The USDA and trade groups are advancing initiatives to modernize programs, support farmers, and streamline operations, while key trade agreements face ongoing uncertainty and potential changes that could affect markets. Here are the top nine updates to note from Washington, D.C., this week.

1. Spring Crop Insurance Prices Finalized with Lower Corn and Wheat, Higher Soybeans

Projected spring crop insurance prices for 2026–2027 were set at $4.62 per bushel for corn, down 8 cents from last year, $11.09 for soybeans and $6.19 for spring wheat. These prices determine revenue protection under federal crop insurance, giving farmers slightly weaker coverage for corn and wheat but stronger protection for soybeans. Farmers have until March 15, 2026, to purchase policies that combine these price guarantees with their yield history. Read more about spring crop insurance prices here.

2. House Agriculture Committee Urged to Pass 2026 Farm Bill

The American Farm Bureau Federation urged the House Agriculture Committee to pass the 2026 Farm, Food, and National Security Act, emphasizing that farmers face high costs, low prices and uncertainty. The bill updates farm and food programs, strengthens conservation, expands specialty crop support and increases research investments. The American Farm Bureau Federation leaders encouraged lawmakers to find common ground and move the bipartisan bill forward after three years of delays. Read more about the farm bill here.

3. U.S. and Indonesia Sign Strategic Reciprocal Trade Agreement to Realign Economic Ties

The newly announced U.S.–Indonesia Reciprocal Trade Agreement is a strategic framework designed to reshape bilateral relations by aligning regulatory standards, integrating supply chains and expanding market access, while potentially limiting China’s regional influence. Indonesia will reduce non‑tariff barriers, modernize customs and adopt stronger labor, environmental and digital standards, while the U.S. offers managed tariff certainty and greater export opportunities. The pact lacks binding arbitration and can be ended on short notice, so its long-term impact will depend on how effectively the provisions are implemented. Read more about the strategic agreement with Indonesia here.

4. USMCA Faces Growing Uncertainty Ahead of 2026 Review

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) faces growing uncertainty ahead of its six‑year review in July 2026, as Canada warns that without a U.S. extension, the pact could be subject to annual reviews, destabilizing trade and investment. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc suggested the uncertainty may be a deliberate U.S. tactic, while Canada and Mexico are exploring alternative trade options. The situation highlights challenges for maintaining North America’s key economic agreement. Read more about the upcoming July review.

5. Experts Say Dividing North American Trade Pact Could Harm U.S. Farmers

Trade groups, including Farmers for Free Trade, warned that splitting the USMCA into separate deals would harm the integrated North American market that supports $60 billion in U.S. agricultural exports. Trade groups argue that updating the existing trilateral agreement with targeted fixes would provide greater stability, secure market access and maintain the dispute-resolution protections that benefit U.S. farmers. Learn more about the potential impact on farmers.

6. New U.S. Tariffs Stall Approval of Transatlantic Trade Agreement

The European Parliament has suspended approval of the proposed U.S.–EU trade deal, citing recent U.S. tariffs that undermine the agreement’s stability and predictability. European officials argue that recent U.S. actions have altered agreed terms and created “chaos” in transatlantic trade, leaving the future of the pact uncertain. Lawmakers are calling for clearer commitments from the U.S. before moving forward. Read more about the proposed trade deal here.

7. New USDA Initiative Unifies Farmer Records to Improve Efficiency Across Agencies

The USDA launched its “One Farmer, One File” initiative to streamline how farmers interact with federal programs by creating a single digital record across the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Risk Management Agency (RMA). The system aims to reduce paperwork, improve efficiency, save time, and cut IT costs. Work began in 2025; major progress is expected in 2026, with full completion by 2028. This effort is part of broader USDA plans to simplify access to services such as acreage reporting, capital assistance and disaster recovery. Read more about improved efficiencies for farmers.

8. USDA Moves to Streamline Operations by Divesting Dilapidated Properties

The USDA announced plans to dispose of two underused facilities, returning them to the General Services Administration for sale or repurposing. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the department’s real estate footprint, cut maintenance costs and streamline operations. Officials said it will also help relocate staff closer to the communities and farmers they serve while addressing longstanding inefficiencies. Read more in the USDA news release.

9. House Ag Committee Starts Farm Bill Markup

The House Agriculture Committee has begun formal markup on a long-term farm bill, prompting industry leaders to explain why updated, comprehensive legislation is needed. While the One Big Beautiful Bill included many provisions from the farm bill, it did not cover all the titles included in a long-term farm bill, including credit, farm loan limits, conservation, and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Read more on the House Ag Committee markup here.