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USDA first learned about delays in deliveries to tribal, senior food assistance programs in May, but senior staff, including Secretary Tom Vilsack were not informed until late July, he told lawmakers Wednesday. 

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., is making it pretty clear he has no plans to take up a farm bill this year. Schumer on Tuesday criticized House GOP leaders for omitting a farm bill extension from a continuing resolution that’s needed to keep the government funded after Sept. 30.

The cost of groceries was flat in August as lower prices for vegetables, grains and baked goods helped offset price increases for beef, poultry, eggs and dairy products.

Food safety stakeholders continue to warn the Food and Drug Administration that much of the supply chain is not ready to implement its traceability rule, with some arguing the deadline should be staggered or pushed back several years. 

Fruits and vegetables are still inexpensive enough that Americans can eat an adequate amount for a few dollars a day, according to USDA economists.

Some House Republicans say they hope the farmer fly-ins this week will spur action on a farm bill, although there’s no sign of a breakthrough between the House and Senate, and time is fast running out.

Some 300 organizations are sending a letter to congressional leaders today, appealing for a farm bill, and teams of farmers representing a cross-section of commodity groups will be fanning out across Capitol Hill this week to make the pitch in person.  North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum defended former President Donald Trump's tariff policy on Sunday.

Farmers who grow the crops being hammered the hardest by commodity market declines are hitting Capitol Hill this week, accompanied by ag bankers and Farm Credit lenders, to make a last-ditch push for a new farm bill.

USDA is due out today with its latest forecast for farm income, and the numbers are expected to be bad. Look for more new calls for Congress to pass a new farm bill to shore up incomes of row crop producers. 

Some 13.5% of U.S. households had trouble getting enough food in 2023, as food insecurity among Americans jumped once again to just under the highest rate USDA has recorded in its annual surveys.