AGP Executive Report

Livestock & Border Policy: USDA says the Douglas, Arizona port of entry will reopen for Mexico cattle imports in late August after more than a year of New World screwworm restrictions, with multiple rounds of veterinary checks before animals cross. USDA Funding for Biosecurity: USDA also announced $25 million for a sterile fly dispersal facility in Douglas to help eradicate the flesh-eating pest. Drought Relief: Nebraska got another USDA drought disaster declaration for 13 counties, bringing the total to 86 of 93 counties statewide covered this year, unlocking loan assistance for up to eight months. Food Safety: CDC reported more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cyclosporiasis cases across dozens of states, with doctors urging oral rehydration and warning that symptoms can take time to appear. Farm Economy & Risk: A Kansas farmer pleaded guilty for illegally selling crops pledged as collateral for a USDA loan, a reminder of enforcement around farm credit. Farm Community & Youth: South Dakota is gearing up for National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2–8), highlighting local producers and market access.

Wolf Policy Push: Farmers in the Upper Midwest are urging senators to pass the Pet and Livestock Protection Act to return gray wolf management to states, aiming to give ranchers more control during depredation incidents. Animal Welfare Law: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills tightening retail pet sales rules, boosting penalties for repeat cruelty, and requiring vets to report suspected abuse. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA says the “New World” screwworm response is working, with 42 confirmed cases and progress that allows limited reopening of the Douglas, Arizona cattle port—while warning it could shut again if risk rises. Food Safety Shock: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has topped 10,000 cases, with infections spread across many counties and now reported in more states nationwide; officials and experts are stressing safe handling and eating guidance. Ag Markets: Bunge beat earnings expectations on strong soybean crush margins and raised its full-year outlook, while still flagging trade disruptions, volatile weather, and fertilizer supply pressures. Ethanol Update: Ethanol blending and blender demand are running higher, with inventories steady to up—signals to watch for feedstock and fuel-cost ripple effects. Farm Economy & Inputs: Analysts warn 2027 input costs could be worse as Iran-war uncertainty and renewed tariffs pressure fertilizer and farm machinery supply chains. Food Access: Texas remains the most food-insecure state, with hunger rising again in Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap results. Food Waste Rules: California’s new expiration-date labeling law narrows wording to “use by” and “best if used by,” targeting consumer confusion that drives waste. Recall Alert: USDA’s FSIS issued a Class I recall for imported Canadian bacon sold in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington after it entered without required reinspection.

Food Safety & Recalls: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak has surged again, adding 2,000+ cases to reach 6,707 confirmed illnesses, with a separate Taylor Farms-linked cluster still under investigation as lettuce recalls and consumer guidance continue. USDA & Livestock Markets: USDA’s latest cattle inventory and on-feed reports are shaping expectations for herd rebuilding and beef demand, with producers watching a phased reopening of Mexico border access as screwworm controls progress. State Agriculture Policy: Hawaii’s Board of Agriculture expanded the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) infested area in West Hawaiʻi, triggering new compliance requirements for anyone moving or growing CRB host materials. Farm Labor & Enforcement: A former adult day care owner in Michigan pleaded guilty to a $539,000 Medicare fraud scheme involving false psychotherapy billing—another reminder of how oversight failures can hit vulnerable communities. Local Ag Economy: Nebraska’s Democratic gubernatorial pick named corn-and-soy farmer Ben Steffen as lieutenant governor, highlighting rural water and Farm Bureau leadership. Farm & Food Waste: A new push in California argues food date labels often drive unnecessary trashing, stressing “quality” dates aren’t the same as safety.

Food Safety & Recalls: The CDC says a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people and sent 26 to the hospital across 17 states, with most cases in Texas; meanwhile USDA-FSIS announced a Class I recall of about 12,036 pounds of imported smoked bacon from Canada after an import inspection issue. Produce & Public Health: Cyclosporiasis continues to spread, with officials linking at least nine states to shredded iceberg lettuce from some Taco Bell locations supplied by Taylor Farms; health agencies are still tracing sources and advising consumers. Ag Weather: Corn pollination is under pressure as July heat and dry conditions hit parts of the Corn Belt, with concerns about smaller ears and yield impacts. Water & Drought: Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit the lowest combined level on record, underscoring the Colorado River crisis that affects agriculture planning in the West. Local Food Funding: Illinois awarded nearly $4 million in FY2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grants to expand local farms and food businesses. Livestock Trade: USDA is moving to lift suspension of Mexican cattle imports as beef supplies tighten. Pest & Vector Control: Maryland plans ULV mosquito spraying in Bladensburg after 9 p.m. July 30 to reduce disease risk.

Livestock & Trade: USDA says it will reopen southern ports for Mexican cattle on Aug. 24 (Douglas, AZ) after New World screwworm risk eased, with full inspections for every animal and possible later reopenings at Santa Teresa and Columbus, NM. Farm Economics: USDA’s chief economist reports farm production costs were mixed in 2025 but jumped in 2026—fertilizer, fuel/oil, seeds, labor, and borrowing costs all rising, squeezing margins. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak keeps widening, with Michigan reporting thousands of cases tied to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico; Taylor Farms also complained to White House and FDA officials about inspection handling. Local Food Investment: Illinois awarded nearly $4M in Local Food Infrastructure grants to help farms and groups expand storage, processing, transport, and distribution. Ag Workforce Policy: A GOP-backed H-2A bill (Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act) would expand access for year-round employers and let some undocumented workers seek temporary legal status, drawing amnesty concerns. Weather & Risk: A major heat wave pushed extreme temperatures across the central and southern U.S., raising health and farm risk.

Food Safety & Litigation: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak climbed to 9,253 cases, with the FDA/CDC widening a link to shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taco Bell/Taylor Farms; lawsuits are also piling up in Ohio. Livestock Trade: USDA will begin reopening the border to Mexican cattle imports Aug. 24 after the screwworm ban, with Texas officials urging faster action as the disruption already hit ranchers and supply chains. Animal Health: Vermont will run an Aug. 1 rabies vaccine bait drop—about 915,700 baits across multiple counties and parts of NY/NH—as rabies cases have surged in recent years. Dairy Economics: A beef-on-dairy calf value shift is helping drive U.S. dairy herd growth, but lenders warn the trend may be limited without more dairy heifers. Policy & Farm Business: Pork producers are pushing for a Senate fix to California’s Prop 12 in the farm bill, aiming to override state animal-welfare rules. Rural Development: USDA Rural Development is backing a $50M timber-processing expansion in Nevada, while Maryland’s NourishMD grants nearly $4M aim to expand fresh food access in food deserts. Agriculture Diversification: A new Corn Belt report finds farmers want more cropping options but feel the system and policy setup make diversification hard.

Food Safety & Outbreak Response: The CDC expanded the nation’s largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to nine states, tying cases to recalled iceberg lettuce from Mexico-linked Taylor Farms; Kansas health officials report hundreds of cases and keep investigating common exposures. USDA & Border Livestock Policy: USDA moved to reopen southern cattle ports and lift parts of the Mexico cattle import ban as screwworm safeguards tighten, while Florida arrested a man for importing Texas sheep and goats without required New World Screwworm paperwork. Trade & Market Access: USDA’s top trade official toured Washington farms and pushed tariff-driven market access; separate reporting highlights how new forced-labor tariffs and other duties ripple through export competitiveness. Agricultural Innovation: Kansas State University released a durum wheat aimed at pasta semolina, betting on a new wheat niche as wheat acres decline. Farm Economics & Inputs: Coverage flags strained farm finances and rising costs, while a separate piece argues AI could help ease labor shortages on farms. Water & Conservation: Central Iowa’s nitrate removal facility shut down after months of operation, underscoring ongoing pressure to cut fertilizer losses upstream. Policy & Environment: A rule change narrows what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, drawing criticism from conservation groups.

Farm Finance Pressure: The American Farm Bureau projects major row-crop losses of about $32B in 2027 after $31B in 2026, citing high inflation, weak commodity prices, and volatile input costs. Trade & Tariffs: Lula warns new U.S. tariffs could raise costs and disrupt supply chains, adding uncertainty to U.S.-Brazil ties. Food Safety Shock: A fast-moving cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded across states, with public confusion growing after FDA communications about testing results; meanwhile, Taylor Farms faces scrutiny as cases climb. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Florida arrested a man for entering with unchecked sheep and goats from a New World screwworm high-risk area in Texas, underscoring enforcement at state lines. Water for Farms: Willamette Valley reservoirs are reported at about 44% full, with difficult release decisions as drought conditions persist. Crop Production Watch: Arkansas rice acreage fell to 851,000 acres—the lowest in 50 years—raising concerns for the next season. Rural Infrastructure & Risk: Communities in the West are still assessing damage after flash floods tied to the Cottonwood Fire burn scar, with officials coordinating federal and state help. Rural Power & Land Use: Data centers are increasingly moving into rural areas for cheaper land and utilities, but residents worry about environmental impacts and rising local costs.

Kansas Wheat for Pasta: Kansas State University released a new durum wheat variety aimed at boosting protein and helping farmers pivot toward the pasta/semolina market. Environmental Cleanup: Lawrence, Kansas is still paying for the legacy of the former Farmland Industries fertilizer plant, with remediation costs already over $10M and more projected. Wildfire Smoke on Crops: Ohio State researchers say corn yield can be hit when smoke reduces light intensity, with estimates showing meaningful yield impacts during heavy haze. Disaster Aid for Fruit Growers: New York received a USDA disaster designation for counties across major fruit regions, unlocking low-interest emergency loans after spring weather damage. Food Safety—Cyclospora “Lettuce-Gate”: CDC says the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states and nearly 2,000 sick, while Utah officials say cases there may be unrelated. State Updates on Outbreak: Arkansas reported a sharp jump in confirmed cases, and Ohio is getting CDC “disease detectives” to speed up tracing. Livestock Trade Restart: USDA lifted the Mexico cattle import ban tied to the New World screwworm, with Douglas, Arizona set to reopen Aug. 24. Ag Policy & Labor: Alabama Farmers Federation backed the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, arguing it supports a legal, reliable workforce while critics warn it could expand amnesty. Inflation Pressure on Food: Local reporting highlights how higher grocery and gas prices are changing shopping habits, including at farmers markets.

Food Safety Crisis: The CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell has reached at least 1,947 illnesses across nine states, with 98 hospitalizations and no deaths reported, as investigators keep tracing the supply chain and warn the real case count is likely higher. Public Health Response: The CDC is sending “disease detectives” to Ohio for three weeks to help the state investigate its surge of cases. Regulatory Fallout: FDA previously flagged a lettuce sample as positive, then walked it back as a false positive, adding confusion while the broader investigation continues. Livestock Trade: USDA will phase back Mexican cattle imports starting in August after Mexico strengthened New World screwworm controls, reopening specific ports on set dates. Farm & Rural Impacts: New York’s spring weather damage triggered a USDA disaster designation covering 32 counties and more than $30M in crop losses, unlocking low-interest emergency loans. Animal Welfare Oversight: USDA cited Johns Hopkins for inadequate veterinary care after piglets died, and regulators also cited BioStone Animal Health for serious rabbit-care violations. Weather & Water: Colorado River reservoirs hit record-low levels, raising pressure on water cuts for farms and cities.

Food Safety Shock: CDC expanded the multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce to nine states (now including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania), with 1,947 reported illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations; regulators remain focused on Taylor Farms and Taco Bell-linked exposure. Legal Fallout: A Michigan couple sued Taco Bell and Taylor Farms in federal court after contracting cyclosporiasis, adding to mounting litigation around the outbreak. Cattle Trade Restart: USDA is lifting the ban on Mexican cattle imports after the screwworm outbreak, with phased reopening starting at the Douglas, Arizona, port in late August and later New Mexico ports—contingent on Mexico’s joint action plan. Livestock Pressure: Iowa ranchers say rebuilding herds is slow and costly as the U.S. cattle herd sits near a 75-year low, pushing beef prices higher. Ag Policy & Funding: The House approved a budget framework with $12B in new farm aid, but Senate action is uncertain. Animal Health Staffing: Ohio warns of a looming veterinarian shortage (600–1,000 by early 2030s), driven largely by debt and pay gaps. Border & Disease Control Tech: USDA-backed research aims to improve New World screwworm detection and trapping, including work on odor-based lures.

Food Safety: CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell has expanded to four more states—Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania—bringing the total linked cases to 1,947 with at least 98 hospitalizations, while FDA continues to focus on Taylor Farms lettuce as the likely source. Farm Finance: Farm Bureau Intel projects deeper losses for 2027, with major row crops expected to run below breakeven again as inflation, low commodity prices, and volatile fertilizer and fuel costs squeeze margins. Dairy Outlook: USDA’s latest WASDE update lowers Class III and Class IV milk price forecasts for 2026 and 2027 even as production estimates rise, keeping pressure on dairy revenue. Crop Watch: USDA crop progress reports show Iowa corn and soybeans ahead of last year, while Indiana and Michigan conditions remain mixed but generally supportive. Sugarcane Threat: Louisiana’s sugarcane faces a new pest risk as the Australian-native pasture mealybug spreads to 14 parishes, with LSU AgCenter warning there’s “no playbook” for eradication and farmers relying on emergency insecticide approvals. Policy & Trade: Trump’s new broad tariff round (10% to 12.5% on many imports) restarts pressure on farm input costs and export demand, while Canada signals it’s ready to respond if tariffs take effect. Checkoff & Markets: The U.S. Soybean Board approved a $122.5 million FY27 budget aimed at boosting U.S. Soy℠ demand and farmer returns through research, promotion, and resilience efforts.

Food Safety Shock: The cyclospora situation keeps evolving: Mexico’s health ministry says tests of Taylor Farms lettuce and water samples were negative, even as U.S. officials investigate a separate cyclospora cluster (72 reported cases) and keep focus on the multistate Taylor Farms-linked outbreak. Recall Watch: Midwest Poultry Services voluntarily recalled nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs over possible salmonella contamination, with cartons sold across several Southern and Plains states. Market Signals: Grain markets stayed sensitive to Midwest weather and geopolitics; USDA rated corn and soybeans strong, but traders are still watching August conditions. Farm Equipment: U.S. combine sales rose 3.9% in June 2026 while tractor sales fell, and Canada’s combine market also ticked up. Trade Pressure: Canada’s PM Mark Carney vowed to defend interests as new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (including dairy, alcohol, and vehicles) take effect mid-August, raising uncertainty for cross-border farm and food supply chains. Rural Investment: USDA Rural Development is putting $50 million into Tahoe Forest Products to expand timber processing and support forest health. Fertilizer Push: USDA opened applications for a $500 million fertilizer investment and expansion program aimed at boosting long-term domestic supply. Disaster Aid: SBA disaster loans are available for storm-impacted areas in Pennsylvania and Iowa, including support for small agricultural cooperatives.

Food Safety & Outbreak Watch: The FDA says it’s investigating a new cyclospora cluster tied to at least 72 cases, while experts warn the true count is likely higher because mild cases often never get reported. Public Health Numbers: Florida logged 63 new cyclosporiasis cases in a week, bringing its total to 158 since May 1; CDC reports more than 4,000 confirmed cases across 41 states. Recall Alert: FDA also flagged a nationwide recall of certain fruit puree pouches (possible soft, food-grade plastic from a packaging defect) sold at Kroger, Meijer, and Target. SNAP Funding Pressure: New Trump administration rules could push many states to pay more for SNAP errors, raising fears some may cut benefits or tighten eligibility. Rural Infrastructure: USDA Rural Development is investing nearly $8M in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, to upgrade water and wastewater systems. Ag Tech & Biosecurity: USDA-backed researchers in Panama are preparing outdoor tests of genetically modified screwworm flies to fight the flesh-eating livestock pest. Drought & Water: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows mixed conditions—improvements in parts of the South after rain, but degradations in the Plains and parts of the West.

Cyclospora Fallout: FDA opened a new Cyclospora investigation after 72 more illnesses, while the larger multistate outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms continues to drive recalls and restaurant caution. Food Safety & Consumer Guidance: Health officials say risk varies by location, but the outbreak has pushed many shoppers to avoid leafy greens or buy local. Trade & Tariffs: Trump’s revived tariff authority on Canada and broader tariff threats are rattling food and farm supply chains, with concerns ranging from dairy access to higher grocery costs. Farm Policy & Risk Management: USDA is restoring the prevented plant buy-up option for crop insurance, and the Senate is moving a farm bill discussion draft forward. Disaster Aid for Farmers: Pennsylvania’s freeze losses are prompting state-backed recovery grants, and Western North Carolina lawmakers are pressing for more supplemental disaster funding. Water Stress: Colorado River reservoirs hit record lows, raising the stakes for farmland and water users across the Southwest. Workforce & Food Assistance: SNAP enrollment is falling as pantry demand rises in North Carolina, and DOL proposes a new joint-employer rule affecting farm labor arrangements. Foreign Investment Rules: Proposed AFIDA changes could expand reporting for land tied to data centers, adding compliance pressure for developers. Local Growth & Research: Arizona universities highlight how most precipitation evaporates, while UW-Stout’s NSF-funded program links farmers and students on water sustainability.

Food Safety Crisis: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases tied to iceberg lettuce have surged to 4,173 confirmed cases across 41 states, with 7,400 more reported but not yet lab-confirmed; Michigan alone tops 7,100 as investigators keep focus on Taylor Farms even after FDA said one lettuce test was a false positive. Produce Recall Watch: Multiple states are still pulling recalled lettuce tied to the outbreak, while health officials urge careful handling and continued avoidance guidance. Pesticide Transparency: California’s SprayMapCA launches an interactive map compiling pesticide spray records across agencies to make it easier for residents to find where and when forest spraying happened. Farm Policy & Food Access: A coalition of 210 U.S. mayors asks the Senate agriculture committee to reverse SNAP cuts, warning new eligibility and state funding requirements will deepen a food security crisis. Ethanol & Markets: EIA reports U.S. ethanol blending averaged 938,000 bpd, up week-on-week, as inventories edged higher. Trade Pressure on Ag: Canada and the U.S. plan to intensify USMCA talks after new 50% tariff threats, with farmers and supply chains bracing for higher costs. Ag Outlook: American Farm Bureau economists warn agricultural losses will deepen in 2027, pushing for more support and longer-term farm bill fixes. Ag Leadership: Kentucky’s Soybean Board opens applications for the 2027 ASA Corteva Young Leaders program. Ag Environment & Waste: Tom Vilsack urges action on food waste, citing storage and refrigeration gaps that keep U.S. food from reaching people who need it.