USDA is reminding producers that 2026 ARC and PLC enrollment must be completed by December 11 to remain eligible for potential payments. At the same time, record diesel prices are increasing harvest and transportation costs across farm country.
Listen to today’s Ag News Update:
Ag News Update – Monday 09/21/2026
USDA says producers must complete 2026 Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage enrollment by December 11 to remain eligible for payments, even if they keep their previous election.
Leading economic indicators also point to slower U.S. growth, raising concerns for farm investment and rural spending without signaling recession.
USDA continues expanding New World screwworm surveillance and sterile-fly production as cattle imports from Mexico gradually resume.
Meanwhile, the national diesel average has reached a record $6.285 per gallon, increasing harvest, hauling, and grain transportation costs.
California has also moved closer to broader E15 availability after a new law removed another regulatory barrier to sales of the 15% ethanol blend.
And a small surface-testing study found train tray tables produced more bacterial growth than several other common public surfaces, reinforcing basic handwashing and food-contact hygiene.
Today’s Ag News Highlights
ARC and PLC enrollment for the 2026 crop year closes December 11.
Record diesel prices are increasing harvest and transportation costs.
USDA is expanding New World screwworm surveillance and sterile-fly production.
California is moving toward broader E15 availability.
Leading economic indicators point to slower U.S. growth without a recession signal.