Webinars this week—Register Now!
- Feb. 24 at noon, AgWorks: Wage and Hour Laws—Calculation and Enforcement
- Feb. 27 at noon, Understanding the Basics of the USDA National Appeals Division with Devin Winklosky, former USDA Administrative Judge (Attorney CLE available)
International Trade: President Issues Executive Order Increasing Tariff-Rate Quota for Argentinian Beef, Trade Agreement Signed with Argentina 
On February 6, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order (91 FR 7107) increasing the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for lean beef trimmings by 80,000 metric tons for the 2026 calendar year and allocating “all of the increased in-quota quantity of beef . . . to Argentina.” According to the executive order and corresponding fact sheet, the 80,000 additional metric tons will be imported from Argentina “tariff-free in four quarterly tranches of 20,000 metric tons each.” The executive order cites several factors affecting U.S. beef supplies, including droughts in midwestern states, wildfires in the western United States, and New World screwworm detections in beef imports from Mexico. On February 5, the administration announced, along with the Argentinian government (PDF), that the two countries had signed the United States–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment, which permits the Unites States to export duty-free 80,000 metric tons (mt) of beef to Argentina in addition to 1,000 mt of cheese, 870 mt of almonds, 80 mt of pistachios, 690 mt of frozen potatoes, and 1,100 mt of unfrozen potatoes, among other products. See also ALWR—Oct. 28, 2025, “USDA Announces Plan to ‘Strengthen American Beef Industry.’”
Pesticides/Herbicides: President Issues Executive Order to Increase Glyphosate Production
On February 18, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO 14387) delegating to the Secretary of Agriculture powers under the Defense Production Act to issue orders and promulgate rules and regulations “to ensure a continued and adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.” According to the executive order and corresponding fact sheet, “[t]here is no direct one-for-one chemical alternative to glyphosate-based herbicides” but “there is only a single domestic producer of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides,” which “does not meet’ U.S. market demands. The executive order states, “Ensuring an adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides is . . . crucial to the national security and defense, including food-supply security, which is essential to protecting the health and safety of Americans.” On February 20, U.S. Representative Thomas Massie introduced H.R. 7601, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to implement the executive order.
Pesticides/Herbicides: Bayer Announces $7.25 Billion Roundup Settlement
On February 17, 2026, Bayer/Monsanto announced (PDF) a proposed class settlement in which the company “will make declining capped annual payments for up to 21 years totaling up to 7.25 billion U.S. dollars” to “resolve current and future Roundup claims alleging Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) injuries.” According to the announcement, “plaintiff law firms representing the class filed a motion . . . in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis, Missouri” seeking preliminary approval of the settlement, which “covers plaintiffs who allege exposure to Roundup prior to February 17, 2026, and: (1) have a medical diagnosis of NHL now; or (2) receive a medical diagnosis of NHL before the end of a 16-year period following final approval of the agreement.” Bayer states that the settlement does not affect pending U.S. Supreme Court review of the Durnell case, granted in January 2026, and that a “positive ruling” from the Court “should largely foreclose present and future claims based on state label-based warning theories—including the pending appeals, as well as opt-outs from the class.” Bayer/Monsanto states that it “will have the right to terminate the settlement without claims payments if the number of opt outs is excessive.” See also ALWR—Jan. 20, 2026, “U.S. Supreme Court Grants Certiorari to FIFRA Preemption Case.”
Agricultural Labor: USDA Publishes Swine, Poultry Processing Line Speed Proposed Rules
On February 19, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published in the Federal Register two proposed rules addressing meat and poultry line speeds, also announced by FSIS: a proposed rule (91 FR 7905) that would allow businesses operating under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS) to set their own line speeds and a proposed rule (91 FR 7926) that would allow for New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) young chicken establishments to operate at a max line speed of 175 birds per minute (bpm) and NPIS turkey establishments to operate at 60 bpm. The swine proposed rule would eliminate the previous maximum line speed of 1,106 head per hour and instead allow the business to set a speed they determine adequate to maintain process control, although FSIS inspectors would be permitted to reduce an operation’s line speed if the inspector deems that process control is compromised. The poultry proposed rule would increase previous maximums from 140 bpm without a waiver for NPIS young chicken establishments and 55 bpm for NPIS turkey establishments. Both proposed rules would eliminate the requirement for NSIS and NPIS establishments to send annual compliance attestations to FSIS. The public comment period for both proposed rules ends April 20, 2026 (Swine: FSIS-2025-0009; Poultry: FSIS-2025-0012). See also ALWR—Mar. 26, 2025, “USDA Directs FSIS to Issue Pork, Poultry Line Speed Waivers,” ALWR—Jan. 21, 2025, “FSIS Publishes Swine, Poultry Processing Line Speed Evaluation Studies,” and ALWR—April 2, 2021, “Federal Court Vacates Swine Slaughter Rule Line Speed Elimination.”
Antimicrobial Use: FDA Publishes Guidance on Use Durations for Food Animal Antimicrobial Drugs
On February 13, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a notice (91 FR 6855) announcing the availability of a final guidance document recommending that animal drug companies establish “durations of use” for “medically important antimicrobial drugs” used in the medicated feed of food-producing animals (FDA-2023-D-2925). According to the notice, “[e]stablishing defined durations of use within the approved new animal drug applications . . . is intended to mitigate development of antimicrobial resistance for these antimicrobial drugs, which are important to human medicine.” While the guidance does not specify recommended duration periods, it advises drug makers to devise “typical” and “maximum” use periods. See also ALWR—Oct. 9, 2023, “FDA Publishes Draft Guidance on Use Durations for Food Animal Antimicrobial Drugs.”
Animal Welfare: DOJ Issues Animal Welfare Plan Memorandum, USDA Seeks Comment on Dog Breeding Care Standards
On February 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a memorandum detailing the department’s five-part plan to address welfare crimes: “(1) A one-week Animal Welfare Summit at the Department’s National Advocacy Center to train federal prosecutors and federal agents from across the country in prosecuting animal welfare crimes; (2) the creation of a multi-agency Animal Welfare Executive Strategy Committee to develop and implement a National Strategy for Combatting Animal Welfare Crimes, to be chaired by Adam Gustafson, who leads the Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division; (3) the creation of a law enforcement ‘Tiger Team’ to participate in and assist with the execution of search warrants and seizures in animal welfare cases; (4) the continued use of the Asset Forfeiture Fund to help pay for the evaluation, care, and feeding of animals seized in the course of animal welfare investigations; and (5) the offering of grants, through the Office of Justice Programs, to animal welfare groups, and state and local law enforcement agencies that are taking action to combat animal cruelty.” Additionally, on February 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register a request for information (91 FR 7162) seeking comment on “appropriate standards for the care of breeding female dogs at dog breeding facilities and exercise and socialization of dogs subject to the Animal Welfare Act.” The request is available for comment until March 19, 2026 (APHIS-2025-1000).
National Agricultural Policy: USDA Announces $1 Billion for Specialty Crop Farmer Assistance
On February 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced (PDF) that the agency will provide $1 billion for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program to “address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports.” According to the announcement, “ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres,” so eligible producers “should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 p.m. ET on March 13, 2026.” Although “crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF Program,” USDA states that it “strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.” USDA states that it will announce commodity-specific payment rates “by the end of March.” See also ALWR—Dec. 18, 2025, “USDA Announces $12 Billion in ‘Bridge Payments.”
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Understanding Agricultural Law Series. A free monthly webinar series for agricultural and rural business advisors. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. All events on Fridays, noon–1 pm (ET). Upcoming:
Feb. 27, 2026, Understanding the Basics of the USDA National Appeals Division
Mar. 27, 2026, Understanding the Basics of Right to Farm Laws
Apr. 24, 2026, Understanding the Basics of the Renewable Fuel Standard
May 22, 2026, Understanding the Basics of the PA Preferred Program
Jun 26, 2026, Understanding the Basics of Agricultural Vehicle Regulation
July 24, 2026, Understanding the Basics of International Agricultural Trade & Tariffs
Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar Series. A free quarterly webinar series covering dairy industry legal and regulatory developments with an in-depth focus topic. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. All events on Tuesdays, noon–1 pm (ET). Upcoming:
Apr. 14, 2026, 1st Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar
Jul 14, 2026, 2nd Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar
Oct. 13, 2026, 3rd Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar
AgWorks: Connecting Agricultural Businesses to Workforce Services and Training. From 2025 to 2027, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law and Penn State Extension will collaborate with farms and agriculture-related businesses to strengthen the workforce system. AgWorks will provide 100 registered small- to medium-sized Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses with no-cost training and consultation to ensure business sustainability. As part of the AgWorks program, the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law will provide legal consulting and present 20+ employment law programs. Upcoming AgWorks webinars and workshops:
Feb. 24, 2026, AgWorks: Wage and Hour Laws—Calculation and Enforcement
Subscribe to the Pennsylvania Farm Employers’ Listserv (PFEL): an email networking and resource-sharing group exclusively about human resources information for agricultural operations.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Legal Services Plan: “A new member-benefit program involving law firms that specialize in legal areas commonly utilized by farmers.”
Resources of Interest:
Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., 2026 Update on State Pesticide Liability Limitation Bills, Brigit Rollins (Feb. 17, 2026)
Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, Trump Signs Order Protecting Glyphosate, Phosphorus Production, Ryan Hanrahan (Feb. 19, 2026)
Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, Bayer Proposes $7.25 Billion Roundup Settlement, Ryan Hanrahan (Feb. 18, 2026)
Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, House Ag Committee Releases New Farm Bill, Markup Set for Feb. 23, Ryan Hanrahan (Feb. 16, 2026)
Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, The 2026 Farm Bill Returns: House Republicans Unveil “Farm Bill 2.0,” Roger McEowen (Feb. 14, 2026)
Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, USDA Unveils Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, Kristine A. Tidgren (Feb. 17, 2026)
Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, Legal and Tax Issues Associated with Prairie Fires, Roger McEowen (Feb. 20, 2026)
Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, 2026 Gift Tax Exclusions, Robert Moore (Feb. 17, 2026)
Tex. A&M Agric. Law Blog, 2026 Federal Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Information, Tiffany Dowell Lashmet (Feb. 16, 2026)
Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, Ag Transportation and Antitrust, Roger McEowen (Feb. 17, 2026)
Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, What To Do About Data Centers? New Bills Offer Some Solutions, Peggy Kirk Hall (Feb. 20, 2026)
STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PRESS RELEASES
Shapiro Administration Deploys Additional Resources to Support HPAI Response and Protect Pennsylvania Poultry Producers (Feb. 18, 2026)
PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 8—Feb. 21, 2026):
Department of Environmental Protection
56 Pa.B. 1073 Notice: “Availability of the Non-Regulatory Agenda”
State Conservation Commission
56 Pa.B. 1093 Notice: “Action on Odor Management Plans for Concentrated Animal Operations and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Volunteers Complying with the Commonwealth’s Facility Odor Management Program”
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE
HR 419 “A Resolution designating April 14, 2026, as “Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Officer Day” in Pennsylvania; and recognizing the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as “National Animal Control Appreciation Week” in Pennsylvania.” Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs [House] (Feb. 20, 2026)
HB 2229 “An Act amending the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known as the Solid Waste Management Act, in general provisions, further providing for powers and duties of the department.” Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection [House] (Feb. 20, 2026)
HB 2234 “An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for spent grain donation tax credit.” Referred to Finance [House] (Feb. 20, 2026)
HB 1923 “An Act providing for regulation of the meat packing and food processing industry by creating facility health and safety committees in the workplace; establishing the industry workers’ rights coordinator within the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.” Referred to Labor & Industry [Senate] (Feb. 13, 2026)
FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PRESS RELEASES
White House Details EPA as Federal Lead on Potomac Interceptor Collapse and Response Efforts (Feb. 20, 2026)
EPA Issues Guidance Update on Regional Haze Plans for States to Ensure Reliability of the American Electric Grid (Feb. 20, 2026)
EPA Announces Path Forward to Revamp the Clean School Bus Program to Provide Safe, Affordable, Efficient Transportation for America’s Youth (Feb. 19, 2026)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PRESS RELEASES
USDA Announces Request for Information on Data Products (Feb. 20, 2026)
Trump Administration Announces Assistance for Sugar Farmers Impacted by Unfair Market Disruptions (Feb. 20, 2026)
USDA Announces Enrollment Period for Farmer Bridge Payments (Feb. 20, 2026)
Secretary Rollins Announces $263 Million Food Purchase to Support U.S. Producers and Strengthen America’s Food Supply (Feb. 19, 2026)
USDA, DOJ, DHS, and HHS Launch Coordinated Effort to Crackdown on Chronic Dog Welfare Violators (Feb. 18, 2026)
USDA Takes Action To Lower Food Costs on Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain through Proposed Changes to Line Speed Rules (Feb. 17, 2026)
USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES
Agricultural Marketing Service
Notice of Section 32 Purchase of Dairy, Pulses, Fresh Fruit, and Tree Nut Products (Feb. 20, 2026)
Agricultural Research Service
Finding More Effective Treatments in the Fight Against Varroa Mites (Feb. 19, 2026)
Farm Service Agency
USDA Announces Enrollment Period for Farmer Bridge Payments (Feb. 20, 2026)
Food Safety and Inspection Service
Constituent Update (Feb. 20, 2026)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Developing New Pain Management Tools to Support Livestock Well-being (Feb. 20, 2026)
NIFA Invests Nearly $300K in Response to Central Texas Floods (Feb. 18, 2026)
NIFA Invests $5M in Infectious Disease Research (Feb. 18, 2026)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Local Working Group Meetings Happening Across Pennsylvania (Feb. 18, 2026)
PA NRCS Announces Funding Available for Easement Programs (Feb. 13, 2026)
Rural Development
USDA announces distance learning grant in Breckinridge County (Feb. 18, 2026)
USDA announces $2.8M+ in distance learning grants to Rockcastle, Bell, Knox counties (Feb. 18, 2026)
USDA announces grants to boost rural business innovation (Feb. 18, 2026)
USDA Rural Development provides funding for sewer system upgrades in Gillett (Feb. 17, 2026)
FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register: Feb. 16—Feb. 20, 2026):
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
91 FR 8179 Revision to and extension of approval of an information collection; comment request: “Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Control of African Swine Fever; Restrictions on the Movement of Swine Products and Swine Byproducts From Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8178 Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request: “Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Emergency Management Response System” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 7421 Notice of availability: “Bayer U.S.-Crop Science: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for MON 94637 Lepidopteran-Protected Soybean (Glycine Max)” (Feb. 18, 2026)
91 FR 7422 Notice of availability: “Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Insect Resistant and Herbicide-Tolerant DAS-01131-3 Maize (Corn)” (Feb. 18, 2026)
91 FR 7422 Notice of availability: “Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Insect Resistant and Herbicide-Tolerant DP-910521-2 Maize (Corn)” (Feb. 18, 2026)
91 FR 7423 Notice of availability: “Syngenta Seeds, LLC.: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Insect Resistant MZIR260 Maize (Zea Mays L.)” (Feb. 18, 2026)
91 FR 7162 Request for information (RFI): “Standards for the Care of Breeding Female Dogs and Exercise and Socialization of Dogs” (Feb. 17, 2026)
Environmental Protection Agency
91 FR 8083 Final rule: “Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides; Diphenylamine, et al.” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8091 Final rule: “Pydiflumetofen; Pesticide Tolerances” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8119 Final rule: “Inpyrfluxam; Pesticide Tolerances” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8095 Final rule: “Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerance(s)” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8100 Final rule: “Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides; Terbacil, et al.” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8233 Notice: “Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations (From May 30, 2025, Notice)” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 7982 Notice: “Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations and/or Amendments To Terminate Uses (From November 20, 2025, Notice)” (Feb. 19, 2026)
91 FR 7979 Notice: “Pesticides; Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations and/or Amend Registrations To Terminate Certain Uses With a 30-Day Comment Period (December 2025)” (Feb. 19, 2026)
Farm Credit Administration
91 FR 7817 Final rule: “General Provisions” (Feb. 19, 2026)
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
91 FR 7957 Extension, without change, of a currently approved information collection; comment request: “Notice of Request for Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Information Collection” (Feb. 19, 2026)
Food and Drug Administration
91 FR 8253 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; New Animal Drugs for Minor Use and Minor Species” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8256 Notification of exemption: “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods; Exemption for Cottage Cheese Regulated by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8243 Notice of availability: “Questions and Answers About Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods; Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8251 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Procedures for the Safe and Sanitary Processing and Importing of Juice” (Feb. 20, 2026)
91 FR 8010 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Procedures for the Safe Processing and Importing of Fish and Fishery Products” (Feb. 19, 2026)
Food Safety and Inspection Service
91 FR 7905 Proposed rule: “Maximum Line Speed Under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS)” (Feb. 19, 2026)
91 FR 7926 Proposed rule: “Maximum Line Speed Rates for Young Chicken and Turkey Establishments Operating Under the New Poultry Inspection System” (Feb. 19, 2026)
Rural Utilities Service
91 FR 7429 Notice and request for comment: “Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection” (Feb. 18, 2026)
U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
H.R.7627 “To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to include Indian Tribes in certain provisions relating to priority resource concerns.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 20, 2026)
H.R.7609 “To harmonize the population threshold for rural communities under programs carried out by the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Feb. 20, 2026)
H.R.7589 “To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to continue to carry out the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 17, 2026)
H.R.7458 “Domestic ORE Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources (Feb. 17, 2026)
U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
None.
U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE—UPCOMING HEARINGS
U.S. House Ag. Comm., Full Committee Markup: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST
U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY—UPCOMING HEARINGS
None.
Contributors:
Audry Thompson—Staff Attorney
Christina Fraser—Research Assistant
Samuel Sweeten—Research Assistant
