Bureau of Land Management moves to end conservation lease program on federal lands (Agri-Pulse): The Bureau of Land Management plans to rescind the Biden administration’s 2024 Public Lands Rule, which had authorized conservation leases on federal lands. That rule placed habitat restoration and ecosystem protection on equal footing with uses like grazing, mining, energy development, and recreation, allowing individuals, organizations, tribes, or businesses to lease land for up to 10 years.
In announcing the rollback, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argued that the prior rule threatened to block access to large areas of multiple-use land, restricting grazing, recreation, timber, and resource development. He said rescinding it ensures local communities and land-dependent industries maintain a voice in how public lands are managed.
USDA opens applications for improved farm to school grant program (USDA Press Release): Applications are now open for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants. Through this grant opportunity, USDA will invest up to $18 million in farm to school projects that connect farmers to USDA’s child nutrition programs through local food procurement, agricultural education, school gardens, and more.
New this year, USDA reimagined the Farm to School Grant program, implementing several improvements, including streamlining the application, removing barriers to innovation, and emphasizing partnerships to give small family farms the best chance at success.
White House weighs partial reallocation of biofuel mandates to large refiners (Reuters): The White House is reviewing an EPA proposal that would shift part of the biofuel blending obligations waived for small refineries onto larger oil companies. According to sources, the plan would require major refiners to make up around half or less of the 1.1 billion gallons recently exempted, equating to about 550 million gallons. That shortfall could boost the supply of renewable fuel credits and push their prices lower.
The compromise is expected to draw criticism from biofuel producers and farm-state lawmakers, who are pushing for full restoration of demand lost through refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The issue underscores the long-standing tensions between the oil industry and the farm lobby, with potential political consequences as the administration seeks unity ahead of a budget fight.
The proposal remains under review and could change, but officials expect a decision before the October 30 deadline to finalize blending requirements for 2026–2027. An EPA spokesperson said the agency is weighing options to balance the interests of farmers, consumers, and energy producers.
- Free virtual farm policy and risk management webinar series announced (Morning Ag Clips): Michigan State University Extension is launching a new season of free virtual farm policy and risk management webinars, designed to help producers better navigate and lessen the effects of risks brought on by weather and volatile markets. Below is the list of webinar dates/times (Central):
- Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance – Thursday, October 9, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
- Blueberries Cost of Production Study Review – Thursday, October 23, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
- Apples Cost of Production Study Review – Thursday, November 13, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
- Farm Bill Commodity Programs – Tuesday, January 20, 1:00–2:00 p.m. and Tuesday, February 10, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
- Peaches Cost of Production Study Review – Thursday, January 22, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
- Coverage Options in Revenue Protection for Field Crops – Thursday, January 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
- Chestnuts Cost of Production Study Report from MSU – Tuesday, February 3, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
- Cabbage Cost of Production Study Review – Thursday, February 19, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
To participate, registration is required: https://events.anr.msu.edu/fprms25/