The conversation is part of a series on the Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule updates. Courtney Briggs from the American Farm Bureau Federation discusses a proposed rule by the EPA and the US Army Corps of Engineers that aims to align with Supreme Court decisions on WOTUS.

The conversation discusses the Waters of the US (WOTUS) regulation under the Clean Water Act, highlighting its complex history and lack of clear definition, leading to decades of debate over federal regulatory reach

The US and Mexico are renegotiating a 1944 water treaty, which is crucial for Texas farmers.

The importance of proper vaccine management for cattle health with Dr. Lee Jones, a veterinarian from Boehringer Ingelheim.

The SPEED Act, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reform measure, has passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate. This legislation aims to streamline permitting processes, which could benefit livestock producers by reducing red tape and costs associated with federal permitting for range improvements and conservation work.

The USMCA agreement, involving the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is due for review by July 2026. Dave Samuelson from the American Farm Bureau Federation highlights that preparations are already underway

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been extended until September 2026, but its future beyond that is uncertain due to the split farm bill.

The Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, DC, organized by the US Grains and Bio Products Council, had attendees from over 40 countries.

The US House of Representatives has voted to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list, a decision supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

The USDA's latest cattle on feed report indicates a tightening of cattle supplies in the U.S., with inventory levels 2% lower than last year. This is largely due to reduced cattle imports from Mexico, which have been halted due to concerns over foot-and-mouth disease.

The December milk outlook by the World Agriculture Outlook Board revealed no change to the 2025 milk production forecast, but reduced the 2026 forecast by 100 million pounds

The Trump administration announced a $11 billion farmer aid package to be distributed by February, intended as a "bridge" to a stronger farm economy. However, one ag economist raises concerns about the long-term implications of these payments.

The US wheat market is stable with ample supply, but export demand is insufficient to drive prices up.

Waypoint Analytical, a subsidiary of Nutrien Ag Solutions, offers soil testing focused on biological analysis through DNA-based methods. Dr. Lizzie French explains that their new test examines soil microbes, providing insights into their presence, functions, and numbers.

National Farmers Union's (NFU) perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, a trade aid package announced by the administration.

The USDA's December world agricultural supply and demand estimates report revealed a surprising increase in corn demand by 970 million bushels since July, totaling 16.75 billion bushels

The USDA is launching a $700 million pilot program to promote regenerative agriculture, aligning with the Trump administration's health agenda.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins discussed the Dairy Action Plan at the National Milk Producers Federation annual meeting, focusing on improving milk variety options in dietary guidelines.

With so many factors out of a producer's hands, there are a couple of things that can be controlled.

The US Wheat Associates trade team attended the Latin American Milling Association Conference in Colombia, focusing on regional market trends, sustainability, and geopolitical issues.