Cotton growers are hoping to get their share of the Farm Bill pot.
We spoke with a Texas farmer who tells us while it has been a rough couple of years for cotton, he is optimistic about the current makeup of Congress and those on the ag committees.
“There’s a lot of appetite, I would say, to really come together, work together to enhance the policy that we have on the books today, and really kind of walked along and make sure that the policy that is being developed is substantial. That will help over the next four to five years in the length term of a farm bill process,” said Kody Bessent.
Cotton growers have had a rough go recently, with break-even prices for last year’s cotton around $0.70-$0.80 per pound. Just recently, the National Cotton Council updated planting intentions for this year, down nearly 15 percent from 2024, which comes out to 9.6 million acres. Extra long staple intentions are also down, nearly 25 percent. The Cotton Council says weather and agronomic conditions have led to the updated acres.
While there is a large push to get the Farm Bill done, it could be some time before it has passed. Our sources in Washington tell us it will likely be summer before it sees any action.
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
March 18, 2026 05:14 PM
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USDA data show that 2.1 million landlords rent out 347 million acres, emphasizing a rising dependence on leased farmland as owners age and land supply tightens. ASFMRA’s David Klein also shares his outlook on land trends in Illinois.
March 18, 2026 04:55 PM
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APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
March 18, 2026 02:08 PM
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NCBA President Colin Woodall states that misinformation like this is damaging to cattle producers, the beef supply chain, and consumer confidence
March 18, 2026 12:09 PM
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President Trump issues a 60-day Jones Act waiver to ease fuel shipments amid Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets, while biofuel policy gains focus.
March 18, 2026 11:38 AM
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NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
March 17, 2026 02:33 PM
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