White House Orders New Review of Federal Rules Affecting Ranchers
Two September 4 executive orders direct reviews of rancher rules, meat-market competition, beef labeling and wolf protections, but make no immediate changes.
USDA
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USDA Proposes Rescinding National Roadless Rule
USDA wants to end nationwide roadless protections, shifting more decisions to individual forests while leaving current rules and project reviews in place.
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USDA Ordered to Restore Telework Terms for 135 Union Employees
An arbitrator found USDA violated its AFSCME contract by ending telework without bargaining and ordered restoration, negotiations and possible reimbursement.
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USDA raises 2027 farm-export forecast, but deficit remains
USDA raised its fiscal 2027 farm-export forecast to $186.5 billion, but imports are expected to stay higher, leaving a projected $24.5 billion deficit.
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USDA Sets Quarterly Reviews for New World Screwworm Playbook
USDA will review its New World screwworm playbook each quarter, giving states, tribes, producers and veterinarians a recurring path to shape guidance.
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USDA declares drought disaster for 26 Puerto Rico municipalities
The USDA designation opens potential emergency-assistance pathways for eligible Puerto Rico producers as drought strains farms and water supplies.
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South Carolina SNAP food restrictions postponed until Nov. 1
South Carolina’s Healthy Food SC SNAP restrictions will not begin Aug. 31 after a USDA request. The next scheduled date is Nov. 1, 2026, unless the date changes again.
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SNAP retailers face new USDA stocking standards by Nov. 4
Many inventory-based SNAP retailers must stock 28 qualifying staple-food varieties by Nov. 4, while SNAP shoppers can still buy accessory foods.
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USDA’s Farm Safety-Net Deadline Is Aug. 31: What to Review
Eligible landowners have until Aug. 31, 2026, to review possible base-acre increases that could affect future ARC and PLC eligibility.
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States Face a New Federal Cost Burden for Administering SNAP
A USDA proposal would codify a 25% federal share of ordinary SNAP administrative costs in fiscal 2027, shifting an estimated $16.9 billion to states.
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USDA Opens Applications for $500 Million Fertilizer Program
The USDA is accepting applications for up to $500 million to expand independent domestic fertilizer production and improve supply options for U.S. farmers.
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USDA will require SNAP retailers to stock more staple foods beginning in fall 2026
A final USDA rule will require SNAP-authorized retailers nationwide to carry seven varieties of staple foods across four categories, while increasing perishable-food requirements and closing loopholes for some snack foods.
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USDA expands disaster aid and commodity-loan support under Farmers First changes
USDA announced higher livestock-loss payments, broader eligibility and increased marketing-assistance loan support for eligible producers nationwide.
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USDA’s $16 Billion Disaster Program Sets Aug. 12 Deadline for Farmers
Farmers seeking federal assistance for qualifying crop, tree, bush and vine losses from 2023 and 2024 disasters must submit applications for both stages of USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program by Aug. 12, 2026.
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USDA sets August deadlines for specialty-crop aid, disaster payments and base-acre reviews
U.S. agricultural producers face three USDA deadlines in August for specialty-crop aid, disaster relief and ARC/PLC base-acre reviews.
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USDA opens $500 million fertilizer program to expand domestic supply
The USDA is accepting applications for the FIELDS program, a nationwide initiative intended to expand domestic fertilizer production, promote competition and strengthen agricultural supply chains.
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USDA expands 2026 farm safety-net and disaster payments, including automatic help for some past losses
The Farm Service Agency announced final changes to USDA farm and disaster programs, including automatic payments for many eligible 2024 and 2025 losses when agency records are sufficient.
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Federal SNAP Data Lawsuits Put State Benefit Privacy in Court
The Justice Department sued four states over five years of SNAP records, escalating a dispute over federal oversight, privacy and data security.
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USDA sets conditional Aug. 24 reopening for Mexican cattle trade
USDA plans to reopen Douglas, Arizona, on August 24 after a long screwworm-related suspension, but inspections and Mexico’s compliance will control what follows.
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USDA’s $500 Million Fertilizer Program Faces an Aug. 17 Deadline
USDA is accepting FIELDS applications through Aug. 17 for domestic fertilizer projects, but the program is not direct farmer aid or immediate price relief.
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USDA farm-aid deadlines approach for specialty crops and disaster losses
Farmers face Aug. 7, Aug. 12 and Aug. 31 deadlines for specialty-crop aid, disaster relief and ARC/PLC base-acre reviews.
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USDA forecasts higher 2026 grocery prices, led by beef and produce
USDA projects grocery prices will rise 2.7% in 2026, with beef, vegetables and sweets outpacing the average while egg prices are expected to fall.