WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — The Trump administration has finalized a rule narrowing how the Endangered Species Act is enforced.
Under the new rule, habitat destruction will no longer qualify as “harm” under the law. Instead, enforcement will focus on the injury or killing of protected animals.
Supporters say the change provides farmers and ranchers with more certainty in managing their operations.
Critics argue the change weakens protections for endangered wildlife and say they plan to challenge the rule in court.
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Supporters say reforming the H-2A program is critical to maintaining a stable agricultural workforce and ensuring farms can continue producing food while remaining economically viable.
The NCBA says the Senate Farm Bill strengthens key cattle programs but leaves Proposition 12 and year-round E15 unresolved while officials respond to New World screwworm cases.
Temporary aid is often delayed, uncertain, and repeated assistance may also contribute to higher input costs.
USDA’s July WASDE report projects the smallest U.S. wheat crop since 1970, tighter corn stocks, stronger soybean exports, larger cotton supplies, and higher cattle prices.
Attention now shifts toward the annual 25 million metric ton benchmark, equal to about 919 million bushels, for 2026 through 2028.
