AGP Executive Report

Canada-U.S. Tariff Truce: Trump paused the planned 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods just hours before they were set to hit, saying a deal is pending final paperwork; Canada’s PM Mark Carney confirmed the pause runs until Aug. 21, with “substantial progress” but more work ahead. Farm Policy Focus: Sen. Adam Schiff toured a Yuba City rice farm and flagged 2026 Farm Bill priorities including specialty-crop support and expanding access to CalFresh and other nutrition programs. Forest Rule Fight: California lawmakers and advocates are pushing back hard against USDA’s proposed rescind of the Roadless Rule, warning it would roll back protections on millions of acres and shrink public access. Dietary Guidelines Lawsuit: A physician group sued the Trump administration over the dietary guidelines process, alleging a secret, industry-linked panel helped rewrite recommendations. Food Safety Watch: The CDC reported more than 1,800 additional Cyclospora patients in the past week, bringing confirmed cases to 15,716 since May 1. Local Agriculture & Community: Oregon approved a new North Pendleton Rangeland Fire Protection Association, giving volunteer fire crews equipment and training for previously unprotected rangelands.

Conservation & Water Quality: Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig announced an expansion of the Cattle and Conservation Working Lands program into 22 counties in the Greater Des Moines watershed, paying livestock producers to convert under-performing cropland into pasture and hay to cut erosion and improve downstream water quality. Food Safety Watch: Massachusetts was added to the FDA’s multistate cyclospora outbreak list, reporting 147 cases so far this season, with officials expecting more reports into fall as testing continues. Opioid Treatment Access: Connecticut launched its first state-funded mobile methadone vans, aiming to reduce travel and dosing barriers for people seeking opioid use disorder treatment. Trade & Fertilizer Pressure: Canada is bracing for new 50% U.S. tariffs tied to Section 338 as talks remain far apart, with potential knock-on effects for ag inputs and dairy among affected sectors. Ag Biosecurity: USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins and DHS signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen border detection and response to threats like New World screwworm. Rural Economy & Jobs: A judge paused the closure of a St. Albans dairy plant after a Teamsters union challenge alleging retaliation, keeping about 80 jobs in place while the case proceeds.

USDA Farm Outlook: USDA projected record combined corn and soybean planted acres at 183.5 million, with soybean yield at 52.7 bushels/acre and corn yield at 180.7 bushels/acre, while supply-and-demand updates nudged corn and wheat stocks and prices. Grape Relief Push: Sen. Chuck Schumer urged USDA to buy surplus Concord grapes and grape products for nutrition programs after Refresco canceled contracts, aiming to stabilize Western New York growers. Livestock & Processing Pressure: Tyson is shutting down additional beef plants as the U.S. cattle herd shortage deepens, leaving Midwest producers scrambling. Trade Tensions Hit Produce: The U.S. is investigating whether Mexican winter strawberries are underpriced, raising the risk of tariffs and higher costs for shoppers. Tariff Fallout Beyond Food: China imposed provisional anti-dumping measures on pecans from the U.S. and Mexico, requiring import deposits. Water & Farm Resilience: Utah State University’s Ag-DRIP program highlights irrigation tweaks to conserve water in the Colorado River Basin. Biosecurity & Safety: FDA upgraded recall risk for eggs tied to salmonella concerns, underscoring ongoing food-safety scrutiny.

Cattle & Processing: Tyson Foods plans to close or sell three beef facilities (Illinois, Utah, and a Washington state plant) as the U.S. cattle herd stays at a historic low, shifting capacity to Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Wildlife Biosecurity: Delaware adopted emergency deer hunting rules to slow chronic wasting disease spread, including a management zone, limits on bait/feed, and required check-in and testing for harvested deer. Trade & Ag Exports: U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council market efforts are boosting corn, sorghum, and DDGS demand in Spain, Portugal, and Korea, citing sharp export value and volume gains. Disaster Relief: USDA extended the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program application deadline to Sept. 30, 2026, and added flexibility for documenting quality losses. Farm Policy & Food Assistance: South Carolina launched a two-year SNAP pilot restricting purchases of candy and sweetened drinks (diet/zero-sugar still allowed). Beef Supply Chain: Tyson’s moves are already drawing concern from regional cattle feeders about uncertainty and downstream impacts.

Colorado River Water Stress: Federal data show Lake Mead and Lake Powell at record lows, pushing the Southwest toward an “uncharted territory” risk for water, agriculture, and hydropower. Wildlife & Forests: A new GPS study finds invasive barred owls repeatedly using the same old-growth habitat northern spotted owls need in California, raising pressure on spotted-owl nesting areas. Food Safety & Recalls: Regulators upgraded a salmonella egg recall to the highest risk level, while Taylor Farms’ Mexico-linked outbreaks continue to drive inspections and expanded product pullbacks. Livestock & Prices: Beef prices are hitting record levels as the cattle herd shrinks to a 75-year low, squeezing summer grilling budgets. Farm Policy & Markets: Farmers are bracing for major farm bill and biofuel votes, with leaders urging Congress to move before the year ends. Farm Health & Biosecurity: A long-running global study links livestock manure to antibiotic resistance genes that can spread beyond farms, adding urgency to manure management. Local Food Access: Cotati-Rohnert Park schools will offer free meals to all students for 2026-2027, keeping USDA meal support front and center.

Food Safety & Recalls: FDA upgraded salmonella risk for eggs and expanded recalls tied to Taylor Farms, including jalapeño products pulled across major retailers, underscoring weak safeguards in cross-border produce supply chains. Farm Labor & Trade Disruptions: Mexico’s avocado exports to the U.S. resumed after a security alert was lifted in Michoacán; packing plants restarted and USDA inspectors returned, though workers fear violence and extortion could return. Nutrition Policy Fight: Wisconsin lawmakers split on FoodShare rules—AB1027 on sharing benefit data with USDA passed, while AB180/related votes to restrict candy and soft drinks drew sharp opposition. Weather & Crop Outlook: USDA reported record combined corn and soybean acreage for 2026/27, while a rapidly intensifying Super El Niño is forecast to reshape winter conditions across North America. Water & Drought Impacts: Colorado’s Blue Mesa Reservoir dropped below 25% capacity, exposing riverbeds and limiting help for Lake Powell as the Colorado River system strains. Policy & Infrastructure Pressure: Canada-U.S. tariff talks face a looming deadline, with negotiators warning new U.S. tariffs may start Wednesday.

Food Safety & Regulation: Federal data and new legal pressure are putting the spotlight on ultra-processed foods and the 1958 GRAS loophole, with San Francisco suing manufacturers and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. teaming up with former FDA chief David Kessler to push changes. Beef Supply Crunch: Tyson Foods is shutting down or selling additional beef facilities as a U.S. cattle shortage tightens supply and squeezes margins. Salmonella Watch: A salmonella outbreak tied to raw eggs used in mayonnaise has grown to 21 cases, including hospitalizations, as regulators and local health officials continue tracing sources. Produce Inspections: FDA has begun inspecting Taylor Farms’ central Mexico plant after links to cyclosporiasis, raising scrutiny over agricultural water and food handling. Trade & Market Access: The U.S. fully restarted avocado export-related activities in Mexico’s Michoacán after a security scare disrupted inspections. Weather & Farm Risk: Hurricane Lala is battering Hawaiʻi with heavy rain, flooding warnings, power outages, and water-use restrictions—conditions that can quickly disrupt farm and supply operations. Wildlife & Land Use: USDA is helping a Pennsylvania suburb abate Canada geese in a park after bird activity created safety and sanitation problems. Ag Policy & Conservation: Senators are urging the Interior Department to preserve wetland easement protections tied to waterfowl habitat in the “duck factory” Prairie Pothole region.

Food Safety Watch: Cyclospora fears are easing for shoppers, but only if you toss recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce tied to a 17-state outbreak that has reached 9,481 illnesses, 398 hospitalizations and two deaths; officials say the rest of the produce supply is safe with normal washing and handling. Food Safety Fallout: Investigators are still running multiple Cyclospora inquiries with no named source for several clusters, while a separate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños has spread across 27 states. SNAP/FoodShare Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers advanced FoodShare rules that would require the state to seek USDA waivers to restrict purchases of candy and soft drinks; meanwhile, other FoodShare data-sharing bills (AB1027) are moving through the legislature with mixed votes. Trade & Produce: The U.S. fully restarted avocado inspections in Mexico’s Michoacán after a security pause, helping protect shipments to American markets. Public Health Regulation: A new federal push targets the long-running GRAS loophole, arguing it lets companies add ingredients with less FDA oversight as ultra-processed foods dominate diets. Rural Nutrition: West Virginia’s Raleigh County Schools will use USDA Community Eligibility Provision to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in 2026-27.

Food Safety & Recalls: FDA upgraded an egg recall to Class I after salmonella sickened dozens across multiple states, with most cases tied to Texas. Public Health: Hawaii confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, with travel linked and risk to the public described as low. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Wisconsin DATCP confirmed chronic wasting disease at two deer farms (Crawford and Portage counties), triggering quarantines and epidemiological investigations. Farm Policy & Money: A new report says ultra-processed foods make up 55% of daily calories (youth nearly 62%), while critics target the GRAS loophole that lets additives enter without full FDA review. Agriculture Trade: The U.S. launched a Nigeria livestock push under the Freedom 250 program, bringing American expertise to boost productivity and private investment. Rural Infrastructure: Rep. Hal Rogers delivered $30M+ for Eastern Kentucky water and wastewater projects, aimed at jobs and flood recovery.

Food Safety & Recalls: FDA upgraded a nearly 1.6 million dozen egg Salmonella recall to Class I, tied to Midwest Poultry Services’ Texas farms, with illnesses reported across 17 states. Produce Oversight: Consumer Reports criticized FDA for taking too long to begin onsite inspections at Taylor Farms de Mexico amid the cyclospora outbreak, while FDA continues sampling. Trade & Tariffs: Brazil launched a formal “economic reciprocity” process after new U.S. tariffs, starting a 60-day consult phase that could lead to countermeasures. North American Ag Trade: U.S. trade officials say Canada must lift retaliatory steps to avoid more tariffs as negotiations continue. Livestock & Tech: Experts highlight RFID and digital tracking as a way to speed disease response and improve traceability in U.S. swine. Farm Economy & Markets: U.S. corn is gaining share in South Korea, with new market access efforts also targeting sub-Saharan Africa. Local Farm Resilience: Missouri Extension is running “Field to Consumer Farm Tours” to show real strategies for agritourism, CSA, and direct sales. Policy Watch: SBA ended the 8(a) race-based presumption of social disadvantage, changing how individuals qualify for the program.

Food Safety Crackdown: HHS and FDA move to tighten rules around “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) food additives, as new federal data shows ultra-processed foods make up 55% of adult calories and nearly 62% for kids. Foodborne Illness Watch: Maine reports additional Cyclospora cases tied to the multistate iceberg lettuce recall, renewing pressure on produce testing and outbreak response. Regulatory/Labeling Fight: San Francisco sues ultra-processed food makers, comparing the push to earlier tobacco litigation and targeting the GRAS loophole. Border & Ag Biosecurity: USDA-APHIS begins an oral rabies vaccine bait drop in West Virginia to stop raccoon rabies spread; CBP also seized 440 pounds of unprocessed cotton at Dulles. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. announces steep new drone tariffs aimed at China, with duties starting in September. Ranch Tech Investment: Ranchbot raises $15M to expand water and livestock monitoring tools for U.S. ranchers. Local Ag Pressure: Arkansas rice farmers push back on depressed prices and high inputs, with “Soil Sisters” seeking federal help. Animal Health/Policy: California phases out paraquat after companies pull registrations rather than submit required health data.

Food Safety & Recalls: Federal officials say the Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce is off the market, but cases keep climbing—Michigan reported 13,909 cases and 314 hospitalizations as of Aug. 13, with Pennsylvania also tracking new counts. Another Produce Shock: A separate Salmonella-linked jalapeño recall tied to Taylor Farms has expanded across major retailers, renewing scrutiny of how imported produce is monitored. Trade & Border Risk: USDA resumed avocado export inspections from Mexico’s Michoacán after a security halt, but the region remains under a “Do Not Travel” advisory. Climate & Crops: NOAA says El Niño odds are rising toward a very strong event, raising the stakes for winter weather and food planning. Policy & Oversight: A push to revise USMCA is gaining support from industry groups worried about counterfeit refrigerants and rule-skipping routes. Rural Economy: USDA and the Local Catch Network (UMaine) are teaming up to expand federal support for the U.S. seafood industry. Markets: Soft white wheat prices in the Pacific Northwest slipped on ample nearby supplies, even as levels stayed above a year ago. Farm Bill Politics: Vermont Sen. Peter Welch met organic dairy leaders to press for stronger Farm Bill support for small and organic producers.

Food Safety & Regulation: San Francisco and federal health leaders are pushing back on ultra-processed foods, spotlighting the decades-old GRAS “self-certify” loophole and renewed calls to tighten rules on ingredients like refined carbohydrates. Public Health on Farms: Michigan’s Kent County Youth Fair reported swine flu exposure after sick pigs; officials say people are being tested, with no confirmed human cases yet. Farmworker Heat Risk: A North Carolina court ruling limited a heat-injury lawsuit under workers’ compensation rules, underscoring how extreme heat keeps raising stakes for farm labor. Food Assistance: USDA updated income eligibility for school and daycare meal programs for the 2027 school year, affecting free and reduced-price meals and reimbursements. Ag Markets & Costs: July inflation cooled to 3.4% nationally, but food prices—especially beef—remain a pressure point for households. Trade & Inputs: Farm groups urged the FTC to speed up a fertilizer probe as corn harvest begins, while China announced new tariff deposits on U.S. pecans. Rural Energy: USDA awarded $570,000 to a Northern California bioenergy plant to expand power generation and wildfire-risk reduction.

Farm Bill Stalls: A Kansas agriculture advocate says the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to move the farm bill forward keeps passage in doubt, with SNAP funding and state error-rate costs driving division. Crop Watch: USDA cut its wheat production estimate again, pointing to smaller winter wheat acreage and lower spring wheat yield projections, while also raising corn and soybean production guesses on higher planted/harvested area. Market Signals: USDA’s August WASDE showed corn/soy yields slightly below expectations but more acres, nudging futures higher ahead of the report. Drought Response: North Dakota activated a Hay Hotline for ranchers and others to find hay, pasture, and hayland, and Oregon highlighted USDA water grants and WaterSMART drought funding for communities and tribes. Food Safety & Supply: The Taylor Farms salmonella recall fallout kept expanding, while the broader cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to reshape produce demand and farm economics. Workforce: Kentucky State University won a $200,000 grant to train adults for landscaping, urban forestry, and sustainable agriculture jobs in Louisville. Ag Innovation: Bayer struck a licensing deal to bring elite European wheat genetics into hybrid wheat breeding, targeting commercial launches in the early 2030s.

Farm Bill Stalls: Kansas farm leaders say the Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to move the Farm Bill out of committee threatens passage this year, with SNAP cost-sharing and tight margins driving division. Crop Insurance Deadlines: USDA reminded producers that Sept. 1 and Sept. 30 are key sales closing dates for fall-planted crop insurance changes for the 2027 crop year. Drought Relief With Lingering Water Stress: Casey County, Kentucky, exited drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor, but local water levels remain low, keeping pressure on water planning. Milk Prices: USDA’s July Class III and Class IV benchmark prices fell to their lowest since February, reflecting tighter dairy economics. Pesticide Policy: California will phase out paraquat, a weedkiller linked to serious health concerns, affecting major crops like almonds and grapes. Food Safety Recalls: Taylor Farms’ salmonella and cyclospora-related recalls kept expanding, underscoring supply-chain vulnerability. Water-Efficiency Tech: A smart irrigation market report points to growth driven by WaterSense and water-use rules pushing farmers toward sensor-based systems. Heat and Agriculture: NOAA reported July as the hottest month on record, raising stakes for crop and livestock stress nationwide.

Farm Bill Stalls: Kansas farm advocates say the Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to move the farm bill forward threatens passage this year, with SNAP funding and staffing costs driving division. Crop Outlook: Ahead of USDA’s August report, analysts expect U.S. corn yields to come in slightly below trend after drought and heat stress, while soybean yields are seen near the current estimate. USDA Funding & Staffing: A House Agriculture member warned farmers are worried about reduced USDA staffing and possible cuts to conservation programs like EQIP, arguing local NRCS offices are key for delivery. Food Safety & Recalls: The cyclospora outbreak continues to spark lawsuits, while FDA and industry actions keep rolling as fresh-produce and prepared-food recalls linked to salmonella and other pathogens hit shelves. Livestock Health Threat: A new dashboard tracks the New World screwworm threat county-by-county, as the flesh-eating pest spreads north again. Weather Pressure: NOAA says the contiguous U.S. just logged its hottest July on record, raising new concerns for drought-strained farm regions. Ag Community & Training: Michigan State Extension is launching research-based workshops to help local leaders evaluate renewable energy projects’ impacts on farmland and safety.