October 22, 2026

Diesel Aid Could Drive Farm Payments to Record Levels

USDA’s new Harvest Fuel Relief Program could push government payments to farmers to a record $55.4 billion in 2026. According to Progressive Farmer, that’s if the estimated $8 billion in diesel assistance is distributed before year’s end. That would surpass the previous high of $45.6 billion in 2020 and account for nearly one-third of USDA’s projected 2026 net farm income. The program comes as farmers face elevated fuel and fertilizer costs tied in part to Middle East conflict-related market disruptions. Farm groups have said additional aid is needed to support struggling producers, while some economists question whether increasing government payments is the best long-term solution. Critics, including the Iowa Farmers Union and advocacy group Farm Action, argue the assistance addresses symptoms rather than underlying economic challenges in agriculture. According to Politico, payments are not expected until late November or early December at the earliest, leaving questions about their economic and political impact ahead of the election.

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USDA Updates Cash Cattle Reports to Improve Market Transparency

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is updating its Livestock Mandatory Reporting cash cattle reports. This aims to improve market transparency and provide more reliable pricing information to producers and livestock sellers, among others. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the changes are part of the administration’s implementation of executive orders focused on supporting ranchers and promoting fair competition in livestock markets. Rollins says maintaining reliable and transparent price information is critical to a well-functioning cattle market. She adds the changes do just that and make the best use of the AMS market information. USDA said negotiated cash cattle trade has fallen from more than 50% of transactions in 2005 to less than 18% in 2025 as formula-based purchasing has expanded, creating reporting and confidentiality challenges. Beginning Oct. 26, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will publish a new regional cash cattle report combining data from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Officials said the change will not require additional reporting from covered packers.

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G7 Farm Groups Call for Action on Rising Input Costs

The National Farmers Union joined leading agricultural organizations from G7 nations in urging governments to address soaring input costs. The groups are also asking for stronger market competition and collaboration with farmers to improve global food security. The joint statement comes as conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz drive higher energy and fertilizer prices, adding to pressures from tariffs, trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather. Farm groups warned that many producers are facing financial strain as they prepare for fall planting and purchase inputs for the next growing season. NFU President Rob Larew says family farmers in the United States and across the G7 are facing the same squeeze: input prices driven up by war, trade disruptions, and a handful of corporations that control the fertilizer, seed, and crop protection markets. The statement was signed by farm organizations representing the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

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Certified Angus Beef Sales Remain Strong Despite Tight Supply

Certified Angus Beef sold more than 1.2 billion pounds of beef globally during its 48th fiscal year. CAB says the numbers showcase continued consumer demand despite tight cattle supplies, elevated beef prices, and pressure on household budgets. Sales finished just under 1% below the previous year, but the brand recorded all-time highs in Certified Angus Beef Prime and value-added products. Prime sales increased more than 12% to a record 63.3 million pounds. Supply remained constrained as the U.S. cowherd continued to shrink. CAB-qualified cattle declined about 6% to 5.42 million head, though the acceptance rate rose slightly to nearly 38%. Prime production also increased about 7%, with 845,000 carcasses qualifying for the premium designation. CAB President John Stika says despite limited supply, record cattle values, and greater pressure on consumers, CAB partners continued creating value and delivering the consistent eating experience people trust. Foodservice sales rose nearly 2%, while international sales declined just over 8%. Canada, South Korea, and Mexico remained the brand’s largest export markets.

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Iowa Lawmakers Push to Protect Pork Exports to Mexico

Iowa’s congressional delegation is urging the Trump administration to consider the impact on farmers and consumers as it negotiates trade issues with Mexico following the termination of the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement. Led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, the lawmakers warned that Mexico’s antidumping investigation into U.S. pork, launched in December 2025, could threaten a key export market for Iowa producers. Mexico purchased more than $1.8 billion worth of Iowa pork in 2025, making it the industry’s largest export destination. In a letter to administration officials, the lawmakers said the threat of retaliation from the number one export market creates a chilling effect on the pork industry that already faces headwinds domestically due to state regulations like California’s Proposition 12. The delegation also noted tomato prices have risen nearly 7% since the agreement ended. The National Pork Producers Council backed the effort, calling for a resolution that preserves a stable U.S.-Mexico trading relationship.

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FARM Program Announces 2026 Excellence Award Winners

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management – aka FARM – Program has recognized four recipients with its 2026 Excellence Awards. These awards honor achievements in animal care, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and program evaluation. This year’s winners are Ideal Dairy Farms of New York for Animal Care and Antibiotic Stewardship, Paloma Dairy of Arizona for Environmental Stewardship, Silverstreak Dairies LLP of Minnesota for Workforce Development, and Kandice Runyon of Arizona as Evaluator of the Year. FARM Chief Veterinary Officer Meggan Hain says the awards honor those who turn a commitment to continuous improvement into meaningful action, setting a high standard for responsible care and stewardship across the industry. The awards were presented during the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, National Milk Producers Federation, and United Dairy Industry Association in Kissimmee, Florida.

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