June 25, 2026

Highlights of Senate Farm Bill Discussion Text

Calling it the “Agricultural Act of 2026,” Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman (BOZE-man) released his farm bill discussion text this week. Boozman said it’s “built for farmers, ranchers, and producers.” It improves existing commodity, dairy, standing disaster, and crop insurance programs, while expanding opportunities tailored to the unique needs of specialty crop producers. The legislation also streamlines and strengthens conservation programs and bolsters Buy American requirements across nutrition programs. There is support for rural communities, including improved access to USDA Rural Development programs and private capital. The bill is also “built for the future” as it modernizes farm loan programs, more than doubles the funding for the Market Access and Foreign Market Development programs, and defends the security of U.S. agricultural land from foreign ownership. It also enhances the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network to expand access to critical mental health care in rural communities. 

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Reaction to Senate Farm Bill Proposal

U.S. agricultural groups reacted to the release of Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman’s farm bill proposal. National Milk Producers Federation CEO Gregg Doud applauded the bill authorizing mandatory cost and yield surveys to ensure future changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders reflect the most current market conditions. “Dairy farmers look forward to working with Senators to get this legislation passed and into conference with the House,” Doud said. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said a few important priorities were left out, including more economic aid for farmers, protecting interstate commerce from a patchwork of state laws, and approving the sale of year-round E15 fuel. The National Farmers Union applauded the release but also said it could go further. “We need a true safety net that moves away from ad hoc assistance, keeps pace with rising production costs, and delivers real stability in the marketplace,” said NFU President Rob Larew. 

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NPPC Wants Prop 12 Fix Back in the Senate Farm Bill Discussion

America’s pork producers are renewing their push for a fix to California’s Proposition 12 as work continues on a new farm bill in the Senate. The National Pork Producers Council recently joined a coalition of agricultural groups urging Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to address what they call a growing patchwork of state livestock production laws. However, a discussion draft released by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman did not include language addressing Proposition 12. “America’s pork producers will continue to advocate for a Prop. 12 fix in the formal farm bill like our livelihood depends on it—because it does,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC President. The pork group argues California’s law creates uncertainty for producers nationwide and could encourage additional state-by-state regulations affecting livestock production. Despite disappointment over the omission, NPPC praised the draft’s inclusion of funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan and pledged to push for further improvements.

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RMI Below Growth Neutral for Fourth Consecutive Month

Economic conditions across rural America remained under pressure in May as weak commodity prices and high input costs continued to strain farm finances, according to the latest Rural Mainstreet Index from Creighton University. The overall index fell to 45.7, marking the fourth consecutive month below growth-neutral levels. Any reading below 50 signals economic contraction. “Weakness in farm commodity prices and elevated agriculture input costs are spilling over into the rural business community,” said Ernie Goss of Creighton. Nearly 48 percent of rural bankers reported farmers’ financial conditions worsened compared to a year ago. Farm equipment sales remained particularly weak, with that index falling to 18.2, the 33rd straight month below growth neutral. Bankers also cited concerns about higher fuel and production costs squeezing operating margins. Despite the challenges, first-quarter agricultural exports from the 10-state survey region increased 7.5 percent from a year earlier, while exports to China jumped nearly 77 percent.

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Fourth of July Cookout Cost Reflects Rising Inflation

A Fourth of July cookout will cost slightly more this year, according to the latest marketbasket survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation. A holiday cookout for 10 people will cost an average of $73.82, up nearly $3, or four percent, from last year. That’s about $7.38 per person and marks the highest nominal cost since the survey began in 2016. “Families are dealing with higher prices for many expenses, including groceries,” said economist Faith Parum. “As you look at the purchasing power of the dollar, however, it has remained relatively stable when it comes to food.” Higher ground beef prices were a major factor, rising 5.5 percent as cattle producers continue rebuilding herds following years of drought. Strawberry prices also climbed due to frost damage and higher labor costs. One bright spot for consumers was potato salad, down nearly 18 percent from last year, thanks to lower egg prices and strong potato supplies. 

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Beekeepers Have a New Tool to Care for their Colonies 

Beekeepers have a new resource to help protect honey bee colonies from one of their biggest threats. The Honey Bee Health Coalition has released the ninth edition of its Tools for Varroa (vah-ROW-ah) Management Guide. The updated publication provides the latest information on monitoring and controlling varroa mites, parasites that spread disease and are one of the leading causes of honey bee colony losses. “The Varroa Management Guide, updated ninth edition, will be your most valuable tool to include in the varroa management toolbox,” said Dewey Caron, principal author. “It is dedicated to helping improve overwintering success by providing information to flatten the varroa growth curve and reduce bee colony viral epidemics.” The guide was developed by a team of beekeepers, researchers, extension specialists, and regulators, and it reflects the latest science on varroa biology and treatment options. The coalition hopes the guide will help improve honey bee health, honey production, and pollination services.

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