Farm Bill 2.0 Momentum: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a 12-11 vote, setting up full-Senate debate as the Sept. 30 extension deadline nears; supporters say it strengthens the farm safety net and backs rural investment, while key provisions include permanent year-round E15 sales. Fuel Cost Crunch: Farmers from Kentucky to Missouri and North Dakota say diesel is crushing harvest budgets, with some reporting record prices above $6 and forcing planting and acreage decisions. Weather Stress on Crops: Central Texas ranchers and growers report record heat and dry conditions are shrinking hay and stressing livestock, while Saskatchewan’s Tyson Jacksteit says a wet spring helped deliver his best crop since 2016—though rain is now slowing harvest. USDA Supply Signals: USDA trimmed 2026 corn production and raised price expectations, pointing to tighter supplies and higher corn prices into 2026-27. Conservation & Carbon Reality Check: California wetland restoration aimed at carbon storage is showing mixed results, with some sites still emitting greenhouse gases years later. Local Food & Community: From farmers markets in Lewes and Sacramento-area listings to school fresh produce programs in Virginia, the week also highlighted direct-to-consumer and farm-to-school efforts. Policy Beyond the Farm: USDA launched a Stand-Up Program to help states expand meat inspection capacity, and UN experts warned that seed-saving and seed-sharing can face harsh penalties under industrial seed rules.