The Iran conflict is escalating, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserting control and showing no signs of negotiating soon, which could have severe repercussions for the global economy and agriculture.

Proposed closure of the Urbana Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center and relocation to Ames, Iowa.

The first case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in Southern Texas, and the USDA says they are taking aggressive action to prevent further spread.

The Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) is under scrutiny by the U.S. meat industry due to trade barriers imposed by some African countries on American beef and pork.

The practice of beef on dairy is growing in the industry, with beef sires being used on dairy cows to produce beef calves. This approach enhances feedlot performance and meat quality compared to traditional dairy cattle

The USDA is reviewing additional base acreage for farmers under federal safety net programs, tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will allocate 30 million acres across the country.

The US dairy industry is not experiencing the trade challenges that other segments of agriculture are.

The Public Lands Council (PLC) has successfully rescinded a rule implemented by the Biden administration that prioritized conservation over other land uses, which they deemed illegal and not supported by the Organic Act or the Taylor Grazing Act. Additionally, the PLC has been actively involved in the Grazing Action Plan, signing a federal MOU to standardize grazing regulations across federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior, BLM, and the USDA Forest Service.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is addressing high labor costs and bureaucratic burdens associated with the H-2A Visa program, which is exacerbated by increased lamb imports, leading to depressed prices.

Dry conditions are pushing more cattle into feedlots, which is up 2% versus a year ago.