Friday May 01 Ag News - Farm Bill Passes US House - E15 will have Separate Vote - Ricketts, Flood on FAIR Labels Act - Pseudorabies Confirmed in Iowa Hogs - CVA, Randall Farmers Coop Merge - and more!

Farm Bill Passes House for First Time in 8 Years

The House passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 on Thursday morning by a vote of 224-200. Three Republicans were opposed and five did not vote. Fourteen Democrats crossed party lines to vote yes and one did not vote. All three of Nebraska’s Representatives – Mike Flood (CD1), Don Bacon (CD2), and Adrian Smith (CD3) – voted yea.

The House’s successful vote marks the farthest a farm bill has made it in Congress since the most recent reauthorization was signed into law in 2018. The bill updates farm loan and income support programs, and reauthorizes programs that support voluntary conservation and rural development.

“Nebraska family farmers and ranchers are currently facing one more year of the toughest financial challenges since the 1980s farm crisis,” NeFU President John Hansen said. “The 2018 Farm Bill is using 2014 data, so updating the reference and target numbers is helpful, but we need a Farm Bill that deals with the 2026 economic realities we are facing today. We were hoping for more substantial improvements.”

“From a process standpoint, the passage of the House Farm Bill represents an important first step after three years of delays,” continued Hansen. “It is not a perfect bill, but there are provisions that will benefit family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. We are deeply disappointed that the House again missed an opportunity to pass permanent year-round E15. Family farmers need strong, stable domestic demand-based domestic markets that utilize our own domestically produced agricultural products. We are facing strong export competition, and 9 billion bushels of corn stocks that needs a home.” 

House Leaders agreed to decouple the Farm Bill and year-round E15 and hold a standalone vote on E15 on May 13 but that means the House’s farm bill can’t be sent to the Senate until that time. Senate counterparts have yet to introduce text or provide a timeline for moving their Farm Bill legislation.

The House also voted 280-142 to remove controversial pesticide labeling language, which was championed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and the Make America Healthy Again movement. That language had threatened to derail the Farm Bill on the House Floor if it remained included.

“Farm bill policy must evolve to meet the realities of today’s economy, and while this bill provides some needed certainty, it does not fully address what is at stake. We look forward to working with the Senate to strengthen this bill and deliver more effective safety nets for farmers and families,” National Farmers Union President Rob Larew added.

“Family farmers and ranchers are facing a mounting crisis. We must do more to address skyrocketing fertilizer and fuel costs and record setting ag input costs, depressed market prices, and lost export markets.   We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the Farm Bill in the Senate, address corporate consolidation, and provide a meaningful income safety net to producers,” Hansen concluded.



Flood Celebrates Farm Bill’s House Passage 

Thursday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (NE-01) issued a statement following House passage of H.R. 7567, the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act,” also known as the “Farm Bill.”

“It has been nearly eight years since the last time a new Farm Bill framework was passed. This new Farm Bill framework not only modernizes key ag programs to better serve our farmers and ranchers today, but it also invests in the future of our agricultural economy. Importantly, the 2026 Farm Bill supports ag research while protecting and expanding key programs such as crop insurance, market access and USDA Rural Development.

The legislation includes investments in rural broadband; expanded rural healthcare and rural childcare access; support for new, young, beginning, and veteran farmers transition to farming; incentives for innovation and technology, including investments in precision agriculture; and more. I look forward to this much-needed framework moving to the Senate and ultimately reaching President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Flood.

Ten of Congressman Flood’s–supported bills, including ones he signed on as a cosponsor or co-lead, were included in the 2026 Farm Bill:
    H.R. 575 (Baird, R-IN) – Increased TSP Access Act of 2023 – original cosponsor
    H.R. 1207 (Mann, R-KS) – To Transfer the Authorities of the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development to the Department of Agriculture – cosponsor
    H.R. 5459 (Flood, R-NE) – Precision Agriculture Workforce Training and Development Act  – sponsor
    H.R. 5468 (T. Kelly, R-MS) – Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2025 – cosponsor
    H.R. 5854 (Neguse, D-CO) – Sustainable Agriculture Research Act – co-lead
    H.R. 4764 (Miller-Meeks, R-IA) – Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 – sponsor
    H.R. 1719 (Miller, R-OH) – Farm to Fly Act of 2025 – co-lead
    H.R. 4832 (Alford, R-MO) – Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2025 – cosponsor
    H.R 4673 (Hinson, R-IA) – Save Our Bacon Act – original cosponsor
    H.R. 1995 (Hinson, R-IA) – Securing American Agriculture Act – cosponsor

Many of Congressman Flood’s legislative items included in the Farm Bill were informed by countless visits, discussions and roundtables he held with farmers and ranchers across Nebraska. 



Statement by Mark McHargue, NE Farm Bureau President, Regarding House Passage of Farm Bill

"Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and all Americans scored a major win today with the U.S. House of Representatives finally passing a full five-year Farm Bill out of the chamber. We often say that food security is national security, and the passage of this long-term food, farm, conservation, research, and trade promoting legislation helps provide long-term certainty for our nation's food, fiber, and fuel producers. We are also encouraged that a vote on year-round E15 legislation has been scheduled as soon as Congress comes back from their recess on May 13. It is well past time for this necessary, long-fought-for bill to move through Congress and be signed into law by President Trump. Passage of a full five-year Farm Bill, as well as securing year-round E15 access, remain top priorities for our organization. While we certainly have more work to do before either of these bills are signed into law, we stand ready to work with lawmakers on both sides of Capitol Hill to get them to President Trump's desk." 



NCBA Encouraged by House Passage of Farm Bill
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane 
 
“Thank you to Chairman GT Thompson, House leadership, and members from both parties for listening to real farmers and ranchers and passing the Farm Bill through the House. Instead of caving to attacks on the livestock industry from shell activist groups that impersonate real producers, a bipartisan group of lawmakers advanced a bill that will provide certainty and important policy fixes for cattle country. We look forward to engaging with the Senate to advance this Farm Bill to the president’s desk.” 



America’s Pork Producers Celebrate Victory & Express Thanks After Bipartisan House Farm Bill Passage
 
America’s 60,000-plus pork producers of all sizes, from all states celebrated House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill. 
 
On an impressive, bipartisan 224-200 vote, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 included 100% of the National Pork Producers Council’s policy requests—including a very significant section that provides much-needed relief from the misguided California Proposition 12. 
 
“Today’s House farm bill passage is a testament to the power of rural America when we stand up for our farms and future generations with a unified voice,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC president and pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. “We wholeheartedly thank our champions—House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, Rep. Ashley Hinson, and others—for not backing down from the fight for what is right for rural America. He and congressional supporters on both sides of the aisle heard our plea to help America’s pork producers. Now, we look to the Senate to follow suit and pass this farm bill for us and others in agriculture without delay.”
 
Without Prop. 12 relief in the final farm bill, pork producers face a patchwork of state animal housing laws that hurts small farmers the hardest, takes away veterinarians’ choices, increases the cost of food, and undermines states’ rights. 
 
In addition to a Prop. 12 fix, the 2026 Farm Bill also accomplished all additional pork producer priorities, including: 
    Funding and converting the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program into a full program. 
    Increasing funding for critical agricultural trade promotion programs, including the Market Access Program, Foreign Market Development Program, E. Kika de la Garza Emerging Markets Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops, and Priority Trade Fund.
    Requiring USDA to report how changes to or expiration of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will affect agriculture.
    Establishing the Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force to better identify and overcome trade barriers.
    Expanding the Animal Health Protection Act to include improving animal disease traceability. 
    Allowing the establishment of additional training centers and programs under the Beagle Brigade Act.
    Requiring thorough documentation on USDA’s ability to protect producers from significant economic losses due to a foreign animal disease outbreak.
    Capping administrative expenses for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, allowing a higher percentage of funds to be used for research.
    Requiring USDA to conduct research and development on a policy to insure pork producers against financial losses from a catastrophic disease.
 
NPPC and the thousands of pork producers it represents again express their thanks to the House Agriculture Committee and the full House of Representatives for passing this critical piece of legislation.



ASA Applauds House of Representatives for Advancing 2026 Farm Bill

The American Soybean Association applauds House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and the House of Representatives for passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The five-year farm bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 224-200.

“At a time when U.S. soybean farmers need certainty more than ever, the 2026 Farm Bill offers a myriad of tools and programs to help the agricultural industry navigate changing market dynamics and ongoing farm production and economic challenges,” said Scott Metzger, ASA president and soybean farmer from Ohio. “ASA is grateful for the leadership of Chairman Thompson as he championed this legislation and built a bipartisan coalition of farm state advocated to advance this critical farm bill.”

The bill contains provisions supported by ASA, including a transfer of Food for Peace authority to USDA; conservation program funding; the Plant Biostimulant Act; increased access to credit programs, funding for precision agriculture; and reauthorization of the Biobased Markets (BioPreferred) Program and Biorefinery Assistance Program. The bill also addresses federal issues caused by state-level animal welfare initiatives, which ASA and others underscored in a letter sent earlier this week to House leaders.

ASA looks forward to working with leaders in the Senate to keep this momentum going to pass a farm bill.



Farm Bureau Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House of Representatives vote to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

“Farmers and ranchers applaud the House of Representatives for passing a new, modernized farm bill. We appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson’s leadership to get this done. After three years of extensions and eight years since a farm bill was passed, we’re grateful the House found a bipartisan path forward. Important updates to research and conservation, as well as increased loan limits and clarity on interstate commerce, will help farmers survive today’s challenges and give them the tools to thrive in the future.

“We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and move this important bipartisan legislation forward. Food security is national security, and investing in America’s farmers and ranchers is an investment in America’s families. We all benefit from a reliable and affordable food supply.” 



Corn Growers Praise Farm Bill Movement, Demand Action on E15

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act (H.R. 7567). Ag leaders in the House indicated that a vote on a bill to expand year-round consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends, or E15, would be voted on in a couple of weeks.
 
In response to these developments, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: 

“We are pleased to see that the House passed the Farm Bill. The legislation includes important provisions in the conservation, trade, credit, rural development, research and energy titles. USDA programs are important to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as our growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs. We applaud Chairman GT Thompson for shepherding this legislation toward passage.
 
“We look forward to working with our allies in Congress over the next two weeks to secure passage of the E15 legislation. Thanks to continued efforts on this issue from our biofuel champions, Speaker Johnson promised a vote on E15, and we refuse to allow a handful of multi-million and multi-billion-dollar energy companies to derail our efforts. Allowing the year-round sale of E15 would help our growers by expanding ethanol sales while also saving consumers money at the pump at a time when fuel prices are on the rise.  
 
“We are deeply appreciative of Rep. Michelle Fischbach and the 40 bipartisan co-sponsors, including House Rural Domestic Energy Council Co-Chairs Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), who proposed this legislation and continue to fight for a floor vote. We also want to thank specifically Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill), Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) and Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) for their support. We are confident that when the vote is held, the E15 bill will have strong support from members on both sides of the aisle.” 



IRFA Confident Year-Round E15 Will Receive Strong, Bipartisan Support During May 13 House Vote

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a “skinny” Farm Bill. Originally, a separate vote on the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council’s year-round, nationwide E15 proposal was supposed to occur at the same time. After ongoing negotiations, the vote on E15 will now occur on May 13, after the Congressional recess.

“IRFA thanks the Iowa delegation and their Midwest colleagues for standing strong last night when ethanol haters tried to sabotage year-round E15 at the last moment,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “While a vote on E15 today would have been nice, I am confident there will be even greater support for E15 by the vote on May 13. Every day more members of Congress from outside the Midwest learn how E15 can reduce their gas prices and clean their air. E15 is gaining votes every day.”

Under the rule adopted to govern floor debate, both the Farm Bill and the E15 proposal will receive a floor vote. Under the rule, the Farm Bill, although passed by the House, cannot be transmitted to the Senate until there is an E15 vote.

“If the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that the path toward nationwide E15 is never straight or easy,” added Shaw. “But with the rule on our side, we are confident that an E15 vote will occur on May 13, and we are confident of growing, bipartisan support on the House floor for E15. Now is the time to unleash E15 to reduce gas prices while boosting farmer income and enhancing U.S. energy security.”



FAIR Labels Act to Protect Beef, Require Transparent Labeling for Plant-Based Protein Products

Thursday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation (FAIR) on Labels Act.  The bipartisan legislation is co-led by Senator John Fetterman (D-PA).  The bill requires cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products to bear an accurate label, clearly differentiating these products from meat and poultry products.  The bill also prohibits the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products.  Companion legislation in the House is led by Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO-04), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01).

“Deceptive labeling of plant-based protein products hurts American farmers and ranchers.  It also degrades consumer trust,” said Senator Ricketts.  “By enhancing oversight and enforcing stricter labeling regulations, we can protect Nebraska beef.  The FAIR Labels Act is common-sense: Americans should know exactly what they’re putting in their grocery cart.”

"The hardworking farmers in Pennsylvania and across our country that feed all of us with real ingredients have to unfairly compete with misleading labels of alternative meats," said Senator Fetterman.  "Folks can be in the pro-bio slop caucus, but I’m in the pro-ribeye one. I'm proud to support the FAIR Labels Act to protect our farmers and all consumers who buy their great products."

“Currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace.  For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like ‘meat’ and ‘beef’ to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing,” said Gene Copenhaver, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Virginia cattle producer.  “The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen.  We thank these members of the House and Senate for their efforts to protect truthful beef labeling and deliver clarity in the marketplace.”

The FAIR Labels Act would:
    Amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to ensure customers can discern between meat and poultry products and imitation meat and imitation poultry products;
    Prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products. 

BACKGROUND
Currently, cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alterative protein products are not required to be explicitly labeled.  The FAIR Labels Act would prohibit the sale of mislabeled cell-cultivated protein or plant-based alternative protein products and require alternative protein products to bear an accurate label.  Permitted label examples include “cell-cultivated protein burger,” “ground plant-based alternative protein,” and “alternative protein” while prohibited labels include “cruelty-free steak,” “cultivated beef burgers,” and “plant-based ground beef.” 



NCBA Backs FAIR Labels Act to Ensure Transparency in Protein Labeling

Thursday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) endorsed the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act. This legislation would ensure consumer transparency by addressing the labeling of cell-cultivated protein and plant-based alternative protein products. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., sponsored the bipartisan Senate version of the FAIR Labels Act. Reps. Mark Alford, R-Mo., August Pfluger, R-Texas, Mike Flood, R-Neb., Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, Buddy Carter, R-Ga., and Tony Weid, R-Wis., sponsored the House version.

“Currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace. For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like “meat” and “beef” to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing,” said Gene Copenhaver, NCBA president and Virginia cattle producer. “The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen. We thank these members of the House and Senate for their efforts to protect truthful beef labeling and deliver clarity in the marketplace.” 

The FAIR Labels Act would:
    Require lab-grown protein products to bear the label, “cell-cultivated protein.” 
    Require plant-based “meat” products to bear the label, “plant-based alternative protein.” 
    Mandate cell-cultivated and plant-based protein products include a disclaimer, noting the product in its final form was not derived from a live animal.
    Direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to revise their departments’ current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
    Direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to coordinate in developing necessary common standards of identity for cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products.

“For years, lab-grown and plant-based protein products have used traditional beef labeling terms, creating confusion for consumers,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “The FAIR Labels Act is a critical step toward protecting the integrity of real food animal products and ensuring consumers have clear, accurate information at the meat case. We welcome the growing bipartisan effort to address mislabeling on these manufactured products and encourage Congress to swiftly pass the FAIR Labels Act.” 



Pillen Says Farmers Will See Benefits from Proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger

Governor Jim Pillen says the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads will ultimately benefit American farmers, proving a more reliable and efficient way to move their products. Today, the railroads announced the refiling of their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board.

“Farmers operate on tight timelines,” said Gov. Pillen. “When crops are ready, they need to move. Today’s rail system forces too many shipments through time-consuming, costly handoffs between carriers. That’s not competition. That’s a structural constraint.”

By providing single-line service across the country and access to nearly 100 ports on the East, West and Gulf coasts, the merger will give agricultural shippers a faster, more reliable option, with just one carrier responsible from origin to port and a clearer accountability for performance.

“This is about giving farmers more control and greater flexibility,” added Gov. Pillen.  “Whether it’s responding to weather, adapting to shifting export demand or managing tight harvest windows, better rail service leads to better outcomes.”



CAP Webinar: Nebraska and U.S. Farm Income Update and Outlook - Spring 2026

Brad Lubben, Extension Associate Professor and Policy Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Alejandro Plastina, Associate Professor of Agricultural Finance and Director of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center, University of Missouri.

Nebraska net farm income is projected to reach a record high in 2026, supported by higher government payments, continued strength in cattle receipts and the first projected increase in crop receipts since 2022. At the same time, production expenses are also expected to reach record levels, adding pressure to producer margins.

This webinar will review the latest Nebraska farm income projections and the factors shaping the outlook for 2026 and 2027. Discussion will include crop and livestock receipts, government payments, production expenses, projected changes in net farm income and key sources of uncertainty in the year ahead. Presenters will also provide an update on U.S. farm income projections and compare national trends with Nebraska’s outlook. 

Details and registration at cap.unl.edu/webinars.



USDA Confirms Pseudorabies in Iowa and Texas Swine Herds  

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued a statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced confirmed cases of the pseudorabies virus in swine herds in Iowa and Texas. The small commercial swine facility in Iowa received swine from the Texas herd in recent months. The Texas herd was housed outdoors with potential contact to feral swine. Though pseudorabies was eliminated from United States commercial swine herds in 2004, pseudorabies is still found in wild or feral swine populations, which remain a potential threat of exposure for domestic pigs.

“Based on the confirmation of the pseudorabies virus in a small commercial swine herd in Iowa, we are moving decisively to eliminate the disease. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has spent years preparing for these types of animal health events, and we have a strong, capable team in place to respond. We appreciate USDA APHIS, the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory, pork producers and our industry partners for working together on this coordinated response.

Iowa’s hardworking farmers lead the nation in pork production. It’s important for people to know that pseudorabies is not a food safety concern, and this virus does not pose a risk to consumers. The United States’ pork supply remains safe and secure, and we are committed to protecting animal health.”



Central Valley Ag and Randall Farmers Co-op Union Announce Merger

Central Valley Ag (CVA) and Randall Farmers Co-op Union (RFCU) have approved a merger following a successful member vote on April 29, 2026. The unification, backed by the required two-thirds majority of RFCU members, marks a significant step forward in strengthening service, resources, and long-term opportunities for agricultural producers across the region.

The merger reflects a shared commitment to the cooperative model, and a strategic vision focused on enhancing value for members, investing in facilities and people, and positioning the unified organization for continued growth in the agricultural landscape. The combined cooperative will operate under the Central Valley Ag name and remain headquartered in York, Nebraska.

“This vote reflects the confidence our members have in the future of this unification,” said Nathan Greene, RFCU Board Chairman. “By joining with Central Valley Ag, we are ensuring continued service, stability, and growth opportunities for our patrons, employees, and communities. We believe this is the right step forward for the next generation.”

CVA Board Chairman Luke Carlson emphasized the importance of the member decision and the opportunities ahead. “We are pleased with the outcome of the member vote and appreciate the strong support shown throughout this process,” said Carlson, “This merger strengthens our ability to serve producers across the region while staying true to the cooperative values that guide us. Together, we are building a stronger organization that is well-positioned for long-term success.”

Integration planning is already underway, with both organizations focused on ensuring a seamless transition for employees, customers and local operations. Maintaining strong local relationships and delivering consistent, high-quality service will remain a top priority throughout the process.

CVA and RFCU will officially unite June 1, 2026. The combined cooperative will continue to provide a full range of agronomy, energy, feed and grain products and services to meet the evolving needs of producers. Additional details regarding integration timelines and operational updates will be communicated directly to members and employees in the coming weeks.



USDA Opens Enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP) starting May 4, 2026, through May 29, 2026. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers Grassland CRP, a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.

Grassland CRP emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grasslands and land with shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion.   

“Our Grassland CRP enrollment will be competitive just like our previous enrollment periods since we are very close to the 27-million-acre statutory cap,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Grassland CRP is designed to strike a balance between the importance of continued agricultural productivity and prioritizing the stewardship of America’s ecologically significant grasslands. USDA continues to put Farmers First by providing viable economic incentives while preserving working lands.”

CRP is USDA’s flagship conservation program, providing financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, extends FSA’s authority to administer CRP through Sept. 30, 2026.    

Currently, more than 26.2 million acres are enrolled in CRP, with nearly 10.3 million acres in Grassland CRP. FSA recently closed the enrollment period for General CRP and Continuous CRP closes May 1, 2026. FSA is reviewing submitted offers and will announce accepted offers at a later date. Due to the 27-million-acre statutory cap, only 1.9 million acres are available for all CRP enrollment this fiscal year.     

Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their local FSA county office before the May 29 deadline.   



USGBC Board Leaders, Members Participate In USDA Mission To The Philippines

Earlier this month, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) and member representatives joined a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Trade Mission (USDA ATM) to Manila, Philippines to maintain momentum for U.S. exporters in a young, growing economy.

USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson and USGBC Vice Chairman Jay Reiners (Nebraska) were joined by USGBC Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEA&O) Caleb Wurth; USGBC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch; USGBC Regional Ethanol Consultant Kent Yeo; and USGBC Philippines Consultant Marco Sardillo.

Council members from the U.S. ethanol industry also participated, including Eco-Energy Vice President of Global Trade Hagan Rose, Growth Energy Director of Global Policy Emily Marthaler and Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ed Hubbard, underscoring USDA’s commitment to strengthening U.S. ethanol producers’ relationships in international markets.

“This ATM is the latest strong message from our partners at USDA that international market development for U.S. agricultural products, particularly ethanol, is a priority the Council is eager to be part of,” Wilson said.

The mission was headlined by the opening of a retail gas station in Manila carrying gasoline blended with 20 percent ethanol (E20), including a speech from USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering and closing remarks from Wilson and Wurth.

The Philippines is the U.S.’ largest ethanol trading partner in Southeast Asia, with more than 101 million gallons of U.S. ethanol exported to the country in 2025. The Philippines E10 mandate, that began in 2013, has delivered a win-win outcome for the U.S.-Philippines economic partnership, and total gasoline demand in the country surpassed two billion gallons for the first time last year.

Ethanol production in the Philippines has increased by nearly 450 percent since the inception of the mandate, and U.S. ethanol now accounts for roughly 45 percent of the country's total ethanol demand. This mutually beneficial trade relationship, forged through ethanol, helps stimulate further investment in the Philippines domestic ethanol industry, as U.S. ethanol imports help lower the average price of ethanol and gasoline in the country.

The Council’s team met with the Ethanol Producers Association of the Philippines (EPAP) afterward to discuss next steps in expanding E20 access to other regions of the country.

The program also included meetings at the Subic Bay Freeport and the Island Skies Alliance to discuss additional opportunities for ethanol as a transportation and energy industry tool.

“Consumer access to E20 fuel is another significant step forward for the environmental goals of the Philippines and for U.S. ethanol producers in what is already the ninth-largest export market for U.S. grains in all forms,” Wurth said.

“Additional conversations there about the potential for sustainable aviation fuel and marine fuel adoption in the transportation sector show the country’s belief in ethanol’s capabilities.”



Beef Checkoff Partners Launch the Route 66 Beef Trail to Celebrate 100 Years of the Iconic Highway

As Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand—funded by Beef farmers and ranchers—is turning America’s most iconic highway into a coast‑to‑coast celebration of beef with the Route 66 Beef Trail. The Beef Trail is a coordinated effort between state beef councils spanning all eight states along the iconic route and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA’s) Beef Checkoff-funded programming.

Two icons of Americana, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand and Route 66 just make sense. And now, with the launch Route 66 Beef Trail Road trippers will be able to easily explore the people, places and flavors that make beef a staple as they celebrate the 100 years of the Mother Road.

The Route 66 Beef Trail is a mobile‑exclusive digital passport that highlights beef‑forward restaurants, historic landmarks and cultural attractions across all eight Route 66 states. To bring the road trip to life state beef councils in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California came together to highlight local stops, share regional beef stories and create a unified experience celebrating both the centennial and the cattle‑producing communities along the route.

Travelers can sign up for the free mobile pass and check in at participating locations to earn points, redeem prizes and learn about beef’s role in shaping the communities along the Mother Road. From historic stockyards and family‑owned steakhouses to modern barbecue favorites, the Beef Trail highlights the diversity of beef experiences available to millions of summer road‑trippers.

To explore the Route 66 Beef Trail and see how Beef Checkoff partners are bringing the centennial to life, visit our Route 66 Beef Trail home page https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/route-66-beef-trail.



USTR Report Underlines Landmark Wins for Common Name Protections

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) welcomed Thursday’s release of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2026 Special 301 Report, which details the significant progress made over the past year in securing commitments from U.S. trade partners to protect the free use of generic food and beverage terms.

The annual report documenting the most pressing intellectual property issues facing U.S. exporters this year spotlights the Administration’s successful efforts to protect American producers’ use of common names such as “parmesan” and “feta” against the European Union’s protectionist geographical indication (GI) policies. NMPF, USDEC and CCFN have been proud to coordinate with the Administration on combatting policies that restrict the use of widely recognized food and beverage terms to only specific European producers and effectively cut U.S. producers out of certain key markets.

“For too long, the EU has weaponized GI policy to crowd out American producers from markets they have served for decades,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “This past year’s reciprocal trade agreements are a sea change, and we welcome USTR’s leadership and persistence in addressing this issue. We encourage the Administration to build on this impressive foundation in every remaining negotiation to ensure U.S. exporters are never again shut out of export markets by the EU’s GI misuse.”

"EU GI schemes create a two-tiered system that benefits European dairy producers and stamps out competition,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “NMPF deeply appreciates USTR’s leadership in addressing the GI restrictions detailed in the Special 301 report as a priority trade barrier. We look forward to continuing this great work with USTR."

“The EU’s approach to geographical indications is simply a dressed-up trade barrier. It is entirely unacceptable,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “Too many trading partners have been coerced into imposing barriers on products using common food names. We greatly appreciate the Administration’s leadership in reversing this trend, and we urge USTR to build on their great work securing important protections for common names in nine Agreements on Reciprocal Trade signed to date and protect common names in every market.”

CCFN submitted comments to the agency in January, which broke down the many markets where U.S. dairy producers’ common name rights are being threatened, including “asiago,” “provolone” and “gruyere,” and participated in the Special 301 public hearing USTR held in February. NMPF and USDEC filed supporting comments, expressing gratitude for the Administration’s action.

All three organizations will continue to work closely with USTR and U.S. government partners to monitor implementation of the reciprocal trade agreements and to ensure that U.S. trade partners fully meet their commitments to maintaining open and predictable access for U.S. dairy and other common name products.



AGI Marks 30 Years Celebrating Growth, Founders’ Legacy and Commitment to Agriculture  

Ag Growth International Inc. (AGI), a leading global provider of equipment and solutions for the agriculture, food and commercial markets, is proud to mark 30 years in business. Formed initially as a holding company in 1996, AGI completed its initial public offering (IPO) in November 2004 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. 

Over the past three decades, AGI has grown from its entrepreneurial beginnings into a global organization serving customers in more than 100 countries. Today, the company offers a leading portfolio of solutions spanning grain handling and storage, fertilizer, feed, food, and digital technologies — supporting customers across the agricultural value chain. In many of the categories and regions in which AGI operates, its products such as Westfield, Batco, Westeel and Hi Roller, typically rank as the #1 or #2 brand in their sectors. 

“Thirty years in business is an important milestone for AGI,” said Paul Brisebois, Interim President and CEO of AGI. “It reflects the long-term dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the strong foundation that has enabled AGI to grow and serve agriculture markets around the world.” 

As part of the anniversary, AGI will recognize the milestone and its continued investment in products and capabilities throughout 2026 with a specially designed 30th-anniversary logo, employee recognition initiatives, and a series of celebration events across key regions this summer and fall.  

For AGI’s founders, the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on both the company’s growth and the values that have guided it from the beginning.  

“When we started AGI, the focus was on building practical, reliable solutions for farmers and agricultural businesses,” said Gary Anderson, one of AGI’s three original co‑founders. “As I reflect on AGI’s journey, I always come back to the people— those who took a chance to work with us, buy our products, and invest as shareholders. Seeing AGI grow into a global organization, while staying true to value, quality and strong customer relationships, is something we’re incredibly proud of. The true magic behind building this extraordinary business has always come from the shared belief and commitment of those people." 

Art Stenson, also a co-founder of AGI, reflected on the milestone and legacy shared with his late brother, Rob Stenson. 

“This anniversary brings back many memories,” said Stenson. “My brother Rob, Gary and I deeply believed in agriculture and in building a company upon which farmers and customers could rely. Rob would be immensely proud to see what AGI has become today — its people, its global reach, and the impact it continues to have across the industry. That founding spirit is still very much alive.” 

As AGI enters its fourth decade, the organization remains focused on delivering value through engineering excellence, strong manufacturing capabilities, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of modern agriculture.