Agricultural Labor: USCIS Issues Guidance Memo on Dairy Workers in H-2A Program 
On June 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum (PDF) to all USCIS employees addressing “the determination of temporary or seasonal need for H-2A petitions seeking workers for dairying.” According to the memo, “dairy[ing work] can involve H-2A eligible temporary or seasonal labor” and “does not require special procedures apart from those available under existing statutes and regulations.” Also announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the memo states that “USCIS may, depending on the totality of the circumstances, consider the need in consecutively filed petitions to be temporary or seasonal, so long as the jobs in each petition entail different duties or, in the case of a claimed seasonal need can each be tied to a certain time of year by an event or pattern.” The memo notes that “[d]airy cows are typically milked for approximately 10 months after calving before they are ‘dried off’ for two months before calving again” and suggests that “[f]or dairies that implement distinct breeding seasons each year, employers may be able to file separate H-2A petitions (for up to 10 months each) for dairy herdsmen for each calving season to provide the needed labor to address the different needs by the employer in relation to the cadence for the cattle in each herd.” However, the memo states that it “is intended solely for the training and guidance of USCIS personnel in performing their duties” and “is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law or by any individual or other party in removal proceedings, in litigation with the United States, or in any other form or manner.” The memo further notes, “What constitutes a temporary or seasonal need is inherently fact driven and can only be determined on a case-by-case basis; the petitioner, for an H-2A dairying position, as in other H2A petitions, bears the burden of establishing the temporary or seasonal need.”
Invasive Species: Pennsylvania Issues Quarantine Order for New World Screwworm
On June 9, 2026, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding issued a quarantine order restricting the movement and import of all warm-blooded domestic animals, “including all livestock species, birds, dogs and cats and other companion animals” in response to confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico. Also announced by PDA, the order generally requires that any animal originating from an area “where suspicion of NWS exists” shall not be imported into the state until “examined and determined to be free of NWS by an Accredited Veterinarian.” Anyone found in violation of the order “may be subject to criminal and civil penalties.” Additionally, PDA has established a New World Screwworm webpage, which states, “There are currently no cases of New World screwworm in Pennsylvania in livestock, pets, wildlife, or humans.” The order became effective upon issuance and will remain in effect until rescinded or altered.
National Agricultural Policy: USDA Announces Grazing Plan Implementation Memo
On June 12, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the publication of a memorandum to U.S. Forest Service employees detailing USDA’s policy directives to implement its “Advancing Grazing on Forest Service and BLM Lands” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in March 2026. Among several actions, the memorandum directs the U.S. Forest Service to “take appropriate measures to restore at least 500,000 [Head Months (HMs)] across the National Forest System over the next two years with additional incremental increases for the outyears” and instructs line officers to “take appropriate actions to restore HMs within their jurisdiction to the maximum amount possible” and “maximize the use of targeted grazing.” Additionally, the memo guides employees to “treat ranchers with courtesy and respect at all times” and to “eliminate retaliation and/or targeted enforcement and avoid even the appearance of such behavior.” See also Brigit Rollins, BLM Proposes Overhaul of Grazing Program Regulations, Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr. (June 16, 2026).
Agribusiness: JBS Announces Closure of Souderton, PA Processing Facility
As of June 12, 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has published a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice (PDF) stating that JBS Souderton in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania will close its operations effective August 14, 2026. Also announced (PDF) by JBS USA, the Souderton closure is stated to affect 1,485 employees. According to the announcement, “JBS USA is implementing transition plans” including “[o]pportunities for team members to apply for open roles at other company facilities across the United States.” JBS also states that it will close a “value-added facility in Memphis, Tennessee.”
Agribusiness: USDA Announces Action Plan for Small Meat Processors
On June 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its Small Processors Action Plan for small and very small meat and poultry processors. The plan summarizes several USDA actions and initiatives, some of which the agency has already implemented, including $60 million for a fourth round of Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program funding and $20 million to reduce overtime and holiday inspection fees for small and very small meat processors. According to the announcement, USDA will “establish[] dedicated support to help small businesses navigate processes and get timely responses” and “updat[e] and expand[] plain-language guidance by FSIS, tailored to small and very small plants.”
Food Policy: Iowa ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Law Prohibits Food Dyes in School Meals, Effective July 1, 2026
On July 1, 2026, Iowa’s HF 2676 (PDF) becomes effective. Titled the “Iowa Make America Healthy Again Act,” and signed into law by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on May 20, 2026, the law contains numerous provisions regarding “health-related matters, including health-related professions, nutrition, medication, and education.” Notably, the law prohibits the use of eight specific food additives and food dyes in school meals provided through the national school lunch program and served during the school day: blue dye 1, blue dye 2, green dye 3, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red dye 40, yellow dye 5, and yellow dye 6. However, the law exempts foods sold outside of the school day from the prohibition.
Food Policy: Colorado Amends ‘Cottage Foods Act’ to Include Refrigerated Foods, Meat Products
On June 4, 2026, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law HB26-1033 (PDF), which amends the “Colorado Cottage Foods Act” to permit “the sale of homemade foods that require refrigeration and foods that include meat and meat products,” including “tamales,” “burritos,” and “tortas,” while still excluding “fermented products,” “alcohol,” and “raw milk.” Additionally, the law allows producers to “earn up to $150,000 of net revenues . . . increased from $10,000.” Under the law, producers selling such products must “take a food safety course that includes food handling training concerning time and temperature control and acquire and maintain proof of course completion” and register with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Food Labeling: Dannon Files Complaint Alleging Chobani ‘20G Protein’ Yogurt Protein Amount, Serving Size Misleading
On June 15, 2026, Danone US, LLC filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that “its competitor, Chobani” “engages in outright misrepresentation and . . . violates FDA regulations” by “significantly inflat[ing] the size of each ‘serving’ of” its “20G Protein” yogurt product. Danone US, LLC v. Chobani, LLC, No. 1:26-cv-05037. Danone claims that, “[i]n recent years, 20 grams of protein per serving has become a crucial threshold driving consumer purchase interest” and, as such, it has developed its “Oikos Pro line [to] meet or exceed the 20-grams-per-serving protein threshold” in a 5.3 ounce serving size. Danone states, “Chobani therefore designed its single-serving containers of the Chobani Product to hold 6.7 ounces of yogurt—more than the industry standard of 5.3 ounces, but just enough to provide 20 grams of protein” and alleges that “[i]f the Chobani Product were truthfully named, labeled, and marketed, consumers would not see it as a viable alternative to Oikos Pro in the ultra-high-protein yogurt category.” Danone further states that, “[u]nlike single-serving containers, multiple-serving containers are subject to strict [U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] rules governing calculation of serving sizes” and claims that “[i]f Chobani followed FDA’s serving-size rules for multiple-serving containers, the multiple-serving Chobani Product would be able to claim only 18 grams of protein per serving—well below the critical 20-gram threshold.” The next day, on June 16, a separate class action consumer complaint was filed in the same court alleging the same material facts and claiming that Chobani’s “misleading protein claims caused Plaintiff and members of the Class to pay a price premium for the Chobani Yogurt.” Knox v. Chobani, LLC, No. 1:26-cv-05093.
Food Labeling: Kellogg Co Announces ‘SPOONS’ Labeling Nutrition Framework
On May 28, 2026, WK Kellogg Co announced (PDF) its on-pack nutrition framework “SPOONS,” an acronym for “S—Simple ingredients, P—Protein, O—Outstanding fiber, O—Other nutritious foods, N—Nutrients you need, S—Single-digit sugars.” The accompanying cereal box pictures depict listed grams of fiber in blue font and protein in purple font in conjunction with the acronym’s “O” and “P” letters. According to the announcement, “SPOONS is part of the company’s overall business strategy to surge growth of the $10B US cereal category.” In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule (90 FR 5426) to require front-of-package nutrition labeling on “most foods that must bear a Nutrition Facts label” which would require information on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars—displayed “in a simple format showing whether the food has ‘Low,’ ‘Med’ or ‘High’ levels of these nutrients.” See also ALWR—Jan. 21, 2025, “FDA Proposes New Rule to Require Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels.”
Dairy Policy: Dairy Farmers File Complaint Alleging Dairy Checkoff ESG Messaging Not Government Speech
On June 9, 2026, three Wisconsin dairy farmers filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Easter District of Wisconsin claiming “that the Dairy Checkoff is unconstitutional under the First Amendment as a compelled subsidy of private speech to the extent it funds the Innovation Center [for U.S. Dairy].” Swan v. Rollins, No. 1:26-cv-01033. The plaintiff dairy farmers state that, “for each hundredweight (100 pounds) of milk they produce,” “American dairy farmers are required to pay ‘checkoff’ fees,” which are required by Congress to “be used for the advertisement and promotion of dairy product sale and consumption, and research related only to such advertisement and promotion.” However, the complaint alleges that these fees “subsidize private organizations that promote an [environmental, social, and governance’ (ESG)]-focused ideological agenda around the world” and “with the assistance of USDA, then impose their ESG demands upon the very American farmers funding them back home.” The plaintiffs claim that, “at best, the use of such funds to advance an ESG-focused ideological agenda promotes an unrelated message—that dairy farmers must take steps to combat climate change, including through prioritizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. At worst, the use of such funds actually promotes the opposite message—that the dairy industry is harming the environment.” Thus, the plaintiffs claim that “the Dairy Checkoff is at most now a hybrid between ‘government speech’ germane to the regulatory interests prescribed by the Dairy Act, and private speech that is not.”
Dairy Policy: School Lunch ‘Bulk Milk Dispenser’ Funding Bill Introduced in House
On June 4, 2026, Representative Glenn Thompson introduced H.R. 9164 (PDF), titled the “Funding Refrigeration Equipment for Student Health Act of 2026” or the “FRESH Act.” If passed, the bill would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to appropriate $4 million for grants to would fund up to 75% of the cost for eligible elementary and secondary schools to purchase and install bulk milk dispensers which “chill[] milk . . . at a consistent temperature and allow[] a user to dispense the milk directly into a cup or other container.” The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.
Dairy Policy: International Trade Commission Publishes Nonfat Milk Solids Competitiveness Report
On May 27, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) announced the publication of a report titled “Nonfat Milk Solids: Competitive Conditions for the United States and Major Foreign Suppliers.” According to the announcement, “[r]aw milk is the main input to nonfat milk solids (NFS) processing and accounts for approximately 80-90 percent of NFS processing costs,” so “an industry’s milk pricing system and associated government milk pricing policies affect the competitiveness of major NFS processors and exporters.” USITC states that “[t]he United States and Canada both use milk class pricing systems to influence raw milk and milk component prices, but Canada’s system unlinks its relatively high farmgate price of milk from the price that NFS processors pay for milk components in Canada.” According to the study, “[g]lobal exports of NFS products were dominated by three major suppliers during the 2019–24 period: the EU, the United States, and New Zealand,” which, collectively, “accounted for nearly 85 percent of total exports in 2024, and averaged about 83 percent from 2019 to 2024.” However, the study reports that, “[a]mong the industries profiled, the United States has the greatest capacity for milk supply and component growth, while growth in the EU’s milk supply stagnated and Australia’s milk pool shrank over the period.”
Farm Bill: Iowa Governor Approves Iowa Farm Act and Agricultural Appropriations Bill
On June 1, 2026, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law SF 2465 (PDF), known as the “Iowa Farm Act,” and HF 2771 (PDF), titled the “Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Bill.” According to the Farm Act’s executive summary and explanation, the bill, among several actions, amends the states’ grain indemnity program to require indemnification of a claimant as a depositor and seller for certain sufficiently filed claims; adds “tree farms” to the definition of “farm” in the Iowa Agricultural Tourism Promotion Act; updates the definition of “farm crop” to add “honey, nuts, maple syrup, mushrooms, and Christmas trees” and include “fungus used for food, animal feed, oil, energy, or decoration”; and exempts the sale of honeybees from state sales and use tax. According to the appropriation bill’s executive summary and explanation, the bill appropriates a total of $166.5 million and 1,618 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for FY 2027, an increase of $18.9 million and 221.1 FTE compared to FY 2026, primarily directed toward conservation, agricultural support programs, water quality monitoring, and water treatment facilities. The appropriations act becomes effective July 1, 2026.
Agricultural Labor: Colorado Passes Law Prohibiting Employer PPE Pay Deductions, Unreasonable Restroom Use Denial
On June 3, 2026, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB 26-160 (PDF), effective upon approval, which amends the state’s Labor and Industry statutes to add provisions regarding personal protective equipment and restroom use for meat workers. The new law defines “personal protective equipment” (PPE) as “equipment, clothing, respiratory devices, protective shields, and protective barriers provided by an employer to protect its employees against recognized health and safety hazards” and prohibits employers from deducting PPE costs from workers’ wages. The law specifically excludes several items from its PPE definition, including “nonspecialty safety-toe protective footwear” such as “steel-toe shoes and steel-toe boots, or nonspecialty prescription safety eyewear”; “logging boots”; “everyday clothing”; and “items used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.” Additionally, the law establishes a $100 per employee fine meat worker employers with 500 or more employees that “unreasonably deny an employee the use of a restroom during compensable time.”
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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:
June 26: Understanding the Basics of Agricultural Vehicle Regulation
July 24: Understanding the Basics of International Agricultural Trade & Tariffs
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 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:
June 30: All About Farm Labor Contractors
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:
July 14: 2nd Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar
Oct. 13: 3rd Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar
2026 Pennsylvania Agricultural Law Symposium—Save the Date: September 3, 2026 in Carlisle, PA
This day-long symposium will offer 1 ethics and 5 substantive PACLE credits for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys. Lunch and refreshments provided. Topics to include Fourth Amendment and Agriculture: Warrantless Access to Ag & Private Rural Lands (Joshua Windham and Robert Frommer, Institute for Justice); Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Overview and Updates (Brittany Ogden, Quarles & Brady LLP); Estate Planning & Ethics; Pesticide Update; Agricultural Labor; and more!
2026 Ag and Natural Resources Law Summit—September 22–23 in Shepherdstown, WV
Interested in learning more about heirs property, land use, solar development and other similar topics? Make plans to attend the 2026 Agricultural and Natural Resources Law Summit, to be held at the National Conservation Training Center.
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:
Ohio State University Cultivating Connections Conference: A Conference for Farm Transition Planners—August 3–5, 2026, sponsored by the National Agricultural Law Center
Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Learn About the Invisible Organization Chart at Cultivating Connections, Robert Moore (June 10)
Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., USDA Updates Stocking Standards for Authorized SNAP Retailers, Emily Stone (June 9)
Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, Federal Lawsuit Challenges EPA Reversal on Iowa River Impairment Status, Joshua A. Hjelmaas, (June 12).
Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., EPA Issues Final RFS Rule, Brigit Rollins (June 2)
Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., John Deere’s Construction & Forestry Repair Restrictions Challenged, Will Scobey (June 4)
Southern Ag Today, Settlement Approved in Right to Repair Litigation, Andrew Branan, NC State Extension (June 5)
Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, USDA Issues New Payment Limitation and Eligibility Rules, Kristine A. Tidgren (June 4)
Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, Iowa Supreme Court Overhauls Tax Canons in Ruling Fuel Tanks Not Real Property, Joshua A. Hjelmaas (June 10)
Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, The Limits of Service by Publication: Iowa Supreme Court Reinforces Notice Requirements in Property Disputes, Joshua A. Hjelmaas (June 5)
Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., Oregon Initiative Petition 28 Draws Attention Ahead of 2026 Election, Elizabeth Rumley (May 29)
Texas A&M AgriLife Ext., New World Screwworm in Texas: What Texans Need to Know, Tiffany Dowell (June 10)
Texas A&M AgriLife Ext., Texas Rural Land Purchasing Checklist, Kara Matheney (June 8)
Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Ohio Supreme Court determines more information is needed for Madison County Solar Project, Ellen Essman (June 8)
Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Understanding Eminent Domain: Rights and Leverage for Ohio Landowners, Robert Moore (June 17).
Southern Ag Today, Selling Farm or Forest Land? A New Tax Deferral Option, Yanshu Li, (June 15)
Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, To Permit, or Not to Permit? Ohio’s Youth Work Permit Requirements for Agriculture, Jeffrey K. Lewis, Esq., (June 15).
STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PRESS RELEASES
Shapiro Administration Moves Quickly to Protect Pennsylvania Farms from New World Screwworm (June 13).
PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 24—June 13, 2026)
Department of Environmental Protection
56 Pa.B. 3518 Applications, Actions and Special Notices: The Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law and the Federal Clean Water Act
56 Pa.B. 3578 Notices: Availability of Technical Guidance
56 Pa.B. 3588 Notices: Environmental Assessment Approvals for PENNVEST Funding Consideration
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE
HB 2625 “Modernizing Fingerprinting and Background Check Requirements for Horse Racing” House AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS Committee Vote (June 16).
HR 436 “A Resolution designating the week of March 16 through 20, 2026, as “Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week” in Pennsylvania” Laid on the table [House of Representatives] (June 16).
SB 481 “An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in size, weight and load, further providing for permit for movement during course of manufacture.” Laid on the table [House of Representatives] (June 16).
FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PRESS RELEASES
USDA Streamlines Civil Rights Enforcement into One Accountable Office (June 17)
USDA Announces Loan Modernization Effort (June 4)
USDA Announces Enrollment Period and Payment Rates for Specialty Crop Farmers (May 29)
USDA Announces Loan Modernization Effort (June 4)
USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES
Agricultural Marketing Service
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
USDA Invests in Projects to Strengthen New World Screwworm Preparedness and Response (June 16)
USDA Confirms Two Additional Cases of New World Screwworm in the United States (June 8)
Animal Health Officials Respond to Second Detection of New World Screwworm in the United States (June 5)
USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States (June 3)
Food and Nutrition Administration
USDA Announces FY26 SNAP Fraud Framework Implementation Grants (June 15)
USDA and Ohio Team Up to Shut Down SNAP Fraud (June 5)
Food Safety Inspection Service
Constituent Update (June 12)
Constituent Update (June 5)
FSIS Updates for Small Plants (June 4)
Constituent Update (May 29)
Foreign Agricultural Service
Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (June 17)
Stakeholder Notice: USDA Opens $3.67M Funding Round for 2026 Borlaug & Cochran Fellowships (June 16)
Secretary Rollins Announces FY27 Funding for Programs to Open Global Markets to American Farmers (June 10)
Secretary Rollins Announces FY27 Funding for Programs to Open Global Markets to American Farmers (June 10)
Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (June 9)
Export Sales to Japan and Unknown Destinations (June 8)
Export Sales to the Philippines (June 5)
Export Sales to Colombia (June 3)
Export Sales to South Korea (June 3)
USDA Launches TRUMP Mission to Argentina and Ecuador to Expand Market Access for American Farmers (June 2)
Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (May 29)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
NIFA Awards $9.2M to Support Pests and Beneficial Species in Agricultural Production Systems (June 3)
NIFA Awards $2.5M to Support Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (May 27)
NIFA Invests $990K in Response to New World Screwworm Threat and Bovine Theileriosis (May 27)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
USDA-NRCS State Technical Advisory Committee meeting set for July 15 (June 16)
The Palliative Power of Pastoralists (June 16)
444 Engelke Ranch: Turning Dreams into Reality with NRCS Support (June 16)
Strengthening National Security Through Conservation (June 15)
NRCS in Texas Announces State Technical Committee Meeting (June 11)
Making Your Land More Resilient to Drought (June 9)
June Grasslands Productivity and Outlook in South Dakota (June 9)
Emergency EQIP Assistance Extended for Nebraska Producers Affected by Wildfires (June 8)
NRCS Texas ready to provide assistance to producers with the New World Screwworm (June 8)
NRCS California ready to provide assistance to producers with the New World Screwworm (June 5)
Remaining Period Forecasts Reduced Following Early Snowmelt (June 5)
NRCS Helps Improve Water Quality at Vermont Dairy Farm (June 4)
Warm May Temperatures Accelerate Snowmelt, Reducing June 1 Snowpack Statewide (June 4)
NRCS Encourages Planning Now for Conservation Benefits and Future Funding Opportunities (June 3)
NRCS Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Oklahoma Impacted by Wildfire (June 3)
USDA Unveils New Framework for Migratory Big Game Conservation (June 2)
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Kansas Impacted by Wildfire (June 2)
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Oklahoma Impacted by Wildfire (June 2)
Grazing Cattle on Sitkinak Island, Alaska: Sitkinak Ranch (June 2)
Annual NRCS Wisconsin Public Conservation Meeting Announced (June 1)
NRCS in Wyoming Announces State Technical Committee Meeting (June 1)
NRCS in New Jersey Seeks Producers for Regional Conservation Partnership Project (May 29)
Rural Development
USDA Invests in New Equipment for the Illinois Valley Food Pantry (June 17)
USDA Holds National Lenders of Year Award Ceremony (June 17)
USDA Rural Development Announces Actions to Better Serve Rural America (June (15)
USDA Invests $27.5 Million to Expand and Renovate Floyd County Medical Center in Iowa (June 12)
USDA Invest $18.6 Million in the City of Jasper for Major Sewer Infrastructure Improvements (June 10)
USDA Celebrates Completion of La Pine Water, Wastewater Systems (June 9)
USDA Invests in Water Infrastructure Upgrades for the Anna-Jonesboro Water Commission (June 8)
USDA Rural Development Illinois Celebrates National Homeownership Month (June 3)
USDA Rural Development Wisconsin Celebrates National Homeownership Month (June 3)
USDA Provides $8.6 Million Invested in Native American Homeownership (June 3)
USDA Rural Development Invests in Infrastructure Improvements in Cumberland County (June 3)
USDA Rural Development Iowa Celebrates National Homeownership Month (June 2)
USDA Rural Development New York Celebrates National Homeownership Month (June 2)
USDA Announces $800,000 Investment in a New Medical Building for the Clay County Hospital (June 2)
USDA Rural Development Celebrates National Homeownership Month with Visits to Maine Homeowners (June 2)
USDA Rural Development Celebrates National Homeownership Month (June 1)
USDA Invests $406,000 toward the Ambulance Replacement Initiative in Dade County, Georgia (May 28)
FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register: June 1-12, 2026):
Agriculture Department
91 FR 36511 Rule: “Rescinding Portions of U.S. Department of Agriculture Title VI Regulations To Conform More Closely With the Department of Justice’s Regulations To Implement Executive Order 14281” (June 17).
91 FR 34788 Proposed Rule: “Request for Information on Modified Organisms Subject to the Plant Protection Act” (June 10)
Agricultural Marketing Service
91 FR 36769 Proposed Rule: “Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Increased Assessment Rate” (June 18).
91 FR 35654 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Regulations for the Inspection of Eggs]” (June 12)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
91 FR 36786 Notice: “Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; African Swine Fever; Importation of Live Dogs for Resale from Regions Where ASF Exists or Is Reasonably Believed to Exist” (June 18).
91 FR 36787 “Notice of Intent to Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program” (June 18).
Farm Service Agency
91 FR 36795 Notice: “Information Collection Requests; Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)” (June 18).
Food and Nutrition Service
91 FR 35456 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Program Regulations—Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden.]” (June 11)
Food Safety and Inspection Service
91 FR 35655 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Advanced Meat Recovery Systems]” (June 12)
Forest Service
91 FR 35654 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Federal Excess Personal and Firefighter Property Program Administration.]” (June 12)
Environmental Protection Agency
91 FR 36752 Rule: “Resin Acids, Esters With Glycerol in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance” (June 18)
40 CFR Part 180 Rule: “Pydiflumetofen; Pesticide Tolerances” (June 15).
40 CFR Part 180 Rule: “Sodium Nitrate in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance” (June 15).
91 FR 36140 Notice: “United States Department of Justice and Parties to Certain Litigation; Transfer of Information Potentially Containing Confidential Business Information” (June 16).
91 FR 35649 Proposed Rule: “Receipt of Pesticide Petitions Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities-January 2026” (June 12)
91 FR 35686 Notice: “Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses (January 2026)” (June 12)
National Agricultural Statistics Service
91 FR 35174 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Agricultural Prices—Substantive Change]” (June 10)
U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
H.R.7567 “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026” Introduced in House (May 19)
H.R.9282 “To amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide that entrance fees shall not be charged for entry to Federal recreational lands and water on certain days, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture (June 11)
H.R.9250 “To modernize and maintain the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Education in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture (June 10)
H.R.3937 “Wabeno Economic Development Act” Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably (June 10)
H.R.9221 “To ensure access to certain public land, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture (June 9)
H.R.9217 “To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to provide for high-priority research and extension grants for natural climate solutions, and for other purposes” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (June 9)
H.R.8473 “Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act” Subcommittee Hearings Held (June 9)
H.R.9145 “To amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide for free annual passes to licensed foster families.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture (June 4)
H.R.9128 “CFTC Protection of Information and Data Act of 2026” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (June 3)
H.R.3922 “Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act” Received in Senate (June 3)
H.R.9101 “Rural Grants Transparency Act” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (June 2)
H.R.3633 “Digital Asset Market Clarity Act” Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 423 (June 1)
H.R.9057 “COOL Online Act” Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Agriculture, (May 29)
H.R.9053 “WATER for Farmers Act” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Agriculture (May 29)
U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
S.4730 “A bill to amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to authorize capacity building grants for community college agriculture and natural resources programs.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 10)
S.4725 “A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to provide for high-priority research and extension grants for natural climate solutions, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 9)
S.4716 “A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require States to provide data on fraud in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 9)
S.4714 “A bill to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize payments under the emergency conservation system for updating of fencing to new or emerging technology.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 9)
PN730-59 “Nomination of Glen Smith — Department of Agriculture” Placed on Senate Executive Calendar. Calendar No. 766. Subject to nominee’s commitment to respond to requests to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate. (June 8)
S.4663 “Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4661 “Ensuring Disaster Recovery and Resilience for Specialty Crops Act” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4660 “Economic Relief for Specialty Crops Act” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4655 “A bill to allow the Farm Credit Administration the option to examine low-risk Farm Credit System institutions under a 24-month cycle.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4654 – A bill to amend the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to expand agricultural market access, and for other purposes. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4652 “A bill to amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to reauthorize the specialty crop research initiative and establish a specialty crop mechanization and automation research and development program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4651 “A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to increase access to Federal crop insurance for specialty crops.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4650 “A bill to amend the Plant Protection Act to improve plant pest and disease preparedness for specialty crops.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (June 2)
S.4628 “A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an initiative to address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in rural areas, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (May 21)
U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE—UPCOMING HEARINGS
Full Committee on Agriculture. To Review the Implementation of Farm Safety Net, Disaster, and Conservation Programs, June 24, 2026 – 10:00 AM ET.
Subcommittee on Agriculture. Reviewing Partnerships to Enhance Management of the National Forest System, June 25, 2026 – 10:00 AM ET.
U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY—UPCOMING HEARINGS
No Upcoming Scheduled Hearings or Markups
Contributors:
Audry Thompson—Staff Attorney
Brooke Colledge—Research Assistant
Phil Wright—Research Assistant
