LUBBOCK, TX – Farm financial pressure is building as the Senate Agriculture Committee prepares another Farm Bill 2.0 vote. Record diesel prices, shifting consumer demand, and tight input margins are also shaping decisions across farm country.
Listen to today’s Ag News Update:
Ag News Update – Wednesday 09/16/2026
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says farm losses are intensifying across commodities, increasing pressure for short-term assistance and longer-term policy changes. The committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday on Farm Bill 2.0. Record diesel prices are also increasing harvest and transportation costs as global refining capacity tightens. America First Refining plans a $4 billion Brownsville, Texas, refinery designed for U.S. shale crude, with full operation targeted for 2029. Higher beef prices are pushing some lower-income consumers toward poultry, according to new FAPRI research. McKinsey says 36% of North American row-crop farmers expect to move toward generic crop-protection products as margins tighten. Rural communities are also exploring cooperative grocery stores to preserve food access and local markets. Cotton prices are projected to rebound in 2026/27, but higher production costs continue limiting grower margins.
Today’s Ag News Highlights
Senate Agriculture Committee prepares for another Farm Bill 2.0 vote.
Farm financial stress increases pressure for additional assistance.
Record diesel prices renew attention on U.S. refining capacity.
Higher beef prices are shifting some lower-income protein purchases.
More row-crop producers are considering generic crop-protection products.
Cotton prices are projected higher, but margins remain tight.