Mid-Week Ag Roundup: Farm Bill Updates, USDA Announcements and Trade Friction Abroad
There’s been no shortage of news that impacts the agriculture industry this week. Here’s a mid-week look around what’s happening, from Capitol Hill shakeups to trade friction abroad.
Graham’s Death and McConnell’s Absence Complicate Senate Votes
The unexpected death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, combined with Sen. Mitch McConnell’s ongoing health absence, has narrowed Senate Republicans’ voting margin to an effective 51-47, stalling committee work on both the Agriculture and Appropriations committees. The Senate Appropriations markup of the bill funding USDA for fiscal year 2027 remains postponed as GOP leaders wait to confirm they have the votes to proceed.
Rep. Glenn Thompson Provides Farm Bill Update
House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson said the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which passed the House in April, is now awaiting Senate action, requiring 60 votes. Thompson noted the bill includes $65 billion in risk management and loss prevention funding, along with expanded credit access and crop insurance enhancements.
Get more commentary on the Farm Bill updates.
USDA Marks Anniversary of Working Families Tax Cuts Act with Final Program Updates
The USDA rolled out its last round of “Farmers First” enhancements tied to the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, covering disaster assistance, marketing loan rates, and cotton and sugar loan terms. Many changes are retroactive to January 1, 2026.
Bennet’s Governor Loss Puts Him in Line for Ag Committee Leadership
Sen. Michael Bennet’s loss in Colorado’s Democratic gubernatorial primary puts him next in line for the top Democratic slot on the Senate Agriculture Committee, pending outcomes involving Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith and Dick Durbin. A wild card is former Sen. Sherrod Brown, whose seniority could leapfrog Bennet if he wins his current Senate race.
See more insights from Tri-State Livestock News.
USDA Expands Farm to School Investments
USDA awarded its second cohort of FY2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, completing the largest single-year investment in the program’s history at nearly $20 million across 68 projects. The funding connects schools with local farmers, producers and ranchers to supply fresh food for meals.
Product of USA Label Gains 10 New Company Adopters
Secretary Rollins announced 10 additional meat and poultry companies, including Harris Ranch, Wholestone Farms and Agri Beef, have joined the USDA’s voluntary Product of USA labeling program. The initiative complements the new SPUR Program, which offers up to $500 million to support small and mid-sized beef processors.
House Ag Democrats Raise Concerns Over USMCA Renewal Decision
House Agriculture Committee Democrats, led by Rep. Angie Craig, pushed back on the administration’s decision not to renew USMCA and instead pursue ten years of annual review, citing a lack of communication with Congress. Groups, including the National Pork Producers Council and International Fresh Produce Association, echoed concerns about the uncertainty this creates for agricultural trade.
Experts Weigh in on U.S. Trade Issues with Spain
Trump’s threat to halt all trade with Spain following NATO tensions has raised legal questions, with experts noting he likely holds authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to pursue an embargo. Analysts say enforcement would be complicated since Spain operates within the EU’s single market, and any move could strain the broader U.S.-EU trade relationship.
Hear what industry experts are saying.
India Holds Firm for Better Trade Terms with the U.S.
India rejected a quick interim trade deal with the U.S., insisting on a tariff advantage over competitors and no new levies after any agreement is signed, according to Reuters reporting. Strong export growth and eased economic pressures have given New Delhi more leverage to wait out negotiations, even as it faces potential new U.S. tariffs later this month.