July 22, 2026 

U.S. Dairy Applauds Tariffs on Canadian Dairy Imports 

U.S. dairy groups are applauding the White House’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on dairy imports from Canada, saying the move addresses long-standing trade concerns under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The administration says it is invoking Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to respond to what it calls Canada’s discriminatory dairy trade practices. National Milk Producers Federation President Gregg Doud says, “Canada simply cannot continue to discriminate against U.S. dairy farmers by effectively blocking negotiated access to its market.” He also says the action sends a clear message that unresolved USMCA dairy issues must be addressed. The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council argue Canada has failed to fully honor its commitment to provide duty-free market access through dairy tariff-rate quotas, limiting export opportunities for U.S. dairy producers. The groups say they will continue working with the administration to secure the market access promised under the USMCA.

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Pork Exports Continue to Build Momentum 

Strong global demand continues to boost U.S. pork exports, with both export value and volume running ahead of last year’s pace. Through May, U.S. pork exports totaled $3.59 billion, up  five percent, while export volume climbed five percent to 1.28 million metric tons. Mexico remained the top customer, purchasing $1.09 billion worth of U.S. pork. Japan posted one of the strongest gains, with export value increasing 14 percent and volume rising 19 percent. Demand also remained solid across Central America and the Dominican Republic. May exports alone increased eight percent in value and ten percent in volume compared to a year ago. While shipments to Mexico slowed during the month, stronger sales to Japan, China, Colombia, and Caribbean markets more than offset the decline. The latest numbers highlight continued international demand for U.S. pork, providing important support for hog producers and the overall pork industry.

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USDA Certifies the Farmers Innovation Fund

USDA Rural Development has certified the Farmers Innovation Fund as a Rural Business Investment Company, expanding private investment opportunities for agricultural technology in rural America. The fund will connect early-stage companies with farmers to test new technologies under real-world conditions before they reach the broader marketplace. USDA says the approach is designed to speed innovation while reducing the risk of adopting new tools on the farm. Deputy Undersecretary Joe Gilson says, “USDA is putting farmers first and driving investment to rural communities to ensure American agriculture leads the world in innovation.” Backed primarily by Farm Credit institutions, the Farmers Innovation Fund aims to accelerate technologies that improve farm productivity, profitability, and resilience, while strengthening U.S. agricultural supply chains. The certification is part of USDA’s Rural Business Investment Program, which helps channel private capital to businesses and entrepreneurs serving rural communities.

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Optimism After Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting 

Nearly 700 cattle producers from across the country met last week in Aurora, Colorado, for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting to help shape the future of the beef industry. Attendees discussed policy priorities, Beef Checkoff programs, research and education initiatives, and regional issues affecting cattle operations. Topics included the Conservation Reserve Program, Livestock Risk Protection, and a disease spread by the Asian longhorned ticks. NCBA President Gene Copenhaver says, “This meeting showcases the strength of NCBA’s grassroots policy process.” He also says state cattlemen’s associations play a key role in developing policy recommendations that reflect the needs of producers. The NCBA Board approved several policy recommendations that will be sent to members for a mail ballot vote in September. The organization also announced that CattleCon 2027 will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, February 2 through 4, with business meetings beginning February 1.

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NTCA Applauds Senate Introduction of Broadband MAP Act

Rural broadband advocates are backing new bipartisan legislation aimed at improving the accuracy of the nation’s broadband maps. The Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers, or MAP Act, was introduced by Senators John Thune of South Dakota, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Deb Fischer of Nebraska. The bill would require the Federal Communications Commission to review how broadband maps are updated, evaluate the challenge process, and examine how mapping data affects funding decisions. NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association supports the proposal, saying more accurate maps will help direct broadband investments to communities that still lack reliable service. NTCA CEO Mike Romano says, “The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help spur continuous improvement in the map through a renewed look at the standards and processes used to develop and refine it.” Supporters say the legislation would help ensure future broadband policy and funding decisions are based on the best available data.

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Farm Bureau Study Projects More Losses for Row Crop Farmers  

The American Farm Bureau Federation says continued inflation, weak commodity prices, and rising production costs are creating billions of dollars in losses for farmers. A new Farm Bureau analysis projects major row crop producers could face $32 billion in losses in 2027, following an estimated $31 billion loss in 2026. The report says corn, soybean, wheat, and cotton producers are expected to remain below breakeven levels. Farm Bureau economists also highlight challenges facing specialty crop growers, estimating more than $7 billion in losses in 2025 among crops including almonds, apples, blueberries, lettuce, potatoes, and strawberries. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says, “Every farm lost takes with it generations of knowledge, community leadership, and the heartbeat of local economies.” Farm Bureau is urging lawmakers to provide market relief while advancing long-term policies, including a new farm bill, stronger risk management tools, and expanded biofuel demand through year-round E15.

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