Weekly Update for
April 30

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) by a 224 – 200 vote. Fourteen Democrats crossed party lines to support passage and three Republicans voted against the measure. In response, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Jamie Kress issued the following statement: “NAWG appreciates Chairman Thompson’s leadership in advancing this critical legislation. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 delivers meaningful improvements that will provide certainty for farmers, expand market opportunities, and reinforce the vital role our nation’s farmers play in both food security and national security. “This bill reflects many of wheat farmers’ top priorities from modernizing farm credit and safeguarding international food aid programs to enhancing export competitiveness. These provisions will help ensure America’s wheat farmers can remain resilient and globally competitive. We urge the Senate to act quickly to advance this legislation and deliver a strong, bipartisan farm bill to the President’s desk.” An amendment by Rep. Luna (R-Fl.) to strip the Ag Labeling Uniformity language from the text was successful. Read the full press release below. How did your members of the House of Representatives vote on the Farm Bill? See the Roll Call here:

Tech start-up Kalshi Predictive Markets launched an option to make trades, or bets, on farm commodity markets 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. NAWG’s Vice President of Policy and Communications Anthony Peña participated in a series of meetings with Kalshi executives and other farm groups ensuring wheat growers’ perspectives were directly represented in discussions raising concerns that these products could disrupt traditional futures markets by reducing liquidity, distorting price discovery, and sidestepping established safeguards such as position limits. This week, NAWG also joined fellow farm organizations in calling on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to closely examine emerging prediction markets, including those offered by Kalshi. Kalshi recently announced it would change their platform to adopt existing trading hours for their predictive markets dealing with farm commodities.

This week, NAWG and USW wheat participated in the National Association of Farm Broadcasters annual Washington Watch event. The event brought together commodity groups and agricultural broadcasters for in-depth conversations on key issues facing farmers and rural communities. NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer participated in a series of interviews with leading farm broadcasters, including Brownfield Ag News, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network, Real Agriculture, Kansas Farm and Ranch Radio Network, Red River Farm Network, Northern Ag Network, and Michigan Ag Today. Discussions focused on issues important to wheat growers and the broader agricultural economy.

This week, NAWG Director of Communications and Partnerships Elizabeth Rivera attended oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell, a case that could significantly shape pesticide liability and the balance between federal and state authority. The issue at the center of this case is whether the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) preempts state-law claims alleging that Monsanto failed to warn consumers about potential cancer risks associated with its Roundup herbicide. Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, argued that because the Environmental Protection Agency approved Roundup’s labeling without a cancer warning, additional state-level requirements should be barred to ensure national consistency. Durnell’s attorneys countered that state tort law remains a critical tool for consumer protection, particularly as scientific understanding evolves. Several justices appeared divided during arguments, weighing the importance of uniform federal standards against the role of states in holding companies accountable. A decision, expected later this summer, could have far-reaching implications for pesticide litigation and product liability nationwide. NAWG joined an amicus brief in favor of Monsanto and looks forward to the Court’s review. Agriculture organizations are hopeful the Court will reinforce the value of having a consistent science-based federal system governing crop protection.

On April 24th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the release of the second round of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) funding to support farmers who experienced losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. USDA is also extending the program deadline to provide additional time for farmers and Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff to address application updates that may affect payments. The original April 30 deadline has been extended to August 12, 2026, for both SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2. “I hear directly from wheat growers across the country about the ongoing challenges they face from stubbornly high input costs and uncertainty in global markets to increasingly severe weather. Timely disaster assistance is critical to keeping their operations viable,” said NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer. “We appreciate USDA increasing the payment factor and extending the program deadline. This will give more farmers access the support they need to recover and prepare for the next crop season.” Initial SDRP payments were calculated at 35 percent; following further analysis, USDA is increasing the payment factor to 70 percent. Producers with approved applications will receive an additional 35 percent of their calculated SDRP payment, and future payments will also be issued at the 70 percent rate. For more information about SDRP and eligibility, please visit fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.

The House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 this morning with a final vote of 224-200. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement today commending the passage of this critical legislation: “Working in Congress on behalf of our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities is an honor — even when the work requires debating the farm bill through the night,” Chairman Thompson said. “I can think of no more important work than championing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and I am extremely pleased to see this bill pass out of the House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote. It is clearer every day that farm country needs updated policy that reflects current challenges, and the 2026 farm bill fills that gap. I look forward to seeing Chairman Boozman and the Senate make progress on this important legislation so we can get the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 sent to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible. I especially want to thank all parties who were involved in the negotiations that allowed the farm bill to proceed to the floor and secure a future vote on year-round E15. Members of the Biofuels Caucus are tireless champions for rural America, and I look forward to joining them May 13 in advancing that important legislation."

U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed Farm Bill 2.0: “House passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill 2.0 is a testament to Chairman GT Thompson’s strong leadership, and I congratulate him on this significant achievement. This is an important step toward updating long-overdue policies that support our farm families and strengthen rural communities. We’ve put more farm in the farm bill through the Working Families Tax Cuts, and this legislation builds on that success. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to continue this momentum and deliver Farm Bill 2.0 to the president’s desk to be signed into law. I look forward to releasing legislative text in the coming weeks.”

Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) released the below statement following the House vote to passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. “American farmers and working people are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it’s twice as expensive to fill up your tractor or twice as expensive at the grocery checkout, Americans can feel how tariffs, war with Iran and massive cuts to food assistance are making hard economic times even worse. The so-called farm bill that passed the House today does nothing to resolve high input costs, lost markets, surging food prices or provide a single penny in economic assistance to struggling family farmers. That said, thanks to the tremendous work of House Democrats, we defeated the Republican effort to shield pesticide companies from legal liability when their chemicals make consumers sick. Now, our hope turns to the Senate, where I encourage Democratic and Republican members to work together to deliver for farmers and working people. America needs a bipartisan, five-year, 12-title farm bill that meets the moment. The farmers who feed, fuel and clothe our country need our support, not lip service.” Read the entire statement below.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, led her fellow Democrats on the committee in releasing the following statement on the passage of the House Farm Bill. “We have been clear that the Farm Bill must address the needs of American farmers and families. With a five-year high in small farm bankruptcies, the Farm Bill must address rising input costs, provide new opportunities for domestic markets, and fight for a trade agenda that works for everyone. Senate Democrats are committed to ensuring all states are treated equally by delaying the new SNAP cost shifts and addressing the needs of farm country. We look forward to working with Senate Republicans on a bipartisan Farm Bill that can be successful on the Senate floor." Read the full statement below.

While farming, ranching, and agricultural communities face significant and at times underrecognized mental health challenges. There are several variables that can affect the well-being of farmers and their families: economic pressures, demands of agricultural work, weather uncertainty, and isolation. CAST will host a free public webinar featuring a PhD rural sociologist and Professor of Agriculture and Health at Penn. State, Florence Becot. Dr. Becot will provide an overview of mental health and well-being in agriculture, examine structural and social factors contributing to these challenges, and discuss current and emerging responses. From policy to community-based interventions supporting agricultural communities. Registration is free and open to everyone, and the session is designed for agricultural stakeholders, extension professionals, policy makers, and anyone interested in the intersection of farm viability, community resilience, and rural health. To register for the free webinar, please visit the link below.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday that the U.S. could see a major increase in domestic fertilizer production within the next two years, as the administration works to address ongoing supply challenges and high input costs for farmers. Under recent policy initiatives, nitrogen production could rise by more than 30%, phosphate output by over 200%, and potash by more than 100%. Still, analysts caution that even with that level of growth, expanded domestic production alone may not fully shield farmers from continued price volatility. Farmers are continuing to grapple with elevated fertilizer costs, driven in part by global supply disruptions tied to conflict in the Middle East. Prices have surged in recent months, with urea more than doubling since mid-December and phosphate prices also climbing notably. In response, the administration has taken several short-term steps, including loosening shipping requirements between U.S. ports and easing restrictions on fertilizer imports from Venezuela. However, those measures have yet to significantly bring down prices. Officials emphasized an “all-of-government” approach to boosting supply, including efforts to streamline permitting, expand funding opportunities for new production, review competition in the sector, and encourage global partners to avoid export restrictions. Rollins said the administration remains focused on preventing future price spikes and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Corn and wheat futures moved higher on Tuesday, driven by ongoing global production concerns and tightening supply outlooks. Wheat led gains, reaching new highs amid drought in the U.S. and concerns about global crop output. Strong demand and expectations of reduced production in key regions continue to support the wheat market. Analysts say the rally could push wheat beyond previous highs, potentially pulling corn prices higher as well. Concerns about fertilizer supplies and geopolitical tensions are also contributing to global production uncertainty.

U.S. agricultural leaders see a crucial opportunity to expand exports to Cuba, as new economic and political trends reshape the trade landscape. A growing private sector on the island is creating opportunities for U.S. producers to increase trade without relying solely on government-to-government relations. This shift comes as Cuba faces a severe economic and energy crisis that has disrupted domestic food production and increased import demand. Industry representatives say these conditions could open the door for U.S. agricultural products to play a larger role in supplying the Cuban market. At the same time, analysts note that policy changes on both sides will be necessary to fully realize the potential for expanded trade. The current administration’s approach, including the involvement of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is seen as a possible avenue for reshaping bilateral relations. However, relations between the two countries remain strained, with recent U.S. restrictions targeting Cuba’s energy sector and broader economy. These tensions, combined with long-standing trade barriers, continue to complicate efforts to increase agricultural exports. Even so, industry groups argue that the current situation presents a unique opportunity to strengthen trade ties and expand U.S. agricultural market access in Cuba.

We are looking for a college student who is interested in a paid internship 10-20 hours per week. The right candidate will be located in the Northern Plains to facilitate regular in person meetings with the executive director of the Foundation. The job description is on Handshake and can be found below. Please encourage college students you know to apply by the end of April.

Deadlines to enter the contest are: Winter wheat- May 15, Spring wheat-July 31. If you need help, please contact Anne Osborne (aosborne@wheatworld.org) before the deadlines. We select national winners in Winter and Spring Dryland and Irrigated as well as our new pilot category- digital yield (available in some states). We select winners from dryland in % increase over the county average. The objective of the contest is education, winning is secondary. Please enter your best varieties and fields today. Everything is done online at www.wheatcontest.org.

There’s a moment every spring when you step into a wheat field and just stand there a little longer than usual. Not because you don’t know what you’re looking at—but because you do. The stand isn’t quite there. The soil’s tight. Rain’s been hit or miss. And before you leave, you’re already doing the math—what’s this crop really worth? This year, that moment is happening more often. Across the Plains and beyond, drought has tightened its grip. Conditions have slipped, forecasts are uncertain, and markets are reacting. For many operations, this isn’t just about bushels—it’s about protecting margins in a year that’s already under pressure. That’s where the conversation shifts. At AgXplore, we’re in these same fields with growers, and one thing continues to separate outcomes—timing. In wheat, the window to influence yield is short. From emergence to tillering and into grain fill, every decision stacks. Miss one window, and you don’t always get it back. We’ve seen it in replicated trials and in real fields. Early stand establishment sets the ceiling. Even small improvements early can carry through the entire season and influence final yield. From there, it becomes about feeding the plant when it actually needs it. Nutrients like sulfur—once naturally supplied—are now showing up as quiet yield limiters, especially in stressed environments. And late season, when stress builds, protecting grain fill becomes critical. That’s where return is either preserved—or lost. That’s where AgXplore fits—as a resource to help you think through the season differently. Take the AgXplore Assessment below.