AGP Executive Report

New World screwworm response: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas after confirmation of additional New World screwworm cases, warning the outbreak could become a major threat to cattle and urging ranchers to watch wounds and treat fast; officials are also using sterile-fly releases to contain spread. Livestock biosecurity pressure: Sen. Katie Britt pushed USDA to assess Yellow Catfish Virus, citing near-90% mortality and urging stronger import safeguards to protect Alabama’s catfish industry. Soil health push: Experts say recent wind-driven topsoil loss in the Plains is a wake-up call, with no-till and reduced tillage increasingly adopted to stabilize erosion. Livestock tech on the ranch: 701x is expanding GPS-enabled cattle wearables and management tools aimed at improving health detection and reproductive tracking. Farm-to-table food assistance: West Virginia schools are using USDA-funded summer meal sites as grocery prices rise and child hunger remains high. Pollinator crisis: A national survey reports U.S. beekeepers lost 55.6% of managed colonies over the past year, raising concerns for crop pollination. Trade and farm bill debate: A House farm bill proposal would limit schools’ ability to buy certain imported foods, sparking pushback over menu flexibility and supply costs. Aquaculture expansion: Alabama’s Gulf of America project harvested its first redfish batch, aiming to grow smaller, local finfish alongside oysters and seaweed. Energy inputs watch: Urea fertilizer prices have fallen back toward pre-conflict levels, but drought risk still threatens production regions.

New World screwworm: USDA is ramping up a $1B+ response after the flesh-eating parasite was confirmed in the U.S., with cases now at 12 (11 in Texas, 1 in New Mexico). Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas ranches and stressed fast treatment and vigilance as sterile-fly releases and broader containment plans gear up. Livestock & prices: Analysts warn the outbreak could worsen supply shocks on top of tight cattle conditions, with beef already near historic highs. Fertilizer costs: Urea prices have fallen about 36% from April peaks back toward pre-conflict levels, easing pressure for farmers, though drought remains a risk. Food assistance enforcement: USDA subpoenaed California’s social services for SNAP/CalFresh participant data as part of fraud-waste-abuse efforts. Regenerative farming: A Virginia vineyard operation earned Certified Regenified status, highlighting NRCS’s regenerative pilot push. Protein crunch: Whey protein demand is outpacing food-grade supply, driving shortages and record prices. Bees & invasive species: Georgia officials urged residents to watch for yellow-legged hornet nests that can grow rapidly and threaten honeybee-dependent farms.

New World screwworm response: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas after new screwworm detections, highlighting sterile-fly releases and urging ranchers to watch herds and treat wounds fast as the pest threatens cattle. Grazing access on public lands: USDA directed Forest Service staff to streamline grazing arrangements—expanding access to allotments, cutting delays, and pushing “positive engagement” with ranchers. Pesticide legal fight: Pesticide makers are lobbying for state “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits over products like glyphosate/Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law preempts state failure-to-warn claims. Fertilizer market watch: Urea prices fell sharply back toward pre-conflict levels, but El Niño risk could still pressure food inflation. Food supply pressure: A “super El Niño” threat could disrupt global weather and raise grocery prices, with the U.S. reliant on imports for fresh produce. Dairy protein squeeze: Whey protein demand is surging across foods and drinks, driving shortages and record-high prices. Farm labor and health: Latino farmworkers are navigating long COVID impacts with community and medical support, after pandemic-era disruptions. Animal welfare lawsuit: A court battle over alleged abuse at Alexandre Family Farm moves forward, keeping pressure on animal welfare enforcement. Wildfire relief: Thousands of donors helped Nebraska ranchers after a wildfire burned their grass, with hay and disaster funds flowing quickly.

New World screwworm surge in Texas: USDA and Texas officials report 10 cases since June 3, with new quarantine zones expanding after detections in multiple counties, threatening cattle and wildlife and raising urgency for rancher vigilance and rapid treatment. Sterile-fly response ramps up: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins toured Texas ranch sites and reiterated that releasing sterile flies is the most effective control method, while warming conditions make spread harder. FDA emergency pet treatment: FDA granted emergency approval for an over-the-counter drug to treat dogs and cats, aiming to help veterinarians and owners contain outbreaks in affected areas. Pesticide legal fight: Pesticide makers are pushing state “liability shield” laws to block “failure to warn” lawsuits tied to products like glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law preempts state claims. Fertilizer relief, but risk remains: Urea prices fell sharply back toward pre-conflict levels, easing pressure on farmers, though El Niño and supply-chain disruption risks could still feed food inflation. Farm workforce funding push: A bipartisan bill would expand USDA grants for agriculture education and workforce training at community and technical colleges, targeting equipment, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships. Drought stress in Iowa: A Water Summary Update says dry late-May conditions worsened across much of Iowa, with about three-quarters of the state abnormally dry or worse.

New World Screwworm Threat: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas as sterile-fly releases ramp up against the flesh-eating pest, while states expand quarantines and surveillance after new detections; San Angelo and Tom Green County declared a local emergency and an infested zone covering multiple counties. Legal Fight Over Pesticides: Pesticide makers are pushing state “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to products like glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law preempts state failure-to-warn claims. Input Costs Watch: Urea fertilizer prices have fallen back toward pre-conflict levels after a sharp April spike, but El Niño-linked drought risk keeps food-inflation concerns alive. Food Prices & Supply Pressure: Tomato prices are surging and BBQ costs are climbing, with one report citing a “burger tax” effect as meat prices rise. Aquaculture Progress: Dauphin Island Sea Lab harvested its first redfish from an offshore aquaculture platform off Alabama, testing whether nearshore fish farming can scale. Food Safety Recall: Farm Rich frozen pizza snack recall expanded to 21 states over possible metal contamination. Climate Headline: NOAA declared El Niño officially underway, with forecasts warning of major global weather and agriculture impacts.

New World screwworm response: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas as sterile-fly releases ramp up and quarantine zones tighten after the pest’s return, with officials warning the outbreak could become a major cattle-industry threat if ranchers don’t watch wounds and report cases fast. Kansas wheat under stress: Western Kansas producers are seeing highly variable wheat harvests, with drought cutting yields in some fields and recent rain boosting weeds and adding harvest pressure. Farm policy & trade: Lawmakers are pushing to keep USMCA moving for agriculture, while SNAP rules are getting a targeted fix as Sen. Mark Warner backs the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act to let benefits buy hot ready-to-eat chicken. Biofuels update: DOE’s refreshed 45Z CF-GREET model is being hailed by ethanol groups as a key step toward clearer tax-credit rules for producers. Specialty crops funding: USDA opened applications for an expanded Specialty Crop Assistance Program, increasing total support to $1.6B with tiered per-acre payments. Drought impacts: Idaho farmers face major water cutbacks tied to low snowpack, forcing decisions on which fields to abandon. Legal fight over pesticides: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on whether federal law blocks certain pesticide failure-to-warn lawsuits.

New World screwworm response: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited a Texas ranch and watched sterile flies released as the flesh-eating pest threatens the U.S. cattle industry; she blamed the parasite’s return on cuts under the Trump administration, while warning ranchers to stay vigilant, treat quickly, and monitor herds and wildlife. Animal health & biosecurity: Florida expanded an emergency ban on bringing dogs and cats from Texas and New Mexico after detections, underscoring how quickly the outbreak is reshaping livestock and pet movement rules. Farm policy & conservation: NRCS will hold a public Texas State Technical Committee meeting June 24 (Temple) to advise on Farm Bill natural resources programs. Input costs: Urea fertilizer prices fell sharply back toward pre–U.S.-Iran conflict levels, easing pressure on farmers even as drought risk remains. Weather impacts: Severe storms left tens of thousands without power in Michigan, a reminder of how fast disruptions can hit rural communities. Food retail: Sprouts is expanding in Florida, adding more fresh-grocery options statewide.

Trade & Farm Policy: Trump says USMCA with Mexico and Canada could expire in 2036 unless renewed, injecting fresh uncertainty for North American agriculture just as separate talks loom. Global Inputs & Weather: USDA cut the U.S. wheat production outlook in June WASDE after Plains drought, while El Niño is officially here and expected to intensify—raising the odds of more extreme weather and input stress. Pest & Biosecurity: New World screwworm concerns keep spreading across cattle regions, with officials pushing monitoring and animal entry restrictions. Fertilizer Costs: U.S. urea prices have fallen back toward pre-conflict levels, but the Strait of Hormuz disruption is still flagged as a potential food-security risk that could lift global fertilizer prices. State Agriculture Impacts: Oregon expanded drought declarations to more counties, and California found a glassy-winged sharpshooter on grapevines sold at Costco—raising Pierce’s disease risk for the wine industry. Rural Resilience & Aid: SBA disaster loans are available for drought-hit South Carolina and freeze-hit New Jersey, with similar support rolling out in Illinois and Rhode Island after major weather events. Research & Tech: SDSU Extension highlighted precision livestock research at its Cottonwood Field Station, focusing on practical ROI for producers adopting new tools.

New World screwworm response: USDA is fast-tracking drugs and grants to contain the flesh-eating parasite after confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico, but Reuters reports staffing cuts and a shortage of a key prevention tool are straining the effort—raising stakes for a beef industry already hit by drought and record prices. State animal rules: Idaho tightened entry requirements for warm-blooded animals from screwworm states, and Mexico halted most U.S. live livestock imports as the outbreak spreads. Dairy checkoff fight: Three Wisconsin farmers sued over dairy promotion dollars, arguing checkoff funds are being used for ESG-style sustainability programs beyond the program’s purpose. Fertilizer market: U.S. urea prices fell back toward pre-conflict levels, easing costs for farmers, though drought risk remains. Pesticide safety debate: A study links vinclozolin exposure to health effects across generations, spotlighting gaps in how U.S. regulators assess long-term impacts. Grains watch: Chicago futures were subdued ahead of USDA supply-demand data, with traders weighing weather and export-sales updates.

New World screwworm outbreak: USDA confirmed six cases of the flesh-eating parasite in the U.S., with five in South Texas and one in New Mexico, prompting quarantines, expanded sterile-fly releases, and tighter animal movement rules as officials warn the pest could spread through the summer. SNAP access rules: USDA is tightening requirements for retailers that accept SNAP, pushing stores to carry more varieties of perishable foods—an approach rural shop owners say could raise costs and threaten continued SNAP authorization. Fertilizer market relief, inflation risk: Urea prices in the U.S. have fallen back toward pre-conflict levels after a sharp April spike, but drought and El Niño concerns keep pressure on crop input costs and food inflation. Water stress in the West: Wyoming and Utah leaders met with federal partners to discuss long-term Colorado River Basin management as reservoirs drop and drought planning intensifies. Ag policy and regulation: Congress is moving on hemp-derived cannabinoid rules tied to THC limits, while Georgia’s animal feed program reached full federal standards implementation. Rural infrastructure & community: A bipartisan bill targets housing costs for volunteer firefighters and EMS, and USDA Rural Development announced meat and poultry processing expansion funding to diversify supply chains.

New World Screwworm: USDA confirmed multiple New World screwworm cases, with Texas and New Mexico at the center of the response; officials say beef remains safe, but the outbreak is a major animal-welfare and economic risk as sterile-fly releases and ranch-to-ranch surveillance ramp up. Federal Leadership: The White House appointed Texas cattleman John Bellinger as Senior Advisor for screwworm preparedness, coordinating USDA, Texas, and Texas A&M efforts. State Research & Disease Control: Arkansas researchers are testing treatments against bovine theileriosis as tick-borne cases rise, highlighting how invasive pests keep pressuring U.S. herds. Crop Shock: Frost devastated the U.S. tart cherry crop, putting growers and the industry on alert for losses. USDA Farm Payments: USDA expanded payment limitation/payment eligibility provisions for farmers, a key change for producers navigating tight margins. Seafood Policy: The U.S. House passed FY27 agriculture funding that includes more support for USDA’s new Office of Seafood, aiming to strengthen the “farmers of the sea” presence in federal programs. Aquaculture Boost: NOAA launched CIFARM with $13.5M in first-year funding, with UH Hilo among core partners to expand sustainable marine aquaculture research. Food Safety at the Border: CBP warned World Cup travelers to avoid prohibited pork and other agriculture items in luggage, citing recent Dulles seizures that could threaten U.S. livestock and invasive pest control.

New World screwworm emergency: USDA confirmed three more Texas cases, bringing the total to five, including a calf in La Salle County, a dog case tied to New Mexico travel in Andrews County, and a goat in Gillespie County—prompting the “Inspect, Report, and Protect” push and expanded outreach. Federal response leadership: USDA tapped Texas A&M Regent John Bellinger as a senior advisor for screwworm preparedness to help coordinate the national containment and eradication effort. State-level biosecurity: Wisconsin officials say they’re monitoring the northward spread and working with USDA and Texas on quarantine steps and sterile fly releases. Pest control in the trees: Minnesota’s Department of Agriculture will conduct spongy moth aerial mating-disruption spraying over 112,211 acres in five southeast counties starting June 24. Farm economics pressure: Reuters reports Iran-linked fuel spikes are pushing diesel to record highs in the Midwest, squeezing grain and soybean margins as planting ramps up. Trade and farm policy: Iowa agriculture leaders flagged USMCA renewal, animal disease readiness, and water quality as top priorities while warning profitability remains the biggest concern for producers. Nutrition and summer meals: Colorado’s USDA-funded Summer Meals Program expands free meals to 600 sites statewide for kids 18 and under, with no application required.

Farm Bill Pressure: South Dakota farmers say the updated Farm Bill “needs a lot of work,” arguing it doesn’t adequately fix SNAP, pesticide labeling, country-of-origin rules for beef, and conservation funding that they say too often favors large investors over small operators. Livestock Trade Risks: Canada’s cattle industry is watching U.S. tariff timing and country-of-origin labeling costs, while Mercosur talks raise fears about lower-cost beef competing on quality and standards. Cattle Health Emergency: USDA confirmed more New World screwworm detections, expanding the threat to U.S. cattle supply chains and beef prices, with Texas and nearby states tightening response and import rules. Food Safety: CDC is investigating a multistate listeria outbreak tied to recalled Clover Hill Dairy soft ricotta/requesón cheese, with cases in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Workforce & Farm Labor: California announced $5 million to help farmworkers build in-demand skills through the Farmworkers Advancement Program, targeting training in English, math, and digital literacy. Rural Access to Food: A Wisconsin rule change could force more stocking at SNAP-accepting convenience stores, raising concerns for small operators in remote areas. Ag Tech in Cities: A Chicago-area vertical farm story highlights how some growers are betting on downtown locations to keep fresh produce close to consumers.

New World screwworm emergency: USDA confirmed new cases of the flesh-eating parasite in Texas and New Mexico, pushing federal and state officials to tighten quarantines, step up sterile-fly releases, and expand surveillance as ranchers brace for impacts on cattle already at low numbers. Border and livestock rules: Canada moved to restrict U.S. livestock imports tied to the Texas outbreak, while USDA issued guidance to Arizona ranchers on monitoring feral swine, managing wounds, and reducing fly attraction. Preparedness staffing: USDA named Texas cattle executive John Bellinger as a senior advisor for screwworm preparedness, as Texas activated an escalated response and highlighted a training push to address inspector shortages. Trade pressure on farm inputs: Proposed USTR tariffs on Brazilian imports could reshape U.S. ethanol trade, adding another layer of uncertainty for farm-linked biofuel markets. Policy backdrop: Separate reporting flags pesticide exposure concerns and regulatory gaps, keeping attention on how farm chemicals can affect health beyond the immediate exposure.

New World Screwworm Threat: USDA confirmed New World screwworm larvae in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, triggering a containment zone and renewed warnings to ranchers across the region, with Arkansas advising close herd monitoring. State Response: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced a “Response Plan” to protect the state’s cattle industry, including coordination among the state veterinarian, USDA, and livestock partners plus possible emergency orders for animals leaving impacted areas. Cross-Border Trade Impact: Canada moved to restrict U.S. livestock imports tied to Texas after the second case was detected, citing precautionary steps even though colder conditions are expected to limit establishment. Fertilizer Cost Pressure: Reuters reports Brazil’s fertilizer-dependent farmers are getting squeezed as the Iran-Israel conflict disrupts global supply via the Strait of Hormuz, raising prices and forcing some growers to cut back. Local Water Infrastructure: USDA Rural Development approved more than $3.2M for Pomfret, including loans and grants to replace aging water mains and improve reliability and safety. Ag Education & Outreach: Illinois’ Agronomy Days returns through summer, with field days spanning grains and horticulture to share productivity and sustainability updates with growers.

Farm Animal Welfare Fight: Congress is weighing a farm bill move that would block states from enforcing livestock welfare rules, targeting California’s Proposition 12 gestation-crate limits and its “source” requirements for pork sold in-state. Livestock Pest Alert: Texas confirmed a second New World screwworm case, reviving emergency containment efforts that could hit cattle health and beef supply if the parasite spreads. SNAP Court Block: A federal judge paused Trump administration SNAP funding conditions tied to immigration and civil-rights policies, giving relief to states and families relying on food assistance. Pesticide Compliance Update: EPA is rolling out a pesticide label directive that pushes applicators to check an online system for location- and month-specific restrictions tied to threatened species protection. Biocontrol in Michigan: Michigan plans a pilot release of mile-a-minute weevils to curb invasive mile-a-minute weed using a USDA-permitted biological control approach. Food Cost Pressure: A major food supplier deal is raising new fears for restaurant pricing as ingredient costs jump, with small operators warning wholesale shocks could ripple to diners.