November 12, 2026

Growers Interested in Autonomous Equipment, But Adoption Remains Limited

Farmers are warming up to autonomous and robotic equipment, but high costs and uncertainty about returns are keeping adoption relatively low, according to a new industry survey. The Ag Pulse study surveyed 502 growers in the United States and Canada about five emerging technologies. While 75 percent are familiar with crop-spraying drones, only 19 percent own and use one. Just six percent have an autonomous tractor. Still, half of growers say their first reaction to autonomous and robotic equipment is positive. The study also says farmers aren’t necessarily resisting the technology. They’re looking for proof an investment will pay off, clear information about ongoing costs, and dependable service when equipment breaks down. The survey found high upfront costs were the leading barrier to adoption, while four in ten non-users said they need more information about the technology.

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Aging Barge Fleet Raises Concerns for Grain Transportation

An aging and shrinking U.S. barge fleet could mean higher transportation costs and weaker grain prices for farmers in the years ahead. A new report from CoBank says the inland waterway system is facing growing pressure from older vessels, rising construction costs, and recurring low water levels on the Mississippi River. The barge fleet has declined nearly eight percent over the past decade, while the average vessel age has increased to 17.6 years. More barges are being retired each year than are being replaced. CoBank economist Tanner Ehmke says tighter barge availability can push freight rates higher and weaken grain basis levels paid to farmers. The Mississippi River handles roughly half of U.S. corn and soybean exports, making reliable transportation critical to agricultural markets. The report warns that without greater investment, transportation bottlenecks could threaten export competitiveness as grain shipments increase.

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USDA Proposes Changes to Federal Grazing Permit Rules

USDA is proposing changes to federal grazing rules aimed at simplifying permit requirements and making fees more consistent for ranchers using national forests and grasslands. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the proposed rule, which covers grazing permits, eligibility requirements, and fee-setting across 16 western states. USDA says the changes would better align Forest Service regulations with those used by the Bureau of Land Management, helping ranchers who operate on both types of federal land. The Forest Service allows livestock grazing on nearly 40 percent of the 193 million acres it manages. USDA says grazing on those lands supports approximately 14,200 jobs and contributes 645 million dollars to the nation’s economy annually. The proposal will be published in the Federal Register November 12th, opening a 30-day public comment period.

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National Survey Examines Farmers’ Experiences With Biochar

A survey is providing a first look at how farmers are using biochar and what could encourage wider adoption. American Farmland Trust and its partners surveyed 367 farmers in 45 states. Forty-one percent had used biochar, while the rest were interested but had not tried it. Biochar is a charcoal-like material made by heating waste biomass with limited oxygen. Four in five users plan to continue applying it. They reported better soil water-holding capacity, increased biological activity, and higher crop yields. But cost and availability remain major hurdles. Non-users were nearly twice as likely as users to report difficulty finding financial and technical assistance. Most users operated farms smaller than 50 acres. Many made their own biochar and applied less than one ton per acre, raising questions about its economics on larger farms. Researchers say better local supplies and practical guidance could help expand adoption.

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USDA Tests Text and Email Invitations for Farm Surveys

USDA is testing a new way for farmers to receive and complete government agricultural surveys, using text messages and email invitations. The National Agricultural Statistics Service says selected producers will be invited to participate in its December Agricultural Survey through the new system. Participants will use multifactor authentication to verify their identity before completing surveys through NASS’s secure online portal. NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons says farmers have limited time, particularly during planting and harvest, and the agency wants to find out whether text and email invitations make survey participation easier. The pilot program will begin in late November. Producers who aren’t selected for the December survey can sign up to receive text or email notifications about future surveys. NASS will evaluate sign-in success, survey completion rates, and participant feedback before deciding whether to expand the program or make further changes.

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FSA County Committee Election Ballots Due December 7

Farmers and agricultural landowners have until December 7th to return ballots for this year’s USDA Farm Service Agency county committee elections. FSA says ballots have been mailed to eligible voters across the country. Completed ballots must be delivered to the local county office by close of business on December 7th, or postmarked by that date if mailed. County committee members help determine how federal farm programs are administered locally, including disaster assistance, conservation, commodity, and price support programs. FSA Administrator Bill Beam says voting gives farmers and ranchers a direct voice in decisions affecting their agricultural communities. Producers must participate in or cooperate with a USDA program and live in a local administrative area holding an election to be eligible. Anyone who qualifies but did not receive a ballot can request one from their local FSA office. Election results will determine who takes office January 1st, 2027.

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