August 4, 2026

Boozman Releases Revised Farm Bill 2.0 Ahead of Senate Markup 

John Boozman (BOZE-man), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has released updated legislative text for Farm Bill 2.0, the Agricultural Act of 2026, ahead of a committee markup scheduled for this week. The revised proposal includes new language authorizing year-round sales of E15 gasoline and extends the timeline for states to improve administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and reduce payment error rates. In a statement, Boozman, an Arkansas Republican, said the bill is designed to support farmers, ranchers, foresters and rural communities facing economic challenges. He said the measure reflects priorities from both political parties and aims to strengthen the nation’s food security. The Senate Agriculture Committee is scheduled to mark up the legislation on Aug. 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the Russell Senate Office Building. Committee staff also released supporting materials, including a title-by-title summary, section-by-section analysis and bill overview. The markup will be a key step as lawmakers work to advance a long-delayed farm bill, but faces strong headwinds from Democrats.

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Farm Bureau Applauds Senate Farm Bill Markup Schedule

The American Farm Bureau Federation welcomed the release of Senate farm bill text and a scheduled markup by the Senate Agriculture Committee, calling it an important step toward advancing long-delayed legislation affecting U.S. agriculture. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall praised Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman for releasing the legislation and expressed optimism that lawmakers can build bipartisan support to move the bill through Congress. He also cited support from the administration for advancing the measure. According to Farm Bureau, the bill contains provisions to authorize year-round sales of E15 blended fuel, increase investments in specialty crops and address agricultural input price volatility. The organization also urged Congress to address interstate commerce issues and provide additional economic assistance for farmers. Duvall said the nation has lost 200,000 farms over the past decade and argued that a modernized farm bill would help stabilize the struggling farm economy. He called on the committee to approve the measure and send it to the full Senate for consideration. 

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Friends of the Earth Criticizes Senate Farm Bill Draft, Citing Ethanol and SNAP Concerns

Environmental advocacy group Friends of the Earth is urging senators to reject the latest Senate Republican Farm Bill proposal, arguing it favors large-scale commodity agriculture while doing too little to support nutrition programs, conservation efforts and smaller farms. The group objected to a provision that would allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline, saying expanded ethanol production would increase demand for corn and encourage more pesticide-intensive farming practices. Friends of the Earth contends the proposal would benefit major commodity producers and ethanol companies while making it harder for growers of fruits, vegetables and organic crops to compete. The organization also criticized reductions in conservation funding and said the measure fails to restore cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill. In a statement, Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of food and agriculture at Friends of the Earth U.S., said Congress should invest more in diversified farming systems, local food infrastructure, conservation and healthy food access rather than expanding support for corn ethanol.

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U.S. Cropland Value Surpasses $6,000 Per Acre for First Time

The average value of U.S. cropland has climbed above $6,000 per acre for the first time, underscoring the resilience of farmland prices despite weaker farm income and tighter profit margins. New data compiled by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service show average cropland values reached just over $6,000 per acre in 2026, extending a multiyear trend of rising land prices. The USDA has reported that farmland values have continued to appreciate since 2021, driven by limited land available for sale, strong farm balance sheets and investor demand. University of Illinois farm economists say the milestone comes even as lower commodity prices and higher production costs have pressured producer returns. Analysts note farmland has remained relatively stable because owners have been reluctant to sell and many buyers continue to view agricultural land as a long-term investment. Economists caution that higher interest rates and continued pressure on crop profitability could slow future appreciation, though farmland remains one of agriculture’s strongest-performing assets.

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USDA Scrapie Case Could Delay U.S. Disease-Free Status 

USDA has confirmed a case of classical scrapie in a sheep slaughtered in Oregon, marking the first confirmed U.S. detection of the fatal livestock disease in more than five years and potentially delaying the nation’s effort to achieve international scrapie-free status. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said the infected sheep was identified through routine regulatory slaughter surveillance. Officials are working with Oregon animal health authorities to trace the animal’s flock of origin and are conducting tissue-matching and parentage testing on two additional sheep that accompanied it. Scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting sheep and goats. According to the American Sheep Industry Association, the infected sheep lacked an official ear tag, which could complicate efforts to trace its origin and prevent further spread. Before the case, the United States was on track to meet a seven-year benchmark established by the World Organisation for Animal Health for self-declared scrapie freedom in January 2028. The new detection could reset that timeline. USDA officials said they expect little impact on international trade because most countries restrict live-animal imports only from affected flocks, while wool and other products remain unaffected. Producers are being encouraged to maintain animal identification, use genetically resistant breeding stock, and participate in surveillance programs.

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American Farmland Trust Launches National Farmers Market Competition

American Farmland Trust has launched its 18th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, a nationwide campaign designed to recognize farmers markets and their contributions to local agriculture, communities and small businesses. The event runs from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. The nonprofit organization said consumers can vote for their favorite markets through the program’s website, helping markets gain national recognition and compete for a share of $15,000 in prize money. Ten winning markets will receive awards ranging from $875 to $2,500. State and regional winners will also receive promotional materials and merchandise. AFT President and CEO John Piotti said farmers markets serve as critical infrastructure for local agriculture by helping farm families earn income while strengthening community connections to food production. The organization said its online directory includes more than 7,000 farmers markets nationwide, helping consumers locate markets in their communities and while traveling. Since 2008, the celebration has highlighted the role of farmers markets in supporting local economies and food systems.

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