol use, slipped 3.2 percent to a four-week low. Ethanol exports also declined sharply, falling 18.2 percent for the week, signaling softer international demand. Despite that, production remains above historical averages. For U.S. corn growers and biofuel producers, the mixed data reflect both opportunity and uncertainty. Strong production and inventory levels support ongoing demand for corn, but weaker gasoline consumption and export declines could pressure prices if those trends continue.

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Groups say Nitrate Pollution Needs to be Addressed

A coalition of 83 organizations is urging federal regulators to take emergency action on nitrate contamination in drinking water, citing growing health concerns tied to agricultural runoff. The groups sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency, calling for stronger oversight and enforcement. The push follows new research showing high nitrate levels in waterways, particularly in Iowa, where contamination has been linked to rising cancer rates. Advocates say industrial agriculture, including fertilizer runoff and livestock operations, is a major contributor. A recent report found roughly one in five Americans may be exposed to nitrate-contaminated drinking water, raising broader national concerns. “This report showing the link between nitrate-contaminated tap water and cancer rates in Iowa should be a wake-up call for the whole country,” said Nancy Stoner, a senior attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center. 

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Organic Dairy Producers Sue Over MMOs

Organic dairy farmers are taking legal action against the federal government, arguing that current milk pricing rules unfairly disadvantage their operations. National Beef Wire said members of the Coalition for Organic Dairy Exemption have filed multiple lawsuits challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Milk Marketing Order system. The farmers are seeking an exemption from the program and compensation for payments they say have been improperly collected and redistributed to conventional dairy producers. Organic producers contend the system diverts revenue away from their operations despite strong growth in consumer demand. “The federal government has locked in an updated dairy pricing regulation that actively harms organic dairy farmers,” said Elvin Ranck, an organic dairy farmer involved in the case. “It systematically siphons revenue generated from organic dairy sales and redistributes it to non-organic dairy producers.” Supporters of the lawsuits argue that reforming the system could help organic farmers reinvest in production and better meet increasing market demand.

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