July 29, 2026 

July Food Price Outlook Shows 3.1 Percent Increase 

The USDA’s July Food Price Outlook said food prices will rise 3.1 percent this year. Food-at-home prices will rise by 2.7 percent, while the food-away-from-home category will climb 3.5 percent. Looking ahead, food prices will likely rise another 3.1 percent in 2027. This year, beef and veal prices increased 1.4 percent from May to June and were almost 12 percent higher than the same time last year. Pork prices rose less than one percent from May to June, while poultry prices fell by 0.6 percent during the period. Retail egg prices fell almost a full percent and were 28 percent below June 2025. Overall, retail egg prices are predicted to end the year with a 31 percent price drop. Retail fresh vegetable prices decreased by 1.2 percent from May to June. However, prices for fresh vegetables at retail stores are likely to end 2026 up seven percent from the previous year. 

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Groups Urge FAA to Reject Ag Businesses from Drone Oversight 

A coalition of advocacy, legal, and photojournalism organizations is urging the Federal Aviation Administration to reject a proposal that would allow large livestock operations and slaughterhouses to restrict drone flights over their facilities. The groups say the proposed rule would let some farms obtain Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions, limiting aerial photography that has documented manure spills, disease outbreaks, livestock housing conditions, and other issues at large animal operations. Supporters argue existing FAA drone regulations already protect public safety and that no evidence has been presented showing drones pose a security risk to agricultural facilities. They contend additional flight restrictions would reduce transparency and make it harder for journalists, researchers, and watchdog groups to document conditions at large livestock operations. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal before deciding whether to move forward with the rule. Agricultural organizations supporting the proposal say it would improve security and protect sensitive facilities.

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USDA Weekly Export Inspections Mixed 

USDA says export inspections were mixed last week, with corn shipments slowing while soybean and wheat exports improved. Corn inspections for the week ending July 23 totaled 1.49 million metric tons, down from the previous week and slightly below the same week last year. Soybean inspections rose to nearly 349,000 metric tons, though they remained below year-ago levels. Wheat inspections climbed to almost 395,000 metric tons, topping both the previous week and the same period in 2025. For the current marketing year, corn export inspections remain well ahead of last year’s pace at 75.3 million metric tons. Soybean inspections continue to trail last year as trade disruptions reduced shipments earlier in the season, while wheat inspections also remain behind last year’s pace. The weekly inspection totals provide an early indicator of export demand for U.S. grain.

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Senate Ag Democrats Worried About USDA reorganization 

Senate Agriculture Committee Democrats are warning that a proposed reorganization of USDA’s Rural Development mission area could limit access to critical programs in rural America. Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Peter Welch of Vermont, along with 20 colleagues, say the plan could impact services that support rural businesses, housing, health clinics, childcare facilities, water systems, electric projects, and broadband expansion. The senators say Rural Development needs enough experienced staff to process applications and deliver funding approved by Congress. “Rural communities, small businesses, and families will lose access to important services if the proposed reorganization plan moves forward,” the senators wrote. They also say staffing shortages are already affecting rural communities as farmers and families face higher costs from tariffs and global conflicts. The lawmakers are urging USDA to ensure Rural Development can continue delivering support where it is needed most.

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USDA Reminds Farmers of Important Deadlines

USDA is reminding farmers and ranchers that deadlines are approaching for several programs designed to help offset higher input costs, recover from disasters, and strengthen financial protection. The Farm Service Agency says applications for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program are due August 7, while the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program deadline is August 12. Eligible landowners also have until August 31 to review potential base acre increases for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. USDA says this is the first opportunity to update base acres since 2002. “Don’t wait until the last minute,” said Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam. “These deadlines represent real opportunities for producers to recover from market and weather challenges.” Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office soon to make sure they do not miss available assistance.

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FFA highlights role of agricultural education in developing future workforce

National FFA leaders and members highlighted the importance of agricultural education and career and technical education during a panel discussion on Capitol Hill. The event featured FFA students sharing how their experiences helped shape career paths in areas like agricultural communication, plant sciences, and agricultural education. Industry leaders also discussed how FFA helps build the talent pipeline needed for the future of agriculture. “We know the skills students gain through agricultural education and FFA prepare them for success in a wide range of careers,” participants said. The discussion was supported by members of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. National FFA says the organization now serves more than one million members nationwide, helping students prepare for more than 350 careers in agriculture, business, science, engineering, education, and communications.

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