American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Army Corps) proposed Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

“Farmers share the goal of protecting the nation’s natural resources and we’re pleased the EPA and Army Corps put forward a new Waters of the U.S. rule. It respects farmers’ ability to responsibly use their land while ensuring regulations align with the framework established by the Supreme Court’s Sackett ruling.

“The new WOTUS rule provides a clear understanding of federal jurisdiction, which is critical for farmers who may face severe penalties or even jail time for unknowingly violating the law. While we’re still reviewing the details of the final rule, we’re hopeful that it will prove durable and bring an end to the regulatory back and forth farmers have endured during the past decade. America’s families deserve clean water and clear rules, as do the farmers who work to grow the food those families rely on.”

Read Article on FB.org

Key Takeaways

• USDA raised its 2026 net farm income forecast by $5 billion from February to $158.4 billion, and its estimate of 2025 income even more. As a result, net farm income is now expected to fall 2.6% in nominal terms and 5.5% after inflation in 2026.

• The expense outlook has deteriorated significantly. USDA raised its 2026 production expense forecast by $15.1 billion since February to $492.8 billion. Fuel and oil expenses are now projected to jump 28.8%, fertilizer expenses are up 15.3% and livestock purchases are up 11.4% from their earlier forecast.

• Direct government payments, including ad hoc and traditional farm bill program payments, are forecast to reach $47.4 billion in 2026, up nearly 70% from 2025. Those payments provide critical support, but their size also illustrates the continued gap between market returns and the cost of producing food, fiber and fuel.

USDA’s  September 2026 net farm income forecast, released Sept. 3, projects that net farm income, a broad measure of farm sector profitability, will decline to $158.4 billion in 2026. That is $4.3 billion, or 2.6%, below the newly revised 2025 estimate of approximately $162.7 billion. After adjusting for inflation, the decline becomes considerably larger at $9.1 billion, or 5.5%.

At first glance, the new forecast looks better than USDA’s February outlook, which placed 2026 net farm income at $153.4 billion. However, the comparison is more complicated. USDA also raised its estimate for 2025 by $8.1 billion, from $154.6 billion to $162.7 billion. Because the 2025 revision was larger than the $5 billion upward revision in the 2026 forecast, USDA now projects a steeper decline in farm income from 2025 to 2026. February's forecast anticipated only a 0.7% nominal decline in net farm income and a 2.6% inflation-adjusted decline; September now projects declines of 2.6% and 5.5%, respectively.

Overall, USDA’s September forecast puts farm income above its February estimate, but the revision does not signal broad financial relief. Federal support is projected to rise nearly 70%, from $28 billion in 2025 to $47 billion in 2026—$2.7 billion higher than February’s forecast. This is not all new assistance; USDA records payments when they are received, including support authorized for prior-year losses. Production expenses are now projected more than $15 billion higher, farm debt continues to rise and commodity conditions remain uneven, with stronger crop receipts offset by declines across much of the livestock sector. After inflation, net cash farm income (a slightly narrower measure of profits relative to net farm income) is still expected to fall 2.5% from 2025.

A Different Picture than February

USDA’s September update paints a stronger picture of 2025 than the February projection. For 2025, net farm income is now estimated at about $162.7 billion, up $8.1 billion from the February estimate, while net cash farm income was revised nearly $22 billion higher, from $153.9 billion to about $175.7 billion.

The largest change came from livestock markets. USDA now estimates 2025 animal and animal product receipts at roughly $303.6 billion, nearly $13 billion above its February estimate, while crop receipts changed little. Production expenses were revised slightly lower, from $473.1 billion to $471.6 billion, and direct government payments were revised down from $30.5 billion to $27.9 billion. Taken together, the revisions suggest that stronger realized market receipts, particularly from livestock, help explain much of the improvement in USDA’s estimate of 2025 farm income, rather than a broad easing in production costs or greater government support.

Crops

USDA’s September forecast shows a much stronger 2026 outlook for crop receipts than the February projection. Total crop cash receipts are now projected at $253 billion, up $14.6 billion, or 6.1%, from 2025 and more than $12 billion above USDA’s February forecast of $240.8 billion. After adjusting for inflation, crop receipts are still expected to increase 3.1%.

The largest revisions are concentrated in several major crops. Corn receipts are now expected to increase $6.8 billion, or 11.3%, to $67.3 billion, largely because of higher quantities sold; in February, USDA projected an increase of just $2 billion, or 3.3%. Soybean receipts are forecast to rise $4.3 billion, or 10%, to $47.9 billion, primarily on higher prices, compared with essentially no growth projected in February. Cotton receipts are now forecast to increase $651 million, or 12.5%, to $5.9 billion, after USDA previously expected receipts to remain near 2025 levels.

Other crops moved in the opposite direction. Rice receipts are projected to fall $571 million, or 19.6%, to $2.3 billion, a steeper decline than the 12.5% drop forecast in February. Hay receipts are now expected to increase only $104 million, or 1.3%, to $8 billion, compared with a $400 million, or 5.5%, increase projected earlier in the year, as persistent drought conditions have reduced forage and hay supplies across many livestock-producing regions.

Specialty crop receipts are also mixed. Vegetable and melon receipts are projected to increase $3.8 billion, or 15%, to $28.8 billion, a substantial upward revision from the 2.7% increase USDA projected in February. Fruit and nut receipts, however, are now expected to decline slightly, down about $140 million, or 0.4%, to $34.7 billion, reversing February’s forecast for a 1.2% increase.

Taken together, USDA’s September update points to stronger revenue expectations across much of the crop sector than earlier in the year, particularly for corn, soybeans, cotton and vegetables. But the gains remain uneven, and higher receipts come alongside sharply higher expectations for fertilizer, fuel and other production costs, limiting the extent to which stronger sales translate into improved farm margins.

Livestock

USDA’s September forecast also revised the livestock outlook higher than the February estimate, though receipts are still expected to retreat from a very strong 2025. Animal and animal product cash receipts are projected at $287.3 billion in 2026, about $13.4 billion above USDA’s February forecast, but down $16.4 billion, or 5.4%, from 2025. After adjusting for inflation, receipts are expected to decline 8.1%.

Cattle and calves remain the strongest part of the sector, with receipts forecast to rise $7 billion, or 5.2%, to $140.7 billion. However, higher receipts largely reflect historically tight cattle supplies rather than expanding production. Today’s strong cattle prices are a supply story years in the making, with the U.S. beef cow herd near historic lows following years of drought-driven liquidation and elevated production costs.

Importantly, the forecast may not fully capture the sharp decline in cattle prices that occurred following the administration’s recent proclamation to import 660 million pounds of beef. Cattle farmers and ranchers in many regions have seen cattle values fall, creating losses that could weigh on actual farm revenues beyond what is reflected in USDA’s current outlook.

Milk receipts are still expected to decline, but by a smaller amount than previously forecast, falling $2.1 billion, or 4.3%, to $46.8 billion, versus a 12.8% decline projected in February. Hog receipts are now expected to fall $1.2 billion, or 4%, compared with just a 0.7% decline in February.

Poultry markets are more mixed: egg receipts are expected to plunge $20.9 billion, or 66.3%, to $10.6 billion, broiler receipts fall $1.3 billion, or 2.8%, to $43.3 billion, while turkey receipts rise $2 billion, or 35.1%, to $7.5 billion.

Compared with February, USDA’s September outlook shows greater strength in cattle and a smaller expected decline in dairy receipts, but a weaker outlook for hogs and broilers. Overall livestock receipts are still projected to fall in 2026, with continued strength in cattle unable to fully offset sharp declines in egg receipts and softer returns across several other animal sectors.

Production Expenses

Production costs are one of the most significant changes in USDA’s September outlook. Total farm production expenses are now forecast at $492.8 billion in 2026, up $21.2 billion, or 4.5%, from 2025 and $15.1 billion above USDA’s February forecast. After adjusting for inflation, expenses are now expected to rise 1.5%; in February, USDA projected a 0.9% decline.

Several major categories are moving higher. Livestock and poultry purchases are projected to increase $7.4 billion, or 11.4%, to $71.9 billion, while fertilizer, lime and soil conditioner expenses rise $5.3 billion, or 15.3%, to $39.6 billion and fuel and oil costs increase $4.8 billion, or 28.8%, to $21.6 billion. Marketing, storage and transportation expenses are forecast to increase about $1.3 billion, or 12%, property taxes and fees by about $867 million, or 4.8%, and interest expenses by roughly $921 million, or 2.8%. Cash labor costs remain near $44.3 billion, down slightly from 2025, while feed expenses decline 2.1%.

The sharp increases now projected for fuel and fertilizer are particularly important given renewed conflict in the Middle East. Fighting involving Iran has again disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed Brent crude above $96 per barrel, increasing the risk of further pressure on energy, transportation and fertilizer costs.

Taken together, USDA’s updated estimates suggest that meaningful expense relief remains limited. Even where individual costs ease, total production expenses remain elevated, leaving farm margins vulnerable to weaker commodity prices and renewed input-cost shocks.

Farm Finances

USDA’s September update shows some improvement in the farm balance sheet compared with February, but debt continues to climb. Total farm sector debt is forecast to reach a record $605.1 billion in 2026, up $26.4 billion, or 4.6%, from 2025. The sector’s debt-to-asset ratio is expected to inch up from 13.34% to 13.54%, meaning farmers will carry slightly more debt for every dollar of assets they own.

The revisions are somewhat less concerning than USDA’s February outlook, which projected debt at $624.7 billion and a 13.75% debt-to-asset ratio. Working capital (the cash and other short-term resources farms can use to pay bills) is now expected to increase 3.5% in 2026, after falling 15% in 2025. In February, USDA expected working capital to decline another 9.2%.

Conclusion

USDA’s September revisions show that 2025 farm income was stronger than previously estimated, largely because livestock receipts, particularly cattle, were better than USDA expected in February. That revision matters, but it does not erase the broader financial strain facing agriculture or necessarily mean conditions improved evenly across farms and commodities.

Looking ahead, USDA still expects real farm income to decline in 2026, production expenses to rise sharply, debt to increase and returns to remain uneven across sectors. Government payments via ad-hoc assistance and the farm safety net continue to provide an important bridge, but until market returns keep pace with production costs, many farmers and ranchers will continue to face tight margins and difficult financial decisions heading into 2027.

Read Article on FB.org

New farm income projections say the farm economy is still tough, as we hear in this report from Chad Smith.

Read Article on FB.org

Watch the first episode of Finding Hope Together: A Farm State of Mind® Insights Series

Today, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind initiative released the first episode in a five-part video series, Finding Hope Together: A Farm State of Mind® Insights Series. Every Wednesday in September, we’ll share new episodes that explore different aspects of mental health challenges among farmers and rural communities, and innovative ways people are coming together to find solutions.

In this first episode, three farmers with different farm businesses and experiences — Davis Peeler of South Carolina, Steve Breeding of Delaware, and Whitney Lawson of Oklahoma — sit down with series moderator Lydia Johnson for a brave and honest conversation about how generational dynamics, divorce, alcohol use, and circumstances that are unique to farming like time spent alone and overworking have impacted their lives, and how they’ve overcome those challenges.

Almost anyone involved in farming will relate to pieces of our guests’ stories, and their message is one of encouragement, optimism and support. In addition to opening up, they share suggestions for farmers who may be concerned about a neighbor, or who are wondering where they might find resources for themselves.

When asked why it’s important for more farmers to tell their stories, Davis Peeler said, “You never know how your story may impact someone. It’s not easy to share your story … but the only weak person is one who won’t seek help. Farming is hard on its own, much less with life’s struggles that come in on top of it.”

View the full episode, and subscribe to receive others in your inbox, at FarmStateOfMind.org.

This series will air in September, in observance of Suicide Prevention Month, but our hope is that the conversations spur action year-round. Future episodes will feature grassroots advocates, clinical experts, storytellers and industry stakeholders. The series is meant for anyone looking to support mental health well-being in rural America, whether that’s in your hometown, among your co-op or other network, or on a regional or national scale. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Read Article on FB.org

The Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement of several small refinery exemptions offered mixed news for U.S. farmers. Chad Smith reports.

Read Article on FB.org

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement regarding small refinery exemptions, which impact biofuel demand by exempting refineries from blending renewable fuel as required under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“Renewable fuels have been a tremendous success story for the country and the rural economy. They reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil, lower prices at the pump for consumers, support farm income, and provide good-paying jobs in rural America.

“While we have concerns about granting any small refinery exemptions that undercut a strong domestic biofuels market for farmers, we are pleased to see EPA’s commitment to 100% reallocation of exempted volumes before the end of October. Reallocation is necessary to maintain robust demand for American grown crops. We called on the president to carefully consider the impact of changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard that would destabilize this important market, and we’re pleased that our concerns were heard.

“Farmers are proud to answer the call to help meet America’s energy needs. Farm Bureau looks forward to working with the administration to ensure 100% reallocation of exempted renewable fuel volumes, strengthening the biofuels market that supports America’s farmers while moving our country closer to energy independence.”

Read Article on FB.org

Key Takeaways

•  USDA voluntary and incentive-based conservation practices are widely used by America’s farmers and ranchers. They have proven to be an effective tool for contributing long-lasting benefits to soil, water and wildlife habitat resources while helping farmers and ranchers diversify their income streams.
• CRP has an annual enrollment cap of 27 million acres, as established in the 2018 farm bill. USDA accepted 2.2 million acres in Conservation Reserve Program enrollment for 2026, expanding the reach of this voluntary land retirement conservation program in its 41st year. 
• Grasslands CRP, which allows haying and grazing on CRP land, has become the most widely used CRP contract category within recent years.
• Farmers have employed conservation practices (now widely recognized as part of regenerative agriculture) for decades. In 2023 alone, farmers and ranchers enrolled nearly 70 million acres in conservation practices now categorized as regenerative.

USDA’s Largest Conservation Program

For more than 40 years, thenConservation Reserve Program (CRP) has remained the largest voluntary private lands conservation program in the U.S. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) under the guidelines set forth in Title II of the farm bill, CRP aims to protect natural resources while providing economic benefits to farmers and ranchers. Through annual rental payments, the program encourages farmers to idle agricultural lands from production. Additionally, the program incentivizes the use of plant vegetation practices (intentionally planting or restoring native plant communities on land that has been taken out of crop production) to improve water quality, prevent erosion and restore natural wildlife habitat. CRP offers contracts between 10 to 15 years in length, paying landowners annually. The use of CRP contracts provides a diversified income stream for farmers and ranchers. 

FSA offers three variations of CRP contracts: General, Grasslands and Continuous CRP. Each contract category focuses on various practices, including but not limited to establishing native grasses, implementing riparian buffers, wetland restoration and the development of sustainable grazing methods. Key differences across these contracts include enrollment period, land focus and required conservation practices.

USDA recently announced new CRP enrollment figures for 2026 at 2.2 million acres. Federal law caps total CRP acreage contracts at 27 million acres, an area similar in size to the state of Tennessee. In fiscal year 2025 (the latest full year of available data), Colorado held the largest acreage, followed by South Dakota and Nebraska at 2.96 million, 2.63 million and 2.4 million acres, respectively. While we don't have official state-by-state enrollment totals for 2026, FSA has indicated that the top three states remain unchanged.

CRP Contract Differences

To enroll farmland into the CRP General program, farmers and ranchers submit an offer that includes their requested rental rate and FSA soil assessment scores. Each offer uses the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI), a six-factor national ranking system with five factors that quantify environmental value such as wildlife habitat, water quality, soil erosion, air quality, carbon sequestration and long-term (post contract period) benefits and one factor that scores cost-competitiveness. From there, FSA accepts offers top-to-bottom based on the land’s total EBI score until the acreage available under the statutorily imposed cap is filled. General CRP contracts accounted for just over 29% of the acres enrolled in CRP in April 2026, representing nearly 7.6 million acres.

Grasslands CRP, widely used by ranchers in Western states, uses a similar structure, awarding contracts based on factors that include conservation priority, contract structure and rental rates. Grasslands CRP contracts accounted for nearly 39% of the acres enrolled in CRP in April 2026, a total of nearly 10.3 million acres. Enrolled Grasslands CRP acres have increased each year since the program’s inception following the 2018 farm bill. It is the most popular of the three contract categories beginning in fiscal year 2024.

Unlike General and Grasslands CRP, Continuous CRP contracts are not competitively bid. Land is enrolled automatically, on a rolling basis, so long as it meets the eligibility criteria for an approved conservation practice. Continuous CRP contracts accounted for roughly 32% of the acres enrolled in CRP in April 2026, or roughly 8.3 million acres.

Rental Rates

For General CRP, FSA sets a maximum Soil Rental Rate (SRR) using the productivity of the soils within each county. This number is measured against the average cash rental rates per acre for non-irrigated cropland (using a three-year average of National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) data adjusted for inflation) for the predominant crop of each soil type within a soil survey area. That county baseline is then adjusted by a Soil Productivity Index (SPI) specific to each soil map unit, weighted across the predominant soil types on the offered tract, and subject to an 85% proration for general signup. Continuous CRP rental rates are similarly calculated; however, rental rates under this contract category are subject to a 90% proration. Notably, the range of CRP rental is quite large, with Iowa maintaining average CRP rental rates near $260/acre within the last five years, while states such as Wyoming maintaining average CRP rental payments of less than $16/acre.

Unlike General and Continuous CRP, the Grasslands CRP program is not inherently a land retirement program. Under Grasslands CRP, ranchers are allowed to keep land in production through livestock grazing or hay production. Baseline Grasslands CRP rental rates are calculated by taking 75% of the NASS annual pasture rental rate for the specific county, as long as the specific county rental rate is at or above the minimum contract level of $13 per acre per year. Notably, the CRP Grasslands average rental rate has eclipsed the NASS pastureland average rental rate several times in the last decade, largely due to factors such as the $13 per acre per year minimum contract rate and the presence of national priority zone bonuses (such as within the Yellowstone ecosystem) that receive an extra $5 per acre per year. For fiscal year 2026, Arizona had the lowest statewide average Grasslands CRP rate at $2.93 per acre, while Iowa had the highest average rate at $48.17 per acre.

The FSA releases a monthly summary of the CRP rental rates to reflect current market rents. These rates are used to directly determine the foundation for annual per-acre rental payments that participants receive. Average CRP rental rates vary widely depending on the program and location. National averages for 2026 were $57 per acre for General, $148 per acre for Continuous, and nearly $16 per acre for Grasslands CRP.

CRP Enrollment Reflects a Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture

The growth in CRP enrollment is yet another example of the multigenerational dedication to conservation and land stewardship exhibited by America’s farm and ranch families. Regenerative agriculture has become a prominent focus among policymakers at all levels of government. USDA defines regenerative agriculture as “a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities.” Through participation in CRP and other voluntary, incentive-based USDA conservation programs, farmers and ranchers are advancing conservation and maintaining the long-term health and productivity of their land, with recent investments expanding these efforts through the Regenerative (Agriculture) Pilot Program. As discussed in a recent Farm Bureau Intel, American farmers and ranchers enrolled nearly 70 million acres in federally supported conservation practices now classified as regenerative in 2023.

Aside from federal programs, many farmers and ranchers participate in state, local, private sector and even self-funded conservation initiatives that emphasize critical regenerative agriculture practices and applications. When it comes to protecting and preserving the land and environment through regenerative agriculture practices, America’s farmers and ranchers will continue to lead the way.

Conclusion

Land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, improves water quality, increases soil health, and provides critical habitat for wildlife. These environmental improvements can create lasting value for agricultural operations by preserving natural resources that are essential for future production. By balancing economic stability with conservation stewardship, CRP enables farmers and ranchers to diversify their income while investing in the long-term health and productivity of their land, benefiting both rural communities and the environment.

Read Article on FB.org

• A small refinery exemption lets certain small oil refineries temporarily avoid part or all of the federal requirement to use renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.

• When exempted obligations are not reassigned to other refiners, the overall renewable fuel requirement effectively shrinks, reducing demand for RINs and weakening the incentive to blend renewable fuels.

• For farmers, unreallocated exemptions mean weaker demand for agricultural products, particularly corn used for ethanol and soybean oil used for biomass-based diesel.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires minimum volumes of renewable fuels to be used in the U.S. transportation fuel supply. The program is important to agriculture because one of its objectives is to support rural economies by expanding demand for crops used to produce biofuels. Corn is the primary feedstock for conventional ethanol, while oils from crops such as soybeans, and other fats, are important feedstocks for biomass-based diesel.

But not every refinery is required to fully comply with the RFS. Qualifying small refineries can petition the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for temporary relief through a small refinery exemption, or SRE, if they demonstrate that RFS compliance would cause “disproportionate economic hardship.”

How Does the RFS Work?

Each year, EPA sets Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for fuel importers and oil refiners to comply with the RFS. RVOs are set across four categories: total renewable fuel, advanced biofuel, cellulosic biofuel, and biomass-based diesel. These national volumes are converted into percentage requirements that determine how much renewable fuel individual refiners and fuel importers must account for based on their gasoline and diesel production or imports.

Compliance is tracked through Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs. A RIN is generated when qualifying renewable fuel is produced or imported. Once the fuel is blended, the RIN can be separated and traded. Refiners comply by obtaining RINs through blending renewable fuel or purchasing RINs from other market participants. The RIN is ultimately turned in or “retired” to demonstrate compliance with the refinery's RVO. Different fuels generate different types of RINs:

• D4 RINs represent biomass-based diesel

• D5 RINs represent advanced biofuels

• D6 RINs primarily represent ethanol

• D3 and D7 RINs represent cellulosic fuels

RINs trade in a secondary market, and their prices change because they balance the supply of biofuels with the amount needed to satisfy RFS obligations. When meeting the mandate becomes more difficult or expensive, RIN prices generally increase because a stronger incentive is needed to produce or consume the required renewable fuel. When compliance requirements become easier to meet, RIN prices generally fall.

Where Do Small Refinery Exemptions Fit?

The RFS allows qualifying small refineries to seek an extension of the program's original small-refinery exemption when they can demonstrate disproportionate economic hardship. When EPA grants an SRE, that refinery is relieved of some or all of its RFS compliance obligation.

That matters beyond the individual refinery because reducing an effective RVO reduces the number of RINs needed for compliance. Fewer required RINs mean lower demand for RINs, which can lower the market price of RINs.

SREs for the 2016 through 2018 compliance years ultimately exempted approximately 4 billion RINs from RFS obligations. Those exemptions effectively reduced RVOs, and RIN prices fell sharply as the market adjusted to the smaller compliance requirement. However, falling RIN prices do not mean fuel prices will be lower.

Why Farmers Care

For agriculture, the connection runs through biofuel demand. The RFS creates demand for renewable fuels because obligated parties must acquire and retire RINs to meet their thresholds. D6 RINs are primarily tied to corn ethanol, while D4 RINs are tied to fuels produced from feedstocks including soybean oils.

SREs therefore matter because they can change the size of the effective renewable fuel requirement. A smaller requirement means fewer RINs are needed, which weakens the compliance-driven incentive for renewable fuel use. That does not mean every exempted RIN translates directly into a lost gallon of biofuel or lost bushel of corn, but it does change one of the policy mechanisms supporting biofuel demand.

Conclusion

Small refinery exemptions provide relief to qualifying refineries facing disproportionate economic hardship, but when exempted volumes are not reallocated, the effects can extend beyond the refinery and into farm country. Unreallocated exemptions reduce the effective RFS requirement, lowering the number of RINs needed for compliance and potentially weakening the incentive to blend renewable fuels. For farmers, that can translate into softer demand for corn, soybean oil, and other biofuel feedstocks. Farm Bureau opposes small refinery exemptions, but if exemptions are granted, the associated RFS obligations should be reallocated to preserve overall renewable fuel demand the RFS was designed to support.

Read Article on FB.org

The trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada is best described as “tense.” Chad Smith has details.

Read Article on FB.org

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented on the presidential proclamation issued today by President Trump that allows beef imports to increase by 300,000 metric tons – more than 660 million pounds – over a 90-day period, undermining the U.S. cattle sector’s recovery.   

“One of the few bright spots for U.S. agriculture right now – the cattle sector – just became dimmer because of today’s presidential proclamation. The timing of this proclamation is a gut punch to ranchers’ bottom line. The claim of ensuring these added imports do not ‘disrupt the orderly marketing of commodities in the U.S.’ falls flat when ranchers are now selling their cattle into a market in sharp decline. It’s not too late to reverse this decision, and we urge the president to consider the economic harm this causes America’s ranchers.   

“A strong domestic food supply is easy to take for granted … until it’s gone. We also urge the administration not to make any changes to the renewable fuel standard that would further destabilize farmers who raise corn, soybeans and other crops. Farmers and ranchers are proud to raise the food, fiber and fuel America’s families rely on, but pride doesn’t pay the bills in an upside-down farm economy.”  

Read Article on FB.org