June 24, 2026
Boozman Releases Farm Bill Text
A new Senate farm bill proposal could face an uphill battle after reports indicated it does not include a delay in planned changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, funding. Politico said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman previewed the bill Monday ahead of its public release. Democrats have warned they will oppose a farm bill that fails to postpone a provision requiring some states to help cover SNAP benefit costs. The disagreement could complicate efforts to advance a new farm bill, as Senate leaders will likely need bipartisan support to reach the 60 votes required for passage. Despite the concerns, a Republican spokesperson for the Senate Agriculture Committee said Boozman has developed a discussion draft that can earn the bipartisan backing needed to move through the Senate. “The chairman will continue discussions with senators and industry representatives while finalizing the bill text,” the spokesperson said.
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Iran Could Buy U.S. Ag Products with Frozen Funds
American farmers could gain a new export market if ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran lead to an agreement allowing unfrozen Iranian assets to be used for food purchases. Speaking in Switzerland, Vice President J.D. Vance said the Trump administration wants any released Iranian funds directed toward purchases of U.S. agricultural products, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. “If Iranian assets are ever unfrozen, they are going to make American farmers richer and help feed the Iranian people,” Vance said. President Donald Trump also voiced support for the proposal, saying Iran would buy food “exclusively through the U.S.” using funds released under a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. Iran reportedly has billions of dollars in frozen assets held abroad, including funds in Qatar. If an agreement is finalized, U.S. grain producers could see additional demand from a market that has largely been absent in recent years, providing another potential outlet for American crops.
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Applications Open for Ghana Trade Mission
The USDA is accepting applications for its Agribusiness Trade Mission to Ghana, scheduled for Sept. 22-25. The mission is designed to connect American agricultural exporters with buyers from Ghana and other West African countries. Applications are due July 1. “Expanding our export footprint here brings America’s bounty to new markets and brings new sales back to rural America,” said Luke J. Lindberg, USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. USDA says Ghana represents a growing market for U.S. farm products, with agricultural exports reaching $175 million in 2025. Poultry and prepared foods currently account for much of that trade, but officials see opportunities for growth in beef, dairy products, grains, soybeans, animal feed, seafood, and forestry products. During the mission, U.S. companies will participate in one-on-one meetings with qualified buyers from across West Africa. USDA says the effort is aimed at creating new export opportunities that support farm income, rural jobs, and long-term growth.
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Clean Fuels: EPA Building Domestic Markets for Farmers
According to Clean Fuels Alliance America, the Environmental Protection Agency’s finalized Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026 and 2027 will provide an important economic boost for American farmers by expanding domestic demand for biofuel feedstocks. The group says EPA’s analysis found U.S. farmers are fully capable of supplying the crops and oils needed to meet higher renewable fuel targets. Clean Fuels argues the increased volumes come at a critical time as farmers face rising input costs and export challenges, including billions of dollars in lost agricultural sales to China. “EPA is purposefully building a domestic market for U.S. farmers,” Clean Fuels said in its outlook, noting the agency expects biomass-based diesel production from soybean oil to nearly double by 2027. The organization says stronger demand for soybean oil, canola oil, and other feedstocks will create new marketing opportunities while reducing agriculture’s reliance on export markets. The expanded targets will strengthen farm income and support economic growth.
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Wheat Export Inspections Rise During the Week
Wheat export inspections improved last week, while corn and soybean assessments moved lower, according to the latest report from the USDA. USDA said 393,150 metric tons of wheat were inspected for overseas delivery, up from 358,098 tons the previous week and ahead of the same week a year ago. Corn inspections totaled 1.45 million metric tons, down from 1.65 million a week earlier and slightly below year-ago levels. Soybean inspections fell sharply to 241,045 metric tons from more than 533,000 tons the week before, though they remained above last year’s pace. Despite the weekly decline, corn exports continue to run well ahead of last year. Since the marketing year began Sept. 1, USDA has inspected 67.1 million metric tons of corn for export, up from 53.6 million tons a year ago. Soybean inspections for the marketing year remain behind last year’s pace at 36.8 million metric tons.
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Dairy Checkoff New Product Competition Announces Winner
A team of food science students from Utah State University has captured first place in Dairy Management Inc.’s New Product Competition with a high-protein personal pizza featuring a crust made primarily from dairy ingredients. The winning product, called Athena’s Slice, was recognized during the annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association in Milwaukee. Designed to support bone health, muscle health, and weight management, the pizza features a crust made with cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and nonfat dry milk. The finished product delivers 30 grams of protein per serving. Team members received Dairy Management Inc.’s Platinum Dairy Innovator Award and a $10,000 prize. “Protein has been one of the biggest trends for years, so that was important to us,” said the students. “Those concepts came together, and that’s really how Athena’s Slice was born.” Judges praised the product for showcasing dairy’s versatility while meeting growing consumer demand for protein-rich foods.
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