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USDA Prioritizes Expanding Export Opportunities for American Farmers and Ranchers

USDA Prioritizes Expanding Export Opportunities for American Farmers and Ranchers

USDA Prioritizes Expanding Export Opportunities for American Farmers and Ranchers
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USDA Considers Easing Import Requirements for Mexican Figs Following Pest Risk Assessment

USDA Considers Easing Import Requirements for Mexican Figs Following Pest Risk Assessment

USDA Considers Easing Import Requirements for Mexican Figs Following Pest Risk Assessment
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President Trump Administration Initiatives Address Beef Industry Challenges, Focus on Market Access and Risk Protection

President Trump Administration Initiatives Address Beef Industry Challenges, Focus on Market Access and Risk Protection

The President Trump administration has recently focused on the beef industry through various initiatives, including executive orders and USDA programs. On August 21, President Trump declared 300,000 metric tons of ground beef would be imported tariff-free for 90 days, aiming to sell it at 25% below current market prices. While the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association supports affordable groceries, they argue that increasing beef imports is not the solution to higher retail prices. Ten days later, USDA launched its Ranchers First Initiative, which includes five provisions. Among these is the Beef Retention and National Development (BRAND) endorsement, designed to allow producers to insure the economic value of retaining a heifer for breeding for up to two years through the Livestock Risk Protection program. Additionally, the initiative permits the Emergency Conservation Program to be used on acres enrolled in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program following natural disasters, and establishes ...
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USDA Designates Baca and Lincoln Counties in Colorado as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Due to Drought, Offering Emergency Loans to Farmers

USDA Designates Baca and Lincoln Counties in Colorado as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Due to Drought, Offering Emergency Loans to Farmers

On November 13, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated Baca and Lincoln counties in Colorado as primary natural disaster areas. This designation is a direct response to severe drought conditions experienced in these areas, which have met the criteria of D2 Drought-Severe for eight or more consecutive weeks or D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional during the growing season, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. As a result of this Secretarial natural disaster designation, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now authorized to provide emergency credit through emergency loans to agricultural producers in these counties. The designation also extends eligibility for assistance to contiguous counties in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, acknowledging the widespread impact of the drought.
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Addresses Rural Housing Challenges, Bolstering Supply and Affordability

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Addresses Rural Housing Challenges, Bolstering Supply and Affordability

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, enacted in July 2026, introduces several provisions aimed at improving housing supply and affordability in rural communities across the United States. Rural areas have experienced significant housing challenges, including a 31% increase in rents and a 6-to-1 ratio of house price growth to homeowner income growth between 2000 and 2023. The legislation updates the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Housing Service Programs, notably decoupling Section 521 rental assistance from maturing Section 515 mortgages, allowing tenants to retain assistance for 20 years post-payoff. This change prevents over 380,000 units from losing rental assistance. The Act also streamlines environmental review processes for housing projects, exempting USDA-assisted infill housing from certain requirements and directing HUD and USDA to coordinate reviews for jointly funded projects. Additionally, it expands manufactured housing options by eliminating an outdated federal rule requiring ...
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USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Issues Thanksgiving Food Safety Guidelines for Consumers

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Issues Thanksgiving Food Safety Guidelines for Consumers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued guidelines to help consumers ensure a safe Thanksgiving meal. USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears emphasized the importance of following simple food safety steps at home to prevent foodborne illness. The FSIS provides advice on four key areas: safe thawing and planning, cooking to the correct temperature, keeping foods out of the 'Danger Zone' (between 40 and 140 degrees F), and safe storage of leftovers. The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available to answer consumer questions, and an interactive 'Your Safe Thanksgiving Guide' webpage offers additional resources, including thawing and cooking calculators.
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States Implement Bans and Labeling Requirements for Lab-Grown Meat Amid USDA Approval

States Implement Bans and Labeling Requirements for Lab-Grown Meat Amid USDA Approval

Several U.S. states, including Florida and Texas, have moved to ban the sale of lab-grown meat, while others are debating strict labeling requirements for these products. Tennessee, for instance, passed legislation in 2025 to prevent lab-grown products from being marketed as 'meat' but stopped short of a complete ban. This legislative action comes despite the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) having approved lab-grown meat for sale, leading to its availability in select restaurants. The debate centers on transparency and consumer choice, with advocates for traditional food pushing for clear distinctions between conventional and cultivated products. Lab-grown meat, also referred to as 'cultivated' or 'cell-based' meat by its producers, involves growing animal cells in a bioreactor using a nutrient broth. This process aims to create biological animal protein without traditional livestock farming. However, concerns have been raised regarding its nutritional content, texture, and the lack of long-term stud...
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Milder Weather Fuels Screwworm Resurgence in the US

Milder Weather Fuels Screwworm Resurgence in the US

The New World screwworm, a deadly livestock parasite, has seen a resurgence in the US due to milder temperatures and increased humidity. Over 40 cases have been confirmed in November, marking the worst month since the pest first appeared in Texas earlier this year. The total number of cases has reached nearly 130, with over 60 currently active. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented measures such as livestock movement controls, monitoring programmes, and sterile fly dispersal to curb the outbreak. However, the parasite thrives in temperatures between 80°F and 100°F with high humidity, conditions currently prevalent in the Southwest.
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USDA Proposes Major Overhaul of AFIDA Rules, Invites Public Comment on Revised Reporting Form

USDA Proposes Major Overhaul of AFIDA Rules, Invites Public Comment on Revised Reporting Form

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed significant revisions to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) rules, outlined in a recent notice under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This notice details a revised electronic AFIDA Report (Form FSA-153), offering insights into the USDA's intended implementation of the final rule. The proposed changes aim to expand the scope of reportable activities and entities, including new definitions for 'beneficial owner' and an upcoming 'ultimate owner' concept. The revised form introduces new reporting requirements such as detailed ownership diagrams beyond the third tier, inclusion of tax IDs for all owners, and GIS polygon delineation of land uses. The USDA is currently soliciting public comments on these proposed revisions to the information collection requirements, with a deadline of December 28, 2026. These changes are part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and oversight of foreign ownership in U.S. agricultural land, fol...
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USDA Report Reveals 231% Surge in Class I Railroad Fuel Surcharges Amidst Rising Diesel Prices

USDA Report Reveals 231% Surge in Class I Railroad Fuel Surcharges Amidst Rising Diesel Prices

USDA Report Reveals 231% Surge in Class I Railroad Fuel Surcharges Amidst Rising Diesel Prices
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USDA Program Fuels Hotel Development in Rural U.S. Markets

USDA Program Fuels Hotel Development in Rural U.S. Markets

USDA Program Fuels Hotel Development in Rural U.S. Markets
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USDA Proposes Federal Rule to Streamline Grazing Allotment Access for Western Ranchers

USDA Proposes Federal Rule to Streamline Grazing Allotment Access for Western Ranchers

On November 10, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced a proposed federal rule by the USDA. This rule aims to update the process for issuing grazing permits, including eligibility and qualification criteria. Additionally, it seeks to revise grazing fee provisions to ensure consistent fee-setting across national forests and grasslands in 16 contiguous Western states. The objective is to create a more seamless and standardized practice for American ranchers, thereby benefiting rural communities by supporting both small and large ranching operations and fostering local job creation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural practices and economic stability in these regions.