Weekly Update for
July 24

Texas A&M graduate student Jaci Dutton joined the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) as their summer policy intern. Jaci, a native of Sonora, Texas, grew up on a livestock ranch where her passion for agriculture first took root. That early exposure inspired her to pursue a degree in Agricultural Economics and a career in agricultural policy. “I am extremely grateful for the time I have spent interning with the National Association of Wheat Growers. This internship has allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation of agricultural policy and the work that goes into creating change that benefits producers,” said Jaci. “I am very excited to be back in D.C. next summer to continue working on agricultural issues, building connections, and advocating for producers. I would like to thank the NAWG staff for their unwavering support and the opportunity to work under their guidance.” Read the entire press release below.

On July 22, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing over “Past Breakthroughs and Future Innovations in Crop Production.” Growers and agricultural leaders testified before the committee urging lawmakers to modernize the nation’s regulatory system for agricultural tools in order to accelerate innovation. They highlighted significant delays in Environmental Protection Agency approvals, largely due to staffing shortages, with over $500 million worth of crop protection products stalled in the agency’s backlog. Industry representatives called for full funding of the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, reforms to the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act, and clearer frameworks for emerging technologies. Testimony emphasized that outdated laws and inconsistent state regulations are hindering the development and commercialization of safer, more effective solutions, particularly for specialty crops and plant biostimulants.

On July 22, the House Agriculture Committee unanimously approved the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 4550), ensuring critical provisions of the U.S. Grain Standards Act do not expire on September 30th. Originally enacted in 1916, the Act authorizes the establishment of marketing standards and inspection procedures for grains and oilseeds, supporting transparency and consistency in domestic and international markets. The reauthorization bill maintains existing authorities and introduces updates, including prioritizing modernization of grain grading technologies and improving continuity in the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. Lawmakers emphasized that uninterrupted inspection services are essential to uphold the United States’ reputation for quality and to support producers, exporters, and buyers who rely on the integrity of the official system. The bill now awaits full House consideration.

This week, The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, led by Chairman John Boozman of Arkansas, advanced three of President Trump’s nominees for key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mr. Dudley Hoskins was confirmed to serve as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Dr. Scott Hutchins was confirmed to serve as Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, and Richard Fordyce was confirmed to be the Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation. Boozman emphasized the Senate’s responsibility in confirming qualified leaders and expressed his strong support for all nominees ahead of a full Senate vote.

On July 21, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig participated in two roundtables in California’s 24th Congressional District, hosted by Representatives Salud Carbajal, focused on wildfire preparedness and specialty crop agriculture. The first roundtable at the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens addressed wildfire prevention in the Los Padres National Forest, while the second at Peak-Flynn Ranch in Carpinteria brought together stakeholders to discuss challenges facing Central Coast agriculture, including labor shortages, mechanization, and trade. Craig emphasized the importance of congressional oversight of USDA operations amid ongoing layoffs and highlighted the need for increased support for specialty crop producers and wildfire response efforts.

On July 21, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited Florida to announce $675.9 million in disaster assistance through a block grant agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to help farmers recover from Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. The funding will support recovery for infrastructure, citrus, timber, and market losses and is part of the $30 billion disaster relief effort authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025. Secretary Rollins emphasized the Trump Administration’s commitment to farmers, while Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpsons highlighted the critical nature of this support after consecutive hurricane seasons. This assistance complements broader USDA disaster programs, including the Emergency Livestock Relief Program and Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, which have already distributed billions to producers impacted by severe weather and market disruptions.

On July 22, scouts participating in Day 1 of the Wheat Quality Council’s Spring Wheat and Durum Tour estimated an average spring wheat yield of 49.8 bushels per acre across 171 fields in southern North Dakota, slightly below last year’s 52.3 bpa. The tour, which began shortly after North Dakota requested federal disaster aid for June storms, encountered widespread signs of storm damage, including downed trees and damaged grain bins, along with muddy fields and lodging issues. Despite the devastation, scouts observed relatively low pest and disease pressure and noted the resilience of the crop. Estimates from individual fields ranged from 11.0 to 122.5 bpa for spring wheat, averaged 48.3 bpa for durum, and 22.8 for winter wheat. Farmers expressed concern about profitability, as strong yields are being met with weak market prices.

August 1 is the deadline for spring wheat entries for the National Wheat Yield Contest. Please register on the contest website and then put in your entries. We have many partners who will help you by paying your entry fees. Check out the contest website below.