Farm Bureau

Ten innovative startups focused on solving agriculture’s greatest challenges are seeking the top prize of $100,000 in the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is proud to promote rural entrepreneurship and agriculture innovation through the Challenge. “Farmers and ranchers count on innovation to produce the safe and sustainable food, fuel and fiber our country relies on,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

The Senate Ag Committee has scheduled a markup of its farm bill this week. Chad Smith has more. Smith: The Senate Agriculture Committee’s farm bill markup is scheduled for this Thursday. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the bill contains several major wins for Farm Bureau and U.S. agriculture. Glenn: The bill delivers on year-round E15. There are provisions to help lower high input costs.

Following the U.S. House of Representative’s approval of a budget resolution that includes $12 billion in much-needed economic aid for farmers and ranchers, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall sent a letter today to Senate leadership encouraging the chamber to advance the budget resolution.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today applauded the release of farm bill text and notice of a Senate Ag markup for next week. “When you look across the spectrum of agriculture, there is one piece of legislation that touches almost every farm in America, and that’s the farm bill, so it’s time for Congress to get it done.

The Commodity Credit Corporation may soon fall short of funds, hindering farm safety net programs. Chad Smith has the details. Smith: While increases in the farm safety net through the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act are welcome, there are concerns about USDA receiving enough funding for the safety net to work. John Newton, vice president of public policy with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says this is where the Commodity Credit Corporation comes into play.

After restrictive state groundwater rules were adopted in 2024, Oregon farmers were left with very few practical tools to manage water in times of drought or shortage. When one of the governor’s priority bills was introduced late during the 2025 legislative session – adding to more than 100 water-related measures – it threatened the viability of one of the most effective and efficient tools available: the temporary transfer of water rights.

Farm Bureau Intel covers three categories—markets, policy and consumer—to go beyond the headlines and explain what the latest developments mean for farmers and ranchers. Whether you’re trying to understand what’s driving commodity markets, how a policy proposal could affect your farm, or what consumers are thinking about food and agriculture, these insights from our staff experts are designed to help you make more informed decisions.

Two recent reports from USDA provide a closer look at the U.S. cattle industry. Chad Smith has details on the numbers and market reaction. Smith: The USDA released the July Cattle Inventory and July Cattle on Feed Reports last week. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the two reports offer a good snapshot of the current U.S. cattle industry. Nelson: The inventory of all cattle and calves in the United States totaled 94.2 million head on July 1st of this year.

As Congress works toward approving a budget, the House has authorized $12 billion in additional farm aid. Stephanie Hoff has the story. Hoff: The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $12 billion in additional farm aid through a budget reconciliation package. John Newton, vice president of public policy with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the aid is necessary because of a challenging farm economy.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on House passage of a budget framework that includes market relief for farmers. “We applaud members of the House of Representatives for recognizing the economic toll facing farm country and advancing farm aid as part of their reconciliation package.