Food, agriculture, land and rural-economy developments current as of September 14, 2026.
Decisions made in Congress, federal agencies and state legislatures eventually reach the farm gate. They influence processing access, direct-to-consumer sales, land use, production costs and the ability of families to build viable agricultural businesses.
In our July Freedom Watch, we began following legislation affecting food, farm and health freedom. This update carries several of those measures forward while examining the most consequential agricultural developments from the past two weeks.
This report is not a comprehensive review of every state. Legislative and regulatory statuses can change quickly. Readers should confirm current information through the appropriate legislature or agency before acting.
Key Developments
- The current Farm Bill extension expires September 30, but Congress has not agreed on a replacement.
- The federal government temporarily expanded lower-tariff imports of lean beef trimmings following a meeting between President Trump and JBS co-owner Joesley Batista.
- New executive orders direct federal agencies to strengthen livestock-market enforcement and support smaller processors, but they do not immediately change federal meat-inspection law.
- Raw milk, cottage food and soil-health measures highlighted in July remain active.
- Farmers, processors and landowners face several approaching application and public-comment deadlines.
Farm Bill Negotiations Remain Unresolved
Status: Pending federal legislation
The current extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2026. The House passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, on April 30 by a vote of 224–200. The Senate Agriculture Committee considered a separate proposal on August 6, but the committee rejected that legislation by a vote of 10–11.
Congress must now negotiate a final Farm Bill, approve another extension or allow portions of existing agricultural policy to expire. USDA confirms that currently authorized programs continue through September 30 under the existing extension.
Although the Farm Bill is frequently discussed in relation to commodity agriculture, it also governs conservation assistance, rural development, agricultural research, specialty crops, farm lending, disaster assistance and beginning-farmer programs.
For small and diversified farms, the important questions concern eligibility, accessibility, food production, and the conditions attached to assistance. Conservation funding for cover crops, grazing systems, soil improvement and water infrastructure can provide useful support. Producers should also examine any requirements related to data reporting, carbon markets, approved technologies or long-term land-use commitments.
Sources: USDA Farm Bill extension · House vote on H.R. 7567 · Senate Agriculture Committee proceedings
JBS Meeting Preceded Expansion of Beef Imports
Joesley Batista, co-owner of Brazilian meatpacking company JBS, met with President Trump in the Oval Office on August 20. According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, the discussion included whether lowering the 26% tariff on Brazilian beef could help reduce American beef prices.
The following day, Trump announced plans to allow additional foreign beef into the United States. The policy was formally announced on August 26 and took effect September 1.
For 90 days, the policy allows up to 100,000 tons per month of additional lean beef trimmings to enter under lower, in-quota tariff rates. Lean trimmings are pieces of beef remaining after larger cuts are removed. Processors commonly blend them with fattier American beef to produce ground beef.
The expanded quota is open to eligible trading partners. It is not a government contract awarding the imported beef to JBS, and no public evidence currently shows that JBS has received exclusive access to the quota or is purchasing every shipment entering under it.
JBS is nevertheless positioned to benefit from increased trade. The Brazilian-based company operates an extensive international supply network while also controlling significant slaughter, processing, and distribution capacity inside the United States. It is important for us to understand how this works, and how it does not benefit the small family farmer or homestead.
The timing of the meeting has therefore raised questions about the role of major meatpackers in shaping federal trade policy. JBS may benefit both as an international supplier and as a dominant processor within the American market.
The administration says the temporary increase will help moderate ground-beef prices while domestic producers rebuild the American cattle herd. However ranching organizations have warned that additional imports could weaken the cull-cow market, discourage herd rebuilding, and increase the leverage of multinational meatpackers. This doesn’t seem to be a win for the small farmer, but the big packers.
The four largest beef packers in the United States are:
- JBS USA — controlled by Brazil-based JBS
- Tyson Foods — American-owned (but still uses foreign beef product)
- Cargill Meat Solutions — American-owned (but still uses foreign beef product)
- National Beef Packing Company — majority-owned by Brazil-based MBRF
Together, these four companies process approximately 80–85% of America’s fed cattle.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal · White House beef-import announcement
Executive Orders Direct Agencies to Address Meat-Market Competition
Status: Executive action awaiting agency implementation
On September 4, President Trump signed executive orders directing USDA and other federal agencies to investigate livestock-market competition, increase enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support state and regional meat-inspection programs, and identify barriers preventing some state-inspected products from moving across state lines. The orders also direct USDA to provide technical assistance for small processors and take appropriate steps toward establishing a guaranteed loan program for small and regional beef-processing facilities.
These directives address significant problems for independent livestock producers. Limited slaughter availability, long scheduling delays, and rising processing costs can make direct-to-consumer meat businesses difficult to operate profitably. The orders do not, however, permit unrestricted interstate sales of state-inspected or custom-exempt meat. They do not repeal federal inspection requirements, appropriate new funding, or independently change federal meat-inspection statutes.
Several provisions require USDA to submit reports within 60 days identifying regulatory and statutory barriers. Whether the orders produce durable change will depend on subsequent enforcement decisions, agency rules, appropriations and congressional legislation.
Source: Executive Order on livestock competition and market access
State Food-Freedom Legislation Remains Active
Most state legislatures have adjourned for the year, but several measures included in the July Freedom Watch remain active because their states operate under year-round or two-year legislative sessions.
Michigan Raw Milk Package
Status: Pending before the Michigan House
Michigan House Bills 5217, 5218 and 5219 would establish a legal pathway for direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw milk and certain unpasteurized dairy products. Producers complying with the proposed safety, labeling and recordkeeping requirements would receive exemptions from portions of the state’s dairy licensing framework.
The bills have cleared House committees and remain pending before the full House. They are tie-barred, meaning all three must be enacted for any of them to take effect.
New York Homegrown Foods Act
Status: Pending in the Assembly Agriculture Committee
New York A5836A would create a licensing exemption for certain foods grown or processed at a private residence. The exemption would be limited to producers earning no more than $12,500 annually from qualifying sales.
The proposal would allow direct sales of specified nonhazardous products, including baked goods, jams, dried foods, honey, pickles and certain fermented products. It would also establish labeling, sanitation, and inspection requirements.
The bill was amended and recommitted to the Assembly Agriculture Committee on May 26. No subsequent action is listed.
The legislation could provide a formal exemption for some home producers, but its $12,500 annual ceiling may also limit the ability of a successful cottage food operation to develop into a substantial household business.
Review New York A5836A and its legislative history
Maryland Cottage Food Expansion
Status: Signed; effective October 1, 2026
Maryland House Bill 535 raises the maximum annual revenue for a cottage food business from $50,000 to $100,000. Governor Wes Moore approved the legislation on April 28, and it takes effect October 1.
The change gives Maryland’s established home food producers more room to expand before exceeding the state’s cottage food exemption.
Soil-Health Legislation Remains in Committee
Status: Pending federal legislation
The Soil Conservation and Regeneration Education Act, known as the Soil CARE Act, was introduced as S. 3820 and H.R. 7474. The legislation would require USDA to establish a soil-health training program for Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel and third-party advisors.
The proposed curriculum includes soil biology, prescribed grazing, livestock integration, agroforestry, organic production, soil testing and the financial considerations involved in adopting new management systems. It also specifically addresses the needs of new and small-scale producers.
The legislation remains in committee and has not become law. If enacted, it could affect the type and quality of technical assistance producers receive through NRCS. The selection of outside training partners and any future data or program requirements would merit continued review.
Read the official Senate bill text
EPA Opens a New WOTUS Comment Period
Status: Proposed federal regulation; comments due October 9
EPA and the Department of the Army published a supplemental proposal concerning the definition of “waters of the United States,” commonly known as WOTUS, on September 9.
The agencies are requesting public input on definitions including “perennial,” “relatively permanent” and “continuous surface connection.” Those terms may eventually help determine whether streams, wetlands, drainage features and other areas of private property fall under federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction.
The final definitions could affect pond construction, stream crossings, roads, drainage projects and other land improvements. The proposal is not a final rule. However, it is important to make your voice heard as a landowner if you believe it could negatively affect the rights you have on your property. This is another example of how government can become overreaching overnight.
Farmers, ranchers, landowners, and agricultural organizations may submit comments through October 9, 2026.
Review the proposal and public-comment information
Farm Income Declines as Debt and Transportation Costs Rise
USDA’s September forecast projects net farm income of $158.4 billion in 2026. That represents a 2.6% decline before inflation and a 5.5% decline after inflation. Farm-sector debt is forecast to increase 4.6% to $605.1 billion. Keep in mind, however, that these are farms that are actually reporting their income. Many family owned and run farms do not report their income and they are doing better than ever.
USDA expects every animal and animal-product specialization to record lower average farm income this year. Median income earned from farming by farm households is forecast at negative $467, demonstrating the extent to which many agricultural households continue to depend on off-farm employment.
The August Consumer Price Index showed that grocery prices were unchanged from July but remained 2.2% higher than a year earlier. Beef and veal prices were 5.9% higher, while ground beef prices were up 7.2%. Gasoline rose 3.9% in August and 27.4% over the previous year.
These conditions may continue to increase consumer interest in producing food at home while simultaneously limiting household spending on land, equipment, travel and education. For small farms and homesteads, the most valuable investments will be those that reduce purchased inputs, improve livestock performance, protect against preventable losses, or create dependable household income. Sounds like a great time to buy a ticket to the From Homestead to Legacy event taking place in April 2027!
Sources: USDA farm-income forecast · August Consumer Price Index
People Making a Difference in Agriculture
Agricultural news is not limited to legislation, market pressure and regulatory disputes. Across the country, farmers and rural organizations are building practical solutions to hunger, limited processing capacity, and weakened connections between agriculture and the communities it serves. These stories deserve attention because they demonstrate what becomes possible when producers take responsibility for solving problems close to home.
Montana Ranchers Turn Donated Livestock Into Nearly 250,000 Pounds of Food
What began during the pandemic as one rancher’s effort to help his neighbors has grown into a statewide agricultural partnership. Fifth-generation Montana rancher Matt Pierson founded The Producer Partnership in 2020 to accept donated livestock, process the animals and provide the resulting meat to food banks and other community organizations. The group went on to build what it identifies as the nation’s first federally inspected, nonprofit-owned and operated meat-processing facility. Producers can donate cattle, pigs, sheep, goats or domestic bison, which are processed at no charge. The organization reports that it has distributed nearly 250,000 pounds of Montana-raised protein to food banks, schools, senior programs, veterans’ organizations, and other charities. It is a remarkable example of producers addressing two problems at once: limited local processing and food insecurity.
Iowa Agricultural Groups Turn Community Events Into Local Support
In Delaware County, Iowa, farm organizations are using agricultural events to support families in their own community. DelCo Ag—a partnership involving the county Farm Bureau, Cattlemen, Pork Producers and Dairy Promoters—distributed $18,000 to six local food banks and assistance organizations for Hunger Awareness Month. The money was raised through activities including Brunch in the Barn, a golf fundraiser, and an agricultural food stand. Since 2023, the partnership has distributed approximately $60,000 to community programs. The effort shows how a pancake breakfast, farm event, or producer gathering can become more than an educational activity. With the right purpose behind it, it can strengthen relationships, teach families where their food comes from, and meet real needs in the same community. Read the September 8 report.
These stories reflect a side of agriculture that is often absent from national coverage. Farmers are not simply responding to markets and government policy. They are building processors, feeding neighbors, preserving harvests and creating local institutions where none existed before. That work rarely begins with someone waiting for permission. It begins when capable people recognize a need, use what is in their hands and invite their community to help.
Agricultural Deadlines
September 30: Farm Bill authorization expires
Congress must approve a new Farm Bill or another extension to prevent interruptions in programs whose authority expires at the end of the federal fiscal year.
October 1: Maryland cottage food expansion takes effect
Maryland’s new $100,000 cottage food revenue ceiling becomes effective.
October 9: WOTUS public comments due
Comments on EPA’s supplemental WOTUS proposal must be submitted by October 9.
What to Watch Next
- Whether Congress passes a complete Farm Bill or another temporary extension before September 30
- Which companies import beef under the temporary expanded quota and whether consumer prices decline
- USDA’s 60-day reports on meat-market enforcement, interstate commerce and small-processor access
- Full House action on Michigan’s raw milk legislation
- Additional movement on New York’s Homegrown Foods Act
- The final language adopted in the WOTUS rule
- Prefiled food, farm, land and health legislation ahead of 2027 state sessions
Agricultural policy should be evaluated by its practical results. The central questions are whether a measure increases the ability of families to produce, process, and sell food; whether it protects private property and informed consumer choice; and whether it distributes opportunity beyond the largest institutions in the food system.
Understanding those distinctions allows farmers and homesteaders to respond to actual policy—not merely political headlines.
