Rebecca Dickerson

ProFarmer - Policy News Markets Update.jpg

Policy Update

Policy Updates: Farmers form new group to defend state animal welfare laws

A coalition of family farmers and meat companies launched the American Meat Producers Association (AMPA) to defend state animal welfare laws, complicating efforts to include federal preemption in an upcoming farm bill.

October 15, 2025 10:19 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: Farmers left waiting as shutdown delays aid and services

With no end in sight, the government shutdown is putting more strain on farmers already squeezed by high input costs and volatile markets.

October 14, 2025 10:22 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: Trump threatens China with 100% tariffs, escalating trade war

On Friday, President Trump unveiled plans to levy 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports beginning November 1 and tighten export controls on advanced software.

October 13, 2025 09:07 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: Farmers and traders left in the dark as shutdown halts crop reports

Thanks to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, vital agricultural reports and export data have been suspended — leaving farmers and markets flying blind during harvest season.

October 10, 2025 09:01 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: California becomes first state to ban unhealthy ultraprocessed foods in schools

Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that bans ultra-processed foods from the public school system, making California the first state to do so.

October 09, 2025 08:56 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

New maritime fuel rules may open markets for U.S. ag feedstocks

New international shipping regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions are opening doors for U.S. farmers by increasing demand for bio-based fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel.

October 08, 2025 10:34 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: Farmer aid package expected as early as today amid China trade fallout

With farm incomes already under pressure from rising input costs and falling crop prices, the impact of losing China as a top customer is hitting especially hard. A new government aid package is expected soon, though details remain uncertain.

October 07, 2025 09:15 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: Government shutdown drags on into second week, disrupting key farm programs

The shutdown that began October 1 has forced the USDA to suspend key services, halting farm program payments, disaster aid processing, and new loan applications amid a growing crisis in farm country.

October 06, 2025 07:00 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: New H-2A rule seen as step toward fairer farm labor costs

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new rule updating how the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is set for H-2A agricultural guest workers, which applies to all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

October 03, 2025 10:22 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson

Policy Update

Policy Updates: Agricultural productivity growth is slowing, according to new report

Released yesterday, Virginia Tech’s 2025 Global Agricultural Productivity Report reveals concerning trends in agricultural productivity, especially in the United States.

October 02, 2025 09:41 AM

·

Rebecca Dickerson