Big Win for Ag: Supreme Court overturns ruling in Sackett vs. EPA

Today, the Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Sackett vs. EPA, and the High Court overturned the 9th Circuit ruling that had been in EPA’s favor.

Justice Alito for the majority dramatically narrowed the amount of wetlands covered by the Clean Water Act to include only those with a “continuous surface connection” to larger bodies of water. This effectively rewrites the Clean Water Act to exclude wetlands that are adjacent to, but not directly connected to larger bodies of water.

This is considered a big win for agriculture. The majority opinion adopted the 2006 Waters of the U.S. rule.

The full rule is below:

Sackett Case.pdf

Roger McEowen with Washburn School of Law joined us on Market Day Report for a deeper dive into the ruling an what it means for the 2023 WOTUS rule.

Related Stories
$11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops.
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
“The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens USDA’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first,” said the USDA.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach shares her appreciation for rural communities and outlines how the Working Families Tax Cut is aimed to support farm families on RFD-TV’s Champions of Rural America.
While the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, the National Pork Producers Council wants lawmakers to do more to support the sector.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.
Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.