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Latest farmdoc Daily Articles
Farm Bill in Reconciliation: ARC/PLC Payment Projections; Policy Design Lab Update
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the United States Senate passed the budget reconciliation bill and sent it back over to the House of Representatives; On Wednesday, July 3, 2025, the…
Response to the Increase in 2025 Crop ECO Premium Subsidy
Although early in the reporting period for 2025 crop insurance decisions by farmers, use of ECO (Enhanced Coverage Option) insurance has tripled vs 2024. The key change from 2024 is an increase in ECO premium subsidy implemented by USDA, RMA. ECO subsidy rate is now 65% compared to the prior rates of 44% when ECO was combined with individual farm revenue coverage and 51% when combined with individual farm yield coverage.
Reconciliation Bill Proposals to Add Base Acres
The Reconciliation Bills moving through Congress include proposals that would increase the number of base acres eligible for farm program payments. For farms that planted acreage to eligible crops from…
Largest June Hog Herd Since 2020 & Smallest Breeding Herd Since 2015!
The June 1 inventory of all hogs and pigs, at 75.1 million head, is up 0.52% from last quarter and 0.33% higher than a year ago. Likewise, market hog inventories are up 0.57% from last quarter and 0.40% from a year ago. Meanwhile the breeding herd is the smallest in a decade, down 0.02% from last quarter and 0.47% from last year. This price series is forecast to average $98.23/cwt for the 3rd quarter of 2025, falling to $85.38/cwt by the 4th quarter and $84.09/cwt for the 1st quarter of 2026.
Nonemployer Businesses and the Geography of Self-Employment
Nonemployer businesses serve as an important source of income for many individuals across the country and are essential components of vibrant local entrepreneurial ecosystems. In urban areas, a wide range of market opportunities allows individuals to pursue these businesses as either a primary occupation or a supplemental income stream. In rural regions, nonemployer activity is especially prominent in areas with large retiree populations and natural amenities.
Consumer Concerns about Food Prices: Tariffs are Crowding Out Inflation
Results from the May 2025 wave of the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey suggest that consumers may be feeling some relief on the inflation front. Perceptions of food affordability slightly increased and the reported impact of inflation decreased. Despite this, consumers are still facing much uncertainty around tariffs. Reported concern levels remain unchanged from February 2025, and more consumers are adapting purchasing behaviors.
Latest Farm Policy News Articles
Congress Passes Megabill with Significant Farm Program Funding
House GOP leaders overcame Republican objections to Senate provisions on SNAP, rural hospitals and other issues to clear President Donald Trump’s massive spending and tax package, including a historic infusion…
Bunge Completes $8 Billion Merger with Grain Trader Viterra
Bunge Global SA completed its takeover of Glencore Plc-backed Viterra, a move that will help the combined businesses better compete with larger rivals like Cargill Inc. and Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. as…
US Reopening Phased Mexican Cattle Imports After Screwworm Closure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Monday a phased reopening of cattle, bison and equine imports from Mexico following a prolonged closure over the damaging pest New World screwworm.
SCOTUS Rejects Prop 12 Case, Seeks Government View on Roundup
The US Supreme Court signaled interest in Bayer AG’s bid to stop thousands of lawsuits blaming its top-selling Roundup weedkiller for causing cancer, seeking the Trump administration’s view on whether…
Senate Prepares to Vote on Budget Bill with Farm Safety Net Improvements
Senators will begin their vote-a-rama on the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ at 9 a.m. Monday. The driver behind the bill is to prevent the 2017 tax cuts from expiring, but…