This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for farmers, seed-growers, ranchers and their upstream suppliers and downstream buyers. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

USDA Final Rule Removes Regulatory Overreach and Revises Federal Crop Insurance Policy Provisions

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) published a final rule revising federal crop insurance regulations. The rule clarifies that final agency determinations are only binding on parties requesting them, eliminating language that previously attempted to make such determinations binding on judges or the National Appeals Division. FCIC will no longer codify detailed crop insurance policy provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations, instead making them available through the Risk Management Agency website. The change seeks to modernize program administration, decrease regulatory complexity, and facilitate more timely access to contract terms. This final rule is scheduled to take effect May 1, 2026. The status of crop insurance coverage and statutory authorities remains unchanged.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

America First Trade Policies Mark One Year Since 'Liberation Day'

On April 2, 2026, the White House issued a release commemorating one year since 'Liberation Day,' when President Trump shifted to America First trade policies. The administration cited over 20 new trade agreements, a $2 trillion manufacturing investment, and a 24% reduction in the U.S. goods trade deficit over the past year. Bilateral trade balances improved with 63% of trading partners, including significant reductions with China and the EU. Foreign exporters reportedly absorbed tariff costs, as shown by lower export prices. New trade deals with the EU, Japan, and India, covering more than half of global GDP, were reported as having opened markets for U.S. goods. U.S. manufacturing shipments and activity rose, and American crude steel production surpassed Japan for the first time since 1999.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FSIS Requests Comments on New Poultry Inspection System Information Collection

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced its intent to renew the approved information collection for the New Poultry Inspection System. The collection requires all official poultry slaughter establishments—other than those slaughtering ratites—to maintain written procedures as part of their HACCP plans and sanitation protocols, addressing contamination prevention and chilling processes. Records must document compliance and product qualification as ready-to-cook poultry. FSIS estimates the burden at 191,204 hours annually across 289 respondents, each responsible for over 5,000 responses per year. Public comment is solicited through June 2, 2026, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, mail, or courier.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FSA Seeks Input on Direct Loan Servicing Regular Information Collection

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) issued a request for comments on its revision of information collection under the Direct Loan Servicing—Regular program. New forms were introduced: FSA-2418 (Borrower Prospectus Information), FSA-2423 (Addendum to Promissory Note or Assumption Agreement), and FSA-2471 (Subordination, Non-Disturbance, and Attornment Agreement). These forms are intended to enhance servicing actions and eligibility review. The estimated annual burden totals 36,275 hours across 105,135 respondents and 109,568 responses. FSA invites public feedback on necessity, accuracy, and burden until June 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Farm Credit Administration Confirms Effective Date of Amended Business Planning Rule

The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) confirmed the effective date for its rule amending business planning requirements to comply with Executive Order 14219. The final rule, published February 19, 2026, became effective on March 23, 2026, following Congressional session requirements pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 2252(c)(1). The rule modifies FCA's regulatory approach to business planning for Farm Credit System institutions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 8165: Animal Protein Purchases For Food Assistance

Bill 8165 proposes amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the purchase of animal protein for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and incorporate these into food assistance distributed under the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 1152: Recognizing American Cowboys' Contributions

Bill 1152 expresses appreciation for the American cowboy and historic cattle trails in advancing American history, issued in observance of the Nation’s 250th anniversary. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8180: Exchange of Detailees and Resource-Sharing for CFTC

Bill 8180 permits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and designated authorities to exchange detailees on a temporary basis and allows resource-sharing from other federal agencies. The latest action was referral to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8181: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Amendment

Bill 8181 seeks to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, requiring states to establish critical industry funds or certain industry or sector partnerships. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 7147: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026

Bill 7147 covers continuing appropriations for 2026, focused on economics and public finance. The latest action was a message on Senate action sent to the House.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8195: Regional Management Frameworks for Double-Crested Cormorants

Bill 8195 requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop regional management frameworks for the take of double-crested cormorants. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Illinois Expands Regional Site Readiness Funding and Awards New Grants

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $30 million in additional funding for the Regional Site Readiness Program, increasing total funding to $60 million. Seven sites received Capital Ready grants totaling $25.9 million, and one planning grant was awarded for future industrial development.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Governor Pritzker Urges Congressional Action on E15 Sales and Trade Stability

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sent a letter to Congressional leaders calling for legislation to permanently allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline. The governor noted increased costs for Illinois farmers due to trade disruptions and advocated for expanding domestic ethanol demand.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Illinois Reports Surge in Job Creation and Attracts Global Investment in Early 2026

Illinois companies participating in the EDGE program have committed nearly 4,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in investment in the first quarter. Announcements include expansions by DMG MORI, Hyundai Translead, CSL, AbbVie, Mars Snacking, and Savencia Cheese USA.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Texas Governor Abbott Reappoints Bobby Skov to Rio Grande Compact Commission

Governor Greg Abbott reappointed Robert “Bobby” Skov to the Rio Grande Compact Commission for a term expiring February 15, 2031. The commission administers the compact governing water allocation among Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and the United States.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘In the Shadow of the Great House’ Review: Plantations and Profits: A review explores the economic landscape of plantation agriculture and its historical profits.
• Video: Trump Struck Iran. Now Farmers Are Paying the Price.: Iowa farmers report increased fertilizer costs following U.S. military action in Iran.
• Tribes in Montana lose millions after USDA kills farm grants: Montana tribal groups face financial losses after USDA terminates grant programs.
• Warming winters lead to more nitrate pollution in the drinking water near farms: Iowa sees rising nitrate pollution in drinking water attributed to warmer winters and agricultural runoff.
• China tightens border controls, culls cattle amid foot-and-mouth outbreak: China enacts stricter border controls and cattle culling in response to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
• The Dogma of Meat: Public discourse intensifies over meat consumption and health policy following remarks from prominent political figures.

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