The rapid expansion of African Swine Fever (ASF) and increasing vegetable and fruit truck traffic across the U.S.-Mexico border, is causing Congress to consider authorizing more money for Customs and Border Protection Agricultural Specialists at U.S. ports of entry.

Agricultural banks and farm lending institutions are optimistic about the long-term future of the farm economy, but lenders are currently in get-by mode with farmers who are struggling financially due to low commodity prices, adverse weather and ongoing trade tensions.

Livestock and poultry groups say retaliatory trade tariffs are costing their industries billions in decreased sales and loss of potential market growth.

Growing farmer frustration over not being able to repair farm machinery without getting the dealership involved has led to Right to Repair legislation popping up in more states across the country over the last five years.

The Agriculture Department is taking another shot at rewriting regulations restricting how meat and poultry processors can treat producers, and familiar battle lines are being redrawn ahead of an anticipated release.

Ag producers are more optimistic than last month about the future of the ag economy after a crop price rally, Market Facilitation Program announcement and disaster aid bill boosted producer sentiment in June.

The average cost for an Independence Day party of ten rose just 11 cents compared to last year, according to an annual survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation.