July 09, 2026 

Study: U.S. Producers Pay More for Inputs Than Brazil Producers 

The National Corn Growers Association says a new study confirms what many farmers have suspected for years: U.S. producers are paying far more for crop inputs than their biggest global competitor, Brazil. The report found American corn farmers paid an average of 68 percent more for seed from 2023 through 2025. Herbicide prices were often nearly double those paid by Brazilian farmers, while insecticide costs averaged 87 percent higher. Some fungicides also cost more than twice as much in the U.S. “I think there has long been a belief among U.S. farmers that we pay more for the same products compared to our international counterparts,” said NCGA First Vice President Matt Frostic. “This work confirms our fears. We are paying substantially more for our inputs.” NCGA says the higher costs hurt U.S. competitiveness as corn farmers face a fourth-straight year of projected financial losses. The group is calling for pricing transparency and policy reforms.

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Farmer Sentiment Drops in June 

Farmer sentiment weakened again in June as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell six points to 113, marking the second straight monthly decline. The Index of Current Conditions dropped to its lowest level since December 2024, while the Future Expectations Index also moved lower as producers remained cautious about the year ahead. High input costs continue to dominate producers’ concerns. Forty-seven percent of farmers surveyed identified rising input expenses as their biggest challenge, while 42 percent said those costs are preventing improvements in their farm’s financial position. Low crop and livestock prices ranked a distant second. Only 12 percent of farmers said their operations are in better financial shape than a year ago, while 22 percent expect conditions to improve over the next 12 months. The Farm Capital Investment Index also slipped to its lowest level since September 2024, reflecting continued caution about major purchases as producers deal with tight margins and ongoing economic uncertainty.

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U.S. Ethanol Exports Bounced Back in May

U.S. ethanol exports rebounded in May, climbing 11 percent from April to 189.7 million gallons as demand strengthened across several key international markets. Canada remained the top customer, with imports rising 18 percent to a six-month high of 76.3 million gallons. Shipments to the European Union also increased 15 percent, meaning the two markets accounted for more than 60 percent of all U.S. ethanol exports during the month. Exports also surged to Nigeria, Colombia, and Vietnam, while shipments to South Korea and the United Kingdom declined. Exports to Brazil and India remained virtually nonexistent. For the year, U.S. ethanol exports have topped one billion gallons, running 11 percent ahead of the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, exports of dried distillers grains, a valuable livestock feed co-product from ethanol production, rose six percent in May to 1.08 million metric tons, adding another boost to demand for the nation’s ethanol industry.

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FARM Program Seeking Input on 2028 Updates

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management, or FARM Program, is seeking producer feedback on proposed updates to its Animal Care and Workforce Development standards. The open comment period runs through October 2, allowing dairy farmers and other industry stakeholders to weigh in before new standards are finalized for Version 2028. “Farmer involvement is critical to ensuring program standards are practical and achievable,” the FARM Animal Care Task Force said in a release. “Farmers who participate in the open comment period can provide feedback on practices and protocols that help promote U.S. dairy industry efforts in demonstrating our commitment to high-quality dairy products.” Proposed Animal Care updates include changes to injured tail evaluations, fitness-to-transport guidelines, calf nutrition and documentation requirements. Workforce Development revisions focus on improving clarity, reducing overly prescriptive requirements, and adding new evaluation topics. If approved, the updated FARM standards will take effect January 1, 2028.

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Unions Claim USDA Overhaul Will Gut Agency

A coalition of labor unions, nonprofit organizations and local governments is asking a federal judge to block USDA’s planned reorganization, arguing the changes would significantly reduce the agency’s ability to serve farmers and rural communities. Reuters said the lawsuit challenges USDA’s plan to relocate more than 2,500 Washington-based employees to regional offices across the country. Plaintiffs argue many workers will choose to resign rather than relocate, leading to major staffing losses. According to internal USDA planning documents, the reorganization could reduce the department’s workforce by more than 23,000 employees, or roughly 23 percent. USDA has acknowledged many employees are expected to decline relocation offers. The coalition says the resulting workforce losses could disrupt farmer assistance programs, nutrition services, food safety efforts, and agricultural research. E & E News said the case, filed in federal court in San Francisco, asks a judge to temporarily halt the reorganization while the legal challenge moves forward.

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USDA Announces More Farm to School Investments

USDA has announced nearly $20 million in Patrick Leahy (LAY-hee) Farm to School Grants, marking the largest single-year investment in the program’s history. The funding will support 68 projects designed to connect schools with local farmers, ranchers, producers, and fishers, helping serve more locally-grown foods in school meals, summer feeding programs, and childcare settings. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the investment benefits both students and producers by expanding markets for American agriculture while giving children greater access to fresh, nutritious foods. Beyond purchasing local products, the grants also support hands-on learning opportunities, including school gardens, farm field trips, taste tests, and nutrition education that help students better understand where their food comes from. The agency said the program strengthens local food systems, creates new marketing opportunities for producers, and helps build healthier communities by bringing more locally-grown foods into child nutrition programs.

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