Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
New World Screwworm exceeds containment threshold
To protect the U.S. from New World Screwworm, the U.S.-Mexico border was closed on May 11 to cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico. NWS larvae feed on flesh and infest warm-blooded animals including livestock, poultry, wildlife, domestic animals and rarely humans. The pest has broken through the containment threshold less than 500 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. ERS estimated the cost of an outbreak to be $1.9 billion annually for Texas alone. – American Farm Bureau Federation
Learn more:
- Could a worm screw up cattle markets?
- New World screwworm cases surge, NCBA works to 'hold the line'
- USDA halts livestock imports from Mexico due to screwworm threat
What farmers should know about the ‘big, beautiful bill’
Early Thursday morning, the House passed a budget package by a 215 to 214 vote. Dubbed by President Trump as the “big, beautiful bill,” the package includes tax cuts, increased spending for immigration enforcement and an increased defense budget. Learn more about the bill, including the $300 billion cut to nutrition spending. The Senate will now work to draft its own budget reconciliation package. – Farm Progress
Is a trust right for your farm?
Wondering if your farm needs a trust? Attorney Erin Herbold-Swalwell walks through considerations to determine if this estate planning tool is right for your operation. Trusts don't fit every farm situation, but they can provide important protections for your assets when used appropriately. Understanding your specific goals is essential before establishing a trust. – Wallaces Farmer
American BBQ cost sees 4% spike
Rabobank's annual BBQ Index reveals 2025 summer cookouts will cost over $100 for the first time, marking a 4.2% increase from last year. The analysis shows tomatoes, chicken and ground beef experiencing the largest price jumps, with beer, beef and soda making up the biggest portions of the total cookout cost. Ag economists point to rising farm and labor costs as primary factors driving the increase rather than tariffs. – Farm Futures
MAHA report blames chronic disease rise on diet, chemicals
The Trump administration issued a 69-page report compiled by the “Make America Healthy Again Commission” that blames the rise in chronic diseases on unhealthy food ingredients, chemicals, medications and corporate spending. Overall, the report is light on pesticides, but it says the government will probably update its health assessment of common herbicides in 2026.
Ag trade groups had mixed reactions. The National Corn Growers Association decried the report as fostering “fear-based” misinformation about pesticides while the Center for Biological Diversity said it was a boon to corporate farmers. – Bloomberg
Women hold reigns of ag policy in 11 states
USDA census data shows more than half of farms in the U.S. claimed a female producer. On those farms, women were more likely to be managing finances, where their male counterparts often worked the land, and managed crops or livestock. Women also drive decision-making at the state and national levels, as seen with Brooke Rollins’ role as USDA secretary. Learn more about the 11 women that hold positions as head of their state agriculture department. – Farm Progress
Max Armstrong adds vintage IH truck to collection
Max Armstrong recently added a rare treasure to his collection after spotting a 1951 International Harvester L130 truck on Facebook Marketplace. The well-preserved vintage vehicle came with unexpected surprises that made the find even more special for the longtime IH enthusiast. Armstrong shares the story behind this exciting addition to his collection. – Prairie Farmer