May 25, 2026

NOTE: The NAFB News Service will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

China Halts Beef Imports from Brazil over Hormones

China has suspended beef imports from three Brazilian meatpacking plants after detecting synthetic veterinary hormones in cattle, according to a report by Globo Rural and confirmed by Reuters. The affected plants are operated by JBS, Prima Foods and Frialto. China prohibits the use of certain synthetic hormones in beef production, and the suspensions come as Brazil seeks expanded access to the Chinese market, its largest foreign customer for beef exports. Brazilian officials recently requested approval for exports from 33 additional meatpacking facilities. The companies involved did not immediately comment on the suspensions. Brazil’s beef industry association, Abiec, also has not publicly detailed how long the restrictions may remain in effect. Earlier last week, China approved the resumption of shipments from three other Brazilian beef plants that had previously faced restrictions. The latest move adds uncertainty to trade between the two countries as China continues closely monitoring imported meat supplies.

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Low Mississippi River Water Levels Raise Shipping Costs for Farmers

Low water levels on the Mississippi River are increasing transportation costs for American farmers as drought conditions continue to disrupt barge traffic along one of the nation’s most important agricultural shipping routes. According to the Associated Press, barge operators have been forced to reduce cargo loads to prevent vessels from running aground in shallow sections of the river. Freight rates from St. Louis rose roughly 77% above the three-year average during recent low-water periods, increasing costs for moving corn, soybeans and wheat to Gulf Coast export terminals.  Nearly half of all U.S. grain exports travel through the Mississippi River system. Federal drought officials said reduced river traffic can also slow fertilizer shipments and create supply chain problems for agricultural producers heading into future planting seasons.

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California Peach Growers Remove Trees After Plant Closure

California peach growers are removing hundreds of thousands of trees after the closure of Del Monte canning facilities left farmers without a major buyer for cling peaches, according to Fortune magazine. The report said one Del Monte plant had processed roughly 30% of California’s cling peach crop. Growers now expect approximately 420,000 peach trees to be destroyed as producers reduce acreage and attempt to limit future losses. Industry leaders said the closures reflect broader challenges facing specialty crop growers, including labor shortages, rising production costs and reduced consumer demand for canned fruit products. Some farmers said they may shift acreage to almonds or other crops with stronger market opportunities. Agricultural economists warned that the reductions could affect rural jobs and local processing businesses throughout California’s Central Valley. Growers are also seeking additional export opportunities and state assistance to help stabilize the industry.

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Farmers Watch Tariff Relief Discussions Closely

The USDA is continuing to evaluate possible tariff relief options for farmers impacted by trade disputes and rising production costs, according to USDA officials. Reports said the department has been analyzing potential assistance measures as farmers face weaker export demand and higher costs for machinery, fertilizer and fuel. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins previously said aid discussions were underway alongside negotiations involving Chinese agricultural purchases. Farm organizations said uncertainty surrounding tariffs has complicated long-term planning for producers already dealing with tight profit margins. Some groups are urging Congress and the administration to provide greater stability in trade policy before the next planting season. USDA officials said recent trade agreements could help reduce the agricultural trade deficit and open additional overseas markets for U.S. products. Economists noted that many farmers remain cautious until details of future tariff policies become clearer. 

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New Trade Deals Aim to Expand U.S. Agricultural Markets

The USDA says new international trade agreements are designed to create additional export opportunities for American agriculture as officials work to reduce the nation’s agricultural trade deficit. According to USDA information released this month, agreements with countries including Taiwan, Bangladesh, Ecuador and Guatemala are expected to improve market access for U.S. grains, meat, dairy and specialty crops. USDA officials said some agreements reduce tariffs and simplify import regulations for American products. The department also highlighted progress in negotiations involving China, Japan and the United Kingdom. Officials said expanded agricultural trade could help strengthen farm income and rural economies. Agricultural groups welcomed the new agreements but said global competition remains strong, particularly from South American exporters. Economists noted that reliable transportation systems and stable trade relationships will be important for maintaining export growth.

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Enrollment Underway for Cover Crop Incentive Program

Farmers for Soil Health has opened enrollment for its 2026 cover crop incentive program, offering higher payments and shorter contract terms aimed at encouraging broader participation among row-crop producers. The farmer-led initiative said enrollment will remain open through Aug. 31 for eligible growers in 20 participating states. Farmers raising corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum or cotton may apply regardless of previous cover crop use. Under the updated program, participants can receive $35 per acre annually on up to 2,000 acres. The payment rate is an increase from prior years and is intended to better reflect the costs associated with planting cover crops. The program also reduced its contract requirement from multiple years to a one-year agreement, allowing growers to re-enroll annually. Farmers will continue to have access to technical advisors for enrollment and conservation support. “These updates more accurately reflect on-farm costs,” said Ben West, executive director of Farmers for Soil Health.

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