Trade policy, farm bill negotiations and livestock health issues are all competing for attention in Washington as lawmakers and industry groups navigate a busy summer agenda. From uncertainty surrounding USMCA to the latest movement on the farm bill, here are the policy developments farmers should be watching this week.

After months of drought stress, a dramatic weather reversal across the Midwest and Great Plains has left some corn and soybean farmers dealing with the opposite problem — too much rain. Parts of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Kansas have seen repeated rounds of heavy precipitation in June 2026, resulting in soil saturation, nitrogen leaching, standing water and wind-driven crop damage.

With an enrollment deadline of July 15, 2026, farmers and ranchers only have a short time to secure coverage for RMA's Annual Forage (AF) insurance program. Available in select states and counties, Annual Forage Insurance protects eligible annual forage crops against a lack of precipitation.

Even with non-irrigated corn and soybeans posting record national average yields in 2025, a significant number of farmers across major growing regions still saw ECO and SCO indemnity payments trigger. ECO and SCO are area-based programs that respond to county-level losses – not just your individual operation – and with the Revenue Protection option, payments are driven by a combination of both yield and price.

H-2A guest farmworker certifications increased 17% during the first half of fiscal year 2026 compared to the same period last year, signaling continued reliance on temporary agricultural labor as farmers face ongoing workforce shortages. This year-over-year growth reflects increasing labor demand across agriculture, as domestic labor availability remains limited and farms continue to seek seasonal workers through the federal visa program.

The screwworm fight is intensifying, but it's far from the only story hitting U.S. beef producers this week. Amid the challenges, ranchers did catch a win on the grazing front.

A new and growing market for corn may be emerging on the open ocean. Major global shippers, including Maersk and Vale, are turning to ethanol as a cleaner, cost-effective marine fuel, with Maersk already completing two voyages on 100% ethanol.

The June USDA 2026 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report delivered updated outlooks for corn, soybeans, and wheat as markets continue watching supply expectations heading into summer.

Minnesota lawmakers extended the state’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program, temporarily removing the funding cap for 2026 after demand repeatedly exceeded available dollars.

As New World screwworm cases continue to emerge in the U.S., concern is growing across the livestock industry. Federal agencies,…