May 27, 2026
Cattle on Feed Report Shows Unexpected Rise in Inventory
The USDA’s Cattle on Feed Report showed a surprising rise in feedlot inventories. It’s a remarkable shift in the recent market direction as it’s the first year-over-year inventory increase the industry has seen in 18 months. The USDA said cattle and calves on feed for slaughter markets in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million head on May 1. The total inventory sits two percent above May 1, 2025, topping the average pre-report analyst expectations. The primary driver behind the larger inventory was a significant increase in April placements, which totaled 1.7 million head, a six percent increase compared to the same period last year. Analysts had projected a lighter placement number. The surge in placements was driven largely by dry weather in the Plains states, which led to fed cattle marketings dropping by ten percent.
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Highway Reauthorization Bill Focuses on Rural Infrastructure
The Fertilizer Institute is voicing strong support for a bipartisan surface transportation proposal advancing in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The legislation is known as the BUILD America 250 Act. Industry leaders say the proposal would strengthen rural infrastructure, improve supply chain reliability, and support farmers nationwide. TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch said reliable transportation systems are critical to moving fertilizer and agricultural products efficiently across the country. “A safe, efficient, and modern transportation network is essential to keeping fertilizer and other agricultural inputs moving to farms and getting agricultural products to market,” Rosenbusch said. The organization particularly praised the bill’s focus on rural roads, bridges, and freight corridors that connect farms and agricultural facilities to major highways. TFI noted that all fertilizer is transported by truck at least once before reaching farms and said aging infrastructure contributes to delays, inefficiencies, and higher transportation costs throughout the agricultural supply chain.
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Green Fertilizer Market Value to Grow by 2035
A new report from Global Market Insights projects continued growth in the global green fertilizer market as demand rises for more sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. The report estimates the market was valued at $2.7 billion in 2025 and could grow to $4 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 4.1 percent. Researchers said green fertilizers are becoming an increasingly important part of regenerative agriculture by helping improve soil health, reduce chemical use, and support long-term productivity. Demand is being driven by stricter environmental regulations and growing consumer interest in sustainably produced food. The report found that renewable urea accounted for 27.5 percent of the market in 2025 and is expected to see strong growth over the next decade because of its nutrient efficiency and lower environmental impact. Agriculture remained the largest end-use segment, representing more than 68 percent of the market. North America held the largest regional share in 2025 at just over 30 percent.
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Democrats Concerned About Food and Nutrition Service Reorganization
Senator Amy Klobuchar and 25 Senate colleagues are raising concerns over a planned reorganization of the Food and Nutrition Service within the USDA, warning the move could weaken administration of key federal nutrition programs. The senators said the restructuring comes after significant staffing losses and major reductions to nutrition assistance programs over the past year. The FNS oversees 16 federal nutrition programs, including SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs, which millions of Americans rely on each year. “We write with strong concern regarding the reorganization of the Food and Nutrition Service at the USDA,” the senators wrote. “After dramatic cuts to nutrition assistance programs and the significant staff losses at FNS, this reorganization will further weaken the ability of the agency to administer federal nutrition assistance programs.” The senators also criticized recent administration actions affecting food assistance, including canceled food orders for food banks and schools, and cuts to SNAP funding.
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Dairy Stewardship Program Integrates Important Updates
The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Environmental Stewardship Program has announced updates to its Version 3 evaluation tool, incorporating the latest scientific advancements from the Ruminant Farm Systems, or RuFaS, model used to measure dairy sustainability practices. National Milk Producers Federation Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Ayache said the updates will help dairy farmers better understand how management decisions affect their environmental footprint while identifying stewardship opportunities that also support business goals. “FARM Environmental Stewardship continues to adapt as science and technology advance within the dairy sector,” Ayache said. The revised tool now integrates homegrown feed production into a farm’s total environmental footprint to better account for field-level practices. Updates also improve scientific modeling tied to youngstock manure management and manure storage systems, including improved sensitivity to temperature impacts. Industry leaders said the program continues to provide dairy producers with science-based sustainability tools that work across different farm sizes, production systems, and geographic regions.
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USGBC Hosts Conference in Tokyo to Promote U.S. Grains
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council hosted its U.S. Feed Grains and Sustainability Conference in Tokyo last week, bringing together roughly 100 Japanese buyers and end users to discuss sustainable U.S. grain production and trade opportunities. Representatives from the Council highlighted sustainability practices used by American farmers and showcased tools designed to help international customers import U.S. agricultural products. Former USGBC Chairwoman and New Mexico sorghum farmer Verity Ulibarri (VEHR-it-tee oo-lih-BAR-ee) joined USGBC Director of Global Sustainability Carlos Suárez (SWAH-rez) in presenting information on responsible land stewardship and sustainability verification programs. “The Council has developed tools, including the Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol and Sorghum Assurances Protocol, to enhance U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness in mature markets,” Suárez said. Council officials also met with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to discuss sustainable agricultural development. Following the conference, the Council’s team participated in two industry roundtable events that furthered discussions about the value of U.S. feed grains in the Japanese market, particularly regarding sustainability metrics and applications in aquaculture feed.
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