Texas Ag Commissioner has released his statement on USDA’s postponed Horse Protection Act final rule.
“Today, we’ve won the first battle. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a 60-day postponement of their new Horse Protection Act final rule, pushing the implementation date from February 1 to April 2, 2025.
While this delay doesn’t eliminate our concerns surrounding APHIS’s heavy-handed final rule, it gives us critical time to oppose unnecessary federal overreach that burdens horse owners, trainers, and event organizers.
I want to thank the state agriculture Commissioners, Directors, and Secretaries who joined me earlier this week in urging the USDA to reconsider all available options, including delayed implementation of enforcement of the entire rule.
Let’s take this victory as a strong reminder of the importance of having an administration that truly supports agriculture. We look forward to continuing to work alongside President Trump and USDA Secretary Designee Brooke Rollins to protect the equine industry and ensure its success and vitality not only in Texas but throughout the nation.”
In a final rule published in the Federal Register, the Department states that it will no longer base wage rates on the Farm Labor Survey.
October 02, 2025 11:20 AM
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Farmers are in the midst of harvest as the government descends into a shutdown and the Farm Bill expires. Key federal departments, crop reporting, and aid programs important to the agricultural sector are now on hold.
October 02, 2025 10:54 AM
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Trump’s upcoming talks raise hopes for U.S. soybeans, but China’s record purchases from Brazil and Argentina show America’s market share remains under heavy pressure.
October 02, 2025 10:27 AM
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USDA’s report shows wheat strength overall, with winter wheat yields setting records, while spring wheat and rye saw declines. Oats and barley remain constrained by record-low acreage despite stable or rising yields.
October 01, 2025 04:24 PM
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Bigger-than-expected corn and wheat stocks are bearish for prices, while soybean figures were neutral. Farmers may face additional price pressure as harvest accelerates.
October 01, 2025 04:02 PM
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Taiwan’s pledge to expand imports strengthens export prospects for U.S. row crops, livestock products, and specialty commodities, while the USDA’s broader trade push seeks to diversify farm markets globally.
October 01, 2025 12:47 PM
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