Congress, the USDA, and farm organizations kicked off August with several developments that could influence farm policy, livestock health, market outlooks, and producer support programs. From renewed momentum on the Senate farm bill to upcoming USDA deadlines and fresh cattle market data, here are seven stories worth keeping on your radar.

Corn Growers Rally Behind Senate Farm Bill

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is urging Congress to move quickly on the Senate farm bill, calling the proposal an important step toward strengthening the farm safety net. In a letter to Senate leaders, NCGA highlighted provisions that support commodity programs, crop insurance and conservation while emphasizing the need to provide farmers with greater certainty during a challenging farm economy. The organization encouraged lawmakers to continue negotiations and deliver a modernized farm bill as soon as possible.

Read the full article to learn why corn growers are backing the Senate farm bill.

More Companies Join USDA’s Product of USA Labeling Program

USDA announced six additional companies have been approved to participate in its voluntary Product of USA labeling verification program. The initiative is designed to strengthen label integrity by verifying that qualifying meat, poultry and egg products are sourced from animals born, raised, processed, and harvested in the United States. USDA says the continued expansion reflects growing industry interest in providing consumers with greater confidence in origin labeling.

Read the full article to see which companies have joined the Product of USA program.

USDA Invests $25 Million to Strengthen Screwworm Response

The USDA is investing $25 million to establish a sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona as part of its ongoing response to New World screwworm. The new facility is expected to strengthen the nation’s ability to deploy sterile flies more quickly, supporting efforts to contain the pest before it spreads farther into U.S. livestock-producing regions. The investment builds on USDA’s broader strategy to protect animal health and livestock ranchers.

Read the full article to learn how USDA is expanding its screwworm response.

Key USDA Assistance Deadlines Are Approaching

Several USDA assistance program deadlines are approaching, making it important for eligible farmers to review available opportunities before application windows close. The article outlines upcoming deadlines for financial assistance and disaster-related programs, helping farmers identify which programs may apply to their operations and the actions needed to remain eligible.

Read the full article to review upcoming USDA program deadlines.

Concerns Are Raised About USDA Funding Capacity

The American Farm Bureau Federation is raising concerns about the remaining balance of the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and what limited funding could mean for future farm programs. According to the analysis, maintaining adequate CCC resources is important for the USDA’s ability to respond to market disruptions, implement conservation initiatives and support farmers through existing programs.

Read the full article to understand why Farm Bureau is watching CCC funding closely.

USDA Reports Offer New Insight Into Cattle Markets

New USDA livestock reports are providing ranchers with a clearer picture of current cattle supplies and market conditions. The data offers updated insight into herd inventories and production trends, helping producers evaluate supply fundamentals as they make marketing and herd management decisions in a historically tight cattle market.

Read the full article to explore the latest USDA cattle market data.

USDA Clarifies Wetland Determinations After Years of Uncertainty

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) issued an interim final rule to clarify how certified wetland determinations are recognized under USDA programs. Under the rule, most determinations made since Nov. 28, 1990, will be considered certified if farmers received notice and appeal rights, providing greater consistency for land management decisions and eligibility for USDA programs. The update is intended to reduce uncertainty and streamline the wetland determination process for farmers and ranchers.

Read the full article to learn how USDA’s updated wetlands policy could impact your operation.