August 23, 2026 to August 29, 2026

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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Agri-Food? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Freight & Ports and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Agri-Food - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Small Business Subcommittee Hearing on Resource Needs and Rural Supply Chains: The House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains will hold a hearing titled “Fueling the Golden Age: Future Resource Needs and Small Business Opportunity” on September 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Rayburn 2360. Scheduled witnesses include Rep. Cody Harris (Texas), Ted Ellis (America First Policy Institute), and Trevor Higgins (Center for American Progress).

Federal Government News

Proclamation Temporarily Expanding U.S. Beef Import Quotas

President Trump issued a proclamation on August 26, 2026, authorizing a temporary increase in the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons. The quota will be released in three tranches between September and November and aims to address supply disruptions stemming from natural disasters, market shocks, and import restrictions, particularly from Mexico. USDA forecasts a 4% year-on-year decrease in U.S. beef production, prompting measures to stabilize consumer prices. The action modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and charges relevant agencies with quota administration and price monitoring. If discounted pricing targets are not met, the authority may be revoked.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Fact Sheet: Temporary Increase of Lean Beef Imports to Improve Supply

The White House released a fact sheet outlining the temporary expansion of lean beef import quotas to 100,000 metric tons per month for 90 days starting September 1, 2026. The measure, designed to supply ground beef, introduces price discount requirements and preserves protections for U.S. ranchers, including restrictions on live animal imports addressing New World Screwworm. The policy responds to sustained demand amid a 4% projected decrease in U.S. beef output and incorporates safeguards and monitoring procedures.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Collection for Livestock Mandatory Reporting

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service published a notice on August 26, 2026, seeking extension of information collection authority under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act. The program compiles market news reports on cattle, swine, lamb, boxed beef, and wholesale pork, used by federal agencies, economists, and market participants for price and supply evaluations. Authority is extended until September 30, 2026, per Public Law 119-37; reporting thresholds for lamb packers and importers remain adjusted from earlier amendments. AMS solicits public comment on the necessity, accuracy, and burden estimates of the reporting requirements; comments are due by October 26.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

African Swine Fever: Restrictions on Dog Imports for Resale

The USDA APHIS issued notice of an information collection affecting importers of live dogs for resale from regions affected by African swine fever. The Federal Order, effective August 27, 2026, mandates importers submit Dog Import Record forms detailing origin, bathing procedures, individual animal data and microchip information, aimed at mitigating ASF transmission risk. The annual number of respondents is estimated at 72, with a total burden of 962 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Seeks Public Comment on Renewal of Certification of Pesticide Applicators Program

On August 27, 2026, EPA submitted an information collection request for renewal of the pesticide applicator certification programs under FIFRA. This program encompasses training, certification, and record-keeping activities by state and tribal agencies and regulates restricted use pesticides (RUPs). The estimate projects 2,722,243 respondents, with 3,350,305 total annual burden hours and $165.6 million in associated costs. EPA notes a reduction in burden hours since prior estimates, and public comments are invited until September 28.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Mushroom Council Membership Adjustment Proposed Rule

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service issued a proposed rule on August 25, 2026, seeking public comment on changing Mushroom Council region boundaries and reallocating a Council seat from Region 1 to Region 3. The adjustment reflects updated mushroom production distribution data. Pennsylvania retains four seats; Region 1 drops to two seats while Region 3 increases to two. Comments on the proposal are open until September 24.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump faces pushback over meat processing pledge: Reports of industry reaction to Trump's promises on meat processing sector reforms.
• Opinion | A Food Crisis May Be Coming to the U.S.: Editorial warns of potential U.S. food supply instability and its implications.
• Squeezed by tariffs and Iran war, farmers say they face a new crisis: U.S. farmers report economic pressure from tariffs and overseas conflict effects.
• Unions sound alarm on last-minute push for robot farm equipment: Labor representatives object to increased deployment of automated farming equipment.
• Farmers Struggle to Get Basic Services From Depleted Agriculture Dept.: Article examines service gaps facing farmers after federal workforce reductions.
• Trump vows to break meat processing 'monopoly' after push from Glenn Beck: Trump announces intention to address industry concentration in meat processing.
• US officials weigh plan to shield farmers from expansion of refinery biofuel waivers, sources say: Administration officials consider measures to protect farm groups from expanded refinery biofuel waivers.
• Opinion | Big Food Is Winning the War for America’s Diet: Editorial discusses market dominance of ultra-processed food producers.
• Heat, floods threaten China crops as U.S. farm purchases loom: Coverage of weather impacts on Chinese agriculture ahead of planned U.S. farm purchases.

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