Recent key Ag developments including fertilizer supply threats, farm aid payments and USDA staff departure

The Farm Bill cleared the House Agriculture Committee this week, advancing the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 with bipartisan support and praise from many farm organizations.

The March 16 deadline is fast approaching for farmers to purchase crop insurance for spring-seeded crops like corn and soybeans.

As farmers finalize plans for corn, soybean and wheat acres, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has released spring crop insurance…

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.

Higher premium subsidies have put Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) crop insurance back on farmers’ radar for 2026.

The rising global demand for U.S. beef is largely driven by international consumers’ growing preference for corn-fed beef, valued for its high marbling, rich flavor and consistent quality.

The Midwest will continue to see late-winter temperature swings through February and into March, with snow and colder air returning, but only temporarily, before warmer air pushes back in again.

Farm financial stress has deepened through 2025 and into 2026. Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings among U.S. farmers and ranchers have climbed sharply as rising production costs, shrinking receipts and mounting debt squeeze margins on both crop and livestock operations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking farmers, economists and other stakeholders for feedback on how it collects and analyzes agricultural data.