AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Alerts: USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing recalled jalapeños tied to a multistate Salmonella outbreak (345 confirmed cases in 27 states). FSIS says more downstream products may be added as the ingredient recall expands, and notes no illnesses have been confirmed from FSIS-regulated items so far. More Recalls: USDA also announced a Class I recall of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef (about 3,215 pounds) due to possible Listeria contamination, urging consumers and institutions not to eat affected products. Water Stress for Agriculture: Lake Mead hit a record low, underscoring Colorado River pressure that affects irrigation for millions of acres. Farm Policy Watch: The U.S. Senate Farm Bill remains stalled in committee over SNAP-related disagreements, while Kansas corn growers push for year-round E-15 as momentum builds. Hemp Regulation: A Senate vote delayed the federal hemp-derived THC ban until Dec. 11, 2026, giving Minnesota’s hemp industry more time. Animal Health: USDA began rabies vaccination of wildlife along Vermont’s northern border amid rising cases. Invasive Pest Update: Georgia detected the cotton jassid again, with monitoring and response efforts ramping for the second half of the growing season.

Colorado River Water Crisis: Lake Mead fell to its lowest level since it was filled nearly 90 years ago, underscoring how drought and heat are squeezing water for farmers, hydropower, and millions of people. Western Water Policy: Arizona’s Willcox Basin plan pushes a 10% farm water-use cut, aiming to slow groundwater over-pumping while keeping irrigation for historically grown crops. Food Safety—Jalapeños: Albertsons and Jewel-Osco recalled ready-to-eat jalapeño products tied to a broader Salmonella investigation linked to Mexican jalapeños distributed through the supply chain. Food Safety—Produce Anxiety: Michigan cleared lettuce shoppers after a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, but retailers report lingering consumer fear and weaker sales. USDA & Imports: FSIS recalled nearly 15 tons of Argentine beef that skipped required import reinspection, asking consumers to treat it as unverified. Farm Policy Gridlock: Farm Bill progress remains stalled in the Senate, with SNAP-related disputes continuing to block movement. Trade & Dairy: Canada’s dairy sector warns against concessions in talks with the US as tariff deadlines approach. Farm Tech & Regulation: A new push backs a temporary pause on large AI data center construction while safeguards are drafted, citing water and energy impacts.

Farm Bill Standoff: The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance Farm Bill 2.0 in a 11-10 vote, with Democrats opposing a one-year SNAP-related delay and Republicans pushing ahead as the panel heads into recess. Food Safety Alerts: Cyclospora linked to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce has sickened thousands across 15 states, with two deaths reported in Michigan; separately, a jalapeño-linked Salmonella Javiana advisory has reached 27 states. Trade & Supply Disruptions: The U.S. partially restarted avocado inspection activities in Michoacán after a security-driven suspension, aiming to restore export flow while conditions are reassessed. Farm Economy Pressure: USDA farm income and wealth data show overall financial health is strained, with risks ranging from weather swings to livestock disease and policy impacts. On-Farm Risk: A construction accident at a farm building in Wisconsin killed a 44-year-old man after a fall; OSHA is investigating. Crop Watch: Georgia’s first cotton jassid discovery is back on growers’ radar, with detections rising across the lower Southeast. Recall: Walmart’s Bettergoods pistachio nut butter was recalled in 19 states after salmonella was found in Florida testing.

Farm Bill Gridlock: The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance the Agriculture Act of 2026 after a SNAP cost-sharing fight, even as negotiators moved toward a possible path to restore country-of-origin labeling for beef via a WTO-compliant approach. USDA Restructuring: Advocates warn a proposed USDA reorganization—moving many DC staff to regional hubs—could weaken support farmers and rural communities rely on. Drought & Input Costs: Farm losses are mounting as drought expands, fuel/energy costs stay high, and land policy adds pressure; North Dakota is seeing “flash drought” conditions. Grain Markets Watch: Traders are bracing for next week’s USDA crop condition and production updates, with drought and world trade in the mix. Food Safety Shock: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing in Michigan and Iowa, with guidance shifting as the outbreak evolves; health officials say leafy greens are safer again in Michigan as trends improve. Avocado Supply Disruption: The U.S. suspended avocado inspections and shipments from Mexico’s Michoacán after security threats, threatening a major share of US supply. Waterfowl Habitat Review: Duck hunters are pushing back hard against a Trump-era review of drain-tile rules that protect prairie wetlands. Local Business & Procurement: Genesee County’s new initiative aims to help small businesses access millions in regional purchasing opportunities.

Farm Bill Fight: The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance the Agricultural Act of 2026 after a SNAP cost-share dispute, with Democrats pushing for a two-year extension and Republicans offering a one-year compromise plus emergency food funding. USDA Updates for Producers: USDA APHIS is moving to electronic-only customer payments starting August 2026, including ACH and card options via Pay.gov. Food Safety Pressure: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, while restaurant chains keep adjusting menus and recalls as investigators focus on Taylor Farms. Trade & Border Security: CBP rolled out its OFO Strategy 2026–2030 and named Jennifer De La O as director for the Laredo Field Office, underscoring enforcement at major ports handling huge volumes of trade. Water Stress in the West: Federal officials said they won’t release “cool water” from Glen Canyon Dam this year to protect a threatened fish, citing hydropower strain. Cotton Pest Watch: Georgia has its first discovery of the cotton jassid, with detections rising across the lower Southeast and extension specialists preparing for the second half of the season. Labor Reality Check: Coverage highlights how H-2A and H-2B seasonal worker programs keep farms and peak-demand industries running when domestic labor falls short. Politics With Farm Roots: Tennessee’s GOP primary upset put former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher on track for the general election after defeating Trump-backed Rep. Andy Ogles.

Food Safety & Supply Chain Concentration: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Florida adding 87 new cases and CDC reporting 10,468 lab-confirmed illnesses plus probable cases; the recall fallout is reaching major restaurant chains. Produce Import Disruptions: The U.S. halted avocado inspections in Mexico’s Michoacán after a security alert, threatening a supply chain that feeds most U.S. avocado demand. Livestock & Prices: Beef prices are rising as the herd shrinks to a 1951 low. Farm Policy & Nutrition: WIC eligibility expanded in Michigan, and Senate farm bill talks keep circling SNAP cost-sharing, with Klobuchar calling it the biggest sticking point. Water & Drought: USDA expanded Virginia drought disaster designations, while Colorado River operations planning signals tighter cuts that could hit farms and irrigation communities. Regional Ag Economy: Recent farmland sales in Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota show continued market activity. Cotton Pest Watch: Georgia reported a new cotton jassid detection, renewing pressure on lower Southeast growers to respond fast.

Food Safety Alerts: The CDC and FDA expanded a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce to 15 states, with Michigan still the center of the surge; health officials also reported the first U.S. deaths linked to the outbreak. Produce Supply Chain: A separate Salmonella outbreak tied to Mexican jalapenos has sickened 345 people across 27 states, prompting a recall of peppers distributed to restaurants including Chipotle and QDOBA. USDA Enforcement: USDA’s FSIS recalled 12,036 pounds of imported bacon after it entered without required federal inspection, and also flagged 2.28 million pounds of pork jerky recalled for possible metal contamination. Farm Policy: Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman is pushing “Farm Bill 2.0” updates aimed at winning bipartisan support, including more flexibility for states and higher TEFAP commodity funding. Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm is spreading in Texas and New Mexico, raising urgent risk for sheep and goats as well as cattle. Trade & Security: The U.S. suspended avocado inspections in Mexico’s Michoacan due to a threat to U.S. interests, threatening export flows. Weather & Risk: The Army will deploy 200 soldiers to help fight 49 Pacific Northwest wildfires, as harvest and livestock impacts mount.

Farm Bill/E15: Sen. Chuck Grassley says the Senate Agriculture Committee will start reviewing new Farm Bill language soon, with E15 a key focus as lawmakers push for year-round demand and corn growth. Invasive Pests: Pennsylvania senators Fetterman and McCormick introduced a Spotted Lanternfly R&D bill to boost funding through USDA’s research arm, citing major crop risks to grapes, apples, peaches and hops. Food Safety/Cyclospora: Michigan reported 12,218 cyclosporiasis cases and its first two deaths tied to the multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell and sourced from Taylor Farms in Mexico; Iowa and other states are now reporting rapidly rising case counts. Water & Drought: Lake Mead is just inches above its record low, underscoring ongoing Colorado River strain that heavily affects Southwest agriculture. USDA Disaster Relief: USDA expanded drought disaster area designations in Virginia’s 9th District, adding more counties eligible for assistance. Agriculture Workforce/Enforcement: DHS and DOT ran Operation Highway Shield, detaining 51 immigrants and putting hundreds of commercial drivers/vehicles out of service across four Midwestern states. Farm Community & People: A Minnesota Farmfest profile highlights how women are increasingly leading farms, with strawberry grower Kris Huebsch as a featured example. Animal Health: Oregon detected classical scrapie at a slaughterhouse, restarting concern for the disease’s U.S. “freedom” timeline. Rural Safety Training: UMaine Extension launched a self-paced online tractor safety course for safer beginner operation.

Farm Economy Pressure: A new “Economic Pulse” report warns crop farmers face stacked losses from high inputs, lower prices, and trade uncertainty, with more sectors at risk unless Congress and USDA deliver more targeted relief. Market Watch: The latest Closing Market Report points to Midwest rain easing weather worries and nudging corn/soy futures lower, while USDA progress and low tar spot risk remain in focus. Food Safety Shock: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Mexican lettuce keeps expanding—over 10,000 cases and deaths reported—prompting major supply moves like Sysco and Taco Bell pulling iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms. Hemp Policy at Risk: Cornbread Hemp says a looming federal ban on many hemp-derived products could hit the industry hard, as lawmakers push bills to delay and regulate. Livestock/Beef Signals: Tyson warns cattle supply struggles are keeping pressure on higher beef prices. Water & Land: Colorado’s wildfire-to-water message highlights how forest health affects drinking water, while New Mexico ranchers won a halt to new border-wall well drilling over groundwater concerns.

Food Safety Crisis: Michigan reported 11,508 cyclosporiasis cases and its first two outbreak-linked deaths, tied to iceberg lettuce connected to Taylor Farms; the FDA/CDC probe continues as consumers cut back on lettuce and hospitalizations mount. Retail & Labeling Watch: USDA issued a public health alert for Costco frozen burritos that may contain an undeclared egg allergen, urging anyone with egg allergies to discard or return affected lots. Invasive Species Control: Rhode Island will treat hydrilla at Worden Pond starting Aug. 7 with repeated, EPA-approved herbicide applications funded through USDA-linked congressional spending. Ag Policy & Trade Pressure: Farmfest farmers in Minnesota are pushing Congress to pass a farm bill for “certainty” as Senate markup approaches. Biofuels & Processing Investment: ADM raised its 2026 profit forecast and plans North America crush-capacity upgrades, citing strong biofuel demand and improved margins. SNAP Legal Fight: Massachusetts joined a lawsuit challenging USDA guidance that would make some immigrants ineligible for SNAP, arguing it’s unlawful. Weed Management: A guide breaks down the difference between noxious and invasive weeds and why both can threaten farms and ecosystems.

Wildfire Fallout: Eastern Washington’s Spokane-area fires have destroyed at least 700 structures and left about 67,000 people under evacuation orders, with authorities arresting a 37-year-old man suspected of starting the Old Trails Fire. Food Safety & Produce: A multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak has turned deadly in Michigan, where two deaths were reported as cases surge past 11,000; health officials say investigations are complex and that Taco Bell-related lettuce concerns have been part of the probe. Water & Farm Costs: Arizona farmers warn proposed Colorado River cutbacks could force major crop reductions and push up prices for food and everyday goods. Regulation & Labeling: The 9th Circuit revived parts of a lawsuit challenging FDA/USDA rules limiting “FODMAP” labeling, a fight with direct implications for food companies and consumers. USDA Biosecurity: USDA is spending $25M to fight the New World screwworm threat in Arizona, building a center to release protective flies. Policy & Labor: Utah Sen. John Curtis unveiled a state-sponsored, voluntary migrant worker visa pilot aimed at helping farmers and ranchers fill labor gaps.

SNAP Policy Impact: Nearly 37 million Americans received SNAP in April 2026, down about 5 million from a year earlier as new work requirements and eligibility rules reduce participation. Food Safety: Michigan confirmed its first deaths in the expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak, with cases tied to iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico; officials report thousands of cases and hundreds of hospitalizations. Beef Supply Crunch: Tyson Foods cut its profit forecast, warning tight U.S. cattle supplies are squeezing beef margins even as the administration moves to lift Mexico import restrictions. Drought Relief for Farmers: USDA designated five Montana counties as drought disaster areas, making producers eligible to seek emergency FSA loan assistance. Farm Bill Momentum: Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman released revised “Farm Bill 2.0” text ahead of markup, including year-round E15 authorization and SNAP administration changes. Rural Infrastructure: Yakima County wastewater upgrades are piling up, with aging systems and flooding damage driving costly repairs and grant/loan needs. Trade & Industry: USDA Rural Development opened applications for the FIELDS fertilizer program, aiming to expand domestic fertilizer production and reduce reliance on imports. Farm Labor Pressure: A new survey finds most farm workers say ICE raids and deportations have affected their jobs, shopping, and access to medical care.

USDA & Food Safety: Cyclosporiasis has exposed weak spots in the U.S. food-safety system as cases top 11,000 and state/federal tracking strains grow, with FDA investigating multiple outbreaks tied to lettuce supply chains. Farm Labor & Health: New H-2A rules are raising alarms for farmworkers’ pay and heat stress risk, with advocates saying workers face worse living conditions and reduced protections. Water & Climate: Extreme drought is drying the Colorado River headwaters, threatening water for millions and farmland across the Southwest as reservoirs hit dangerously low levels. Nutrition & Consumer Trends: Dietitians highlight tart cherry juice’s potential benefits (sleep, recovery, inflammation), while a separate study challenges the idea that more protein always helps aging. Agribusiness & Markets: June dairy output rose 2.3% year over year to 19.7 billion pounds, with heat effects expected to show up later in production reports. Local Ag Economy: Hatch green chile season is in full swing in New Mexico, with USDA data showing the state led chile production in 2025. Bioenergy Research: Penn State researchers are assessing whether a proposed woody biomass-to-energy facility in north central Pennsylvania can be sustainable and ecologically sound. Trade & Policy: Trump’s new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods are already reverberating through food and farm trade expectations.

Drought Relief for Montana Farmers: USDA designated five Montana counties as primary drought disaster areas, opening the door to FSA emergency loan help for eligible producers, with additional contiguous counties also covered. Wildfire Burn Bans Hit Agriculture: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and imposed a burn ban through Sept. 30, restricting most outdoor and agricultural burning as record drought and extreme fire conditions persist. Corn and Soybean Watch: A market analyst says most U.S. corn is through pollination, but August weather will be decisive for grain fill; soybeans may be more sensitive as stocks stay tight. Farm Bill and Producer Planning: DTN highlighted ongoing farm bill movement and upcoming yield-tour prep, plus a program aimed at strengthening farm business management as operations grow more complex. Farmers Market Week: Communities across the U.S. are celebrating National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2–8) with local produce and small-business vendors. Waterfowl Survey Update: California’s 2026 waterfowl breeding survey found mallards near last year but still below the long-term average, with habitat conditions tied to spring rains.

USDA Plant Health Funding: USDA’s APHIS is taking project suggestions for FY 2027 PPA 7721 funding, with $80M available to expand surveillance, detection, and rapid response to invasive plant pests and diseases. Climate & Wildfire Pressure: A heat dome across the West is pushing record highs and raising wildfire risk, with officials urging hydration and staying indoors as dry conditions persist. Food Date Confusion: A new California approach would simplify food labeling to two date types, after experts warned that most “best by” dates signal quality, not safety. Food Safety Fallout: A major Taylor Farms Tennessee executive is accused in a lawsuit of stealing $32M, tied to the company’s broader produce recall and cyclospora-related scrutiny. County-Level Ag Resilience: New Hampshire conservation districts announced nearly $397K in 2026 climate resilience grants for farms, including drought-proof irrigation and soil-health projects. Animal Health Alert: Oregon health officials urged people to avoid sick or dead bats after 22 rabies-positive bat tests in 2026, highlighting risks to pets and people.

USDA Farm Relief: USDA approved federal aid for New York fruit and specialty crop growers after an April frost, with losses estimated above $30M and crops like apples, grapes, stone fruit and onions hit hard. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: A cyclospora outbreak has sickened thousands, pushing some shoppers in Kansas and Missouri to rethink produce choices while officials work to identify the source. Animal Health Threat: USDA confirmed New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, triggering movement controls, surveillance and sterile fly releases; Minnesota experts urge early detection and vigilance. Weather Stress on Farms: Drought and wildfire risk are intensifying in Oregon and parts of Michigan, with dry conditions threatening ranching, hay and water supplies. Farm Labor Under Pressure: A California survey finds most farmworkers say immigration enforcement and deportations have disrupted their jobs, highlighting ongoing labor uncertainty. Policy & Industry Moves: A “Farm Bill 2.0” update from Sen. Boozman is advancing, while USDA also reminded producers of upcoming safety-net and disaster-assistance deadlines. Agribusiness Innovation: Missouri and partners launched free soybean testing for red crown rot to help farmers catch the disease early. Wildlife & Livestock Risk: Wisconsin officials warned dog owners and hunters after wolves killed hunting dogs, urging caution in high-conflict areas. Local Food Access: A summer meal program wrapped early ahead of the new school year, showing how USDA nutrition support keeps rural communities fed.