Farm Roundup | June 15–30, 2025

Hi! Here is the ag news not to be missed from the last two weeks. Short, sharp, and straight. Ignore endless scrolling through articles and keep control with timely decision-making by reading the digest.

Global Urea Prices Surge on Middle East Conflict

https://www.agriculture.com/partners-global-urea-prices-surge-on-middle-east-conflict-11761623

In June 2025, global urea prices rose by 16% in the U.S. and 11% in the Persian Gulf due to the military conflict between Israel and Iran. Iran and Egypt, which supply 20% of global urea exports, halted production, creating a fertilizer shortage.

Why read this: Understanding how geopolitical events affect fertilizer prices helps farmers plan input purchases and budgets for upcoming planting seasons.

Senate Prepares to Vote on Budget Bill With Farm Safety Net Improvements

https://www.agriculture.com/partners-senate-prepares-to-vote-on-budget-bill-with-farm-safety-net-improvements-11763407

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on a budget bill that includes a 10–20% increase in reference prices and expanded crop insurance access. The proposal also cuts SNAP funding, which may affect food assistance for low-income households.

Why read this: Staying informed on federal funding changes helps farmers align risk management and crop planning with evolving economic conditions.

Trump Again Considering Immigration Relief for Farmworkers

https://www.agriculture.com/partners-trump-again-considering-immigration-relief-for-farmworkers-11759112

President Trump has signaled support for temporary protections for immigrant farmworkers, allowing employers to sponsor their employees to avoid mass deportations. The announcement comes amid renewed immigration raids on agricultural sites, raising concerns over losing skilled labor.

Why read this: Understanding potential immigration shifts is key for securing and retaining a stable agricultural workforce.

Trump administration suspends enforcement of Biden-era farmworker rule

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trump-administration-says-it-is-suspending-enforcement-biden-era-farmworker-rule-2025-06-20

On June 20, 2025, the Trump administration suspended enforcement of a 2024 rule that granted collective organizing rights to foreign H-2A seasonal farmworkers. In 2023, 378,000 H-2A positions were certified—roughly 20% of the U.S. farm workforce.

Why read this: Tracking changes in H-2A regulation helps farmers reduce legal uncertainty in managing seasonal labor.

RCPP Offers Midwest Farmers Financial Incentives for Conservation Practices

https://www.farmprogress.com/conservation-and-sustainability/rcpp-offers-midwest-farmers-financial-incentives-for-conservation-practices

In 2025, farmers in 10 Midwest states can earn up to $61/acre for adopting no-till or strip-till, $54/acre for cover crops, and $40/acre for 4R nutrient management. The USDA-backed RCPP program has enrolled 29 producers and over 27,600 acres, offering early participants $2,500 per year.

Why read this: Knowing how to access RCPP payments can improve soil health while bringing direct revenue for sustainable practices.

High Temperatures Browbeat U.S. as Regulators Discuss New Heat Protection Rule for Workers

https://www.agriculture.com/partners-high-temperatures-browbeat-u-s-as-regulators-discuss-new-heat-protection-rule-for-workers-11760811

A nationwide heat wave in June 2025 coincided with federal hearings on new rules to protect workers from heat stress. Since 2015, 28 farmer deaths have been attributed to heat—roughly one-fifth of all heat-related fatalities reported by OSHA.

Why read this: Understanding potential rule changes helps farmers prepare safer working conditions during extreme temperatures.

Heat Waves Are Getting Worse. We Must Adapt

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/opinion/heat-wave-climate.html

A record heat wave in June 2025 placed over 100 million Americans under excessive heat alerts. Climate experts warn such extreme events are increasing in frequency and severity, demanding adaptation in agriculture and infrastructure

Why read this: Knowing how heat affects crops and operations supports better irrigation planning, crop selection, and worker safety.

Corn Yields Over 250 Bushels per Acre: 4 Key Factors That Set High-Yielding Fields Apart

https://www.farmprogress.com/corn/corn-yields-over-250-bushels-per-acre-4-key-factors-that-set-high-yielding-fields-apart

A 2011–2023 study by Corteva Agriscience identified four key traits that distinguish corn fields yielding over 250 bushels per acre:

• More nitrogen uptake late—High-yielding fields relied more on nitrogen uptake from the soil during grain fill rather than on remobilizing nutrients from the stalk and leaves.
• Larger leaf area—Leaf area index increased with each yield group: 4.4 for under 150 bu/acre, 6.1 for over 250 bu/acre—a nearly 40% increase.
• Maximized kernel number—Fields over 200 bu/acre had nearly all silks fertilized. Kernel counts averaged 400 at under 150, 549 at over 250.
• Heavier kernels—Average kernel weight increased from 222 mg (under 150 bu/acre) to 327 mg (over 250 bu/acre), with kernel count per bushel dropping from 100,000 to 67,000.

Why read this: Understanding these traits helps farmers refine nitrogen timing, hybrid selection, and canopy development to push for high-end corn yields.

Ag Trade Deficit Reaches Record High $20 Billion Through April

https://www.agriculture.com/partners-ag-trade-deficit-reaches-record-high-usd20-billion-through-april-11759945

The U.S. ag trade deficit hit $19.7 billion in the first four months of 2025—the largest on record for this period. USDA forecasts a full-year 2025 deficit of $49.5 billion.

Why read this: Understanding export shortfalls and competition can help guide pricing, sales, and production strategy.

Declining Yield Variability and 2025 U.S. Corn and Soybean Yield Distribution

https://www.agriculture.com/partners-declining-yield-variability-and-2025-us-corn-and-soybean-yield-distribution-11761580

Compared to the late 20th century, corn and soybean yield swings have narrowed in the 21st century. 2025 projections show corn yields between 142–205 bu/acre and soybeans at 43–57 bu/acre.

Why read this: Stable yield trends help farmers refine marketing, insurance, and post-harvest strategies.

How to Protect Your Farm from Cyber Threats

https://www.farmprogress.com/technology/how-to-protect-your-farm-from-cyber-threats

The FBI lists agriculture among the top 10 industries most vulnerable to cyberattacks. 75% of small businesses close within 9 months of an attack. Risks include personal email use, weak or reused passwords, and lack of two-factor authentication.

Why read this: Improving farm cybersecurity can prevent data loss, business disruption, and financial risk.

New legislation aims to tell China ‘no’ on buying up American farmland

https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/new-legislation-aims-tell-china-no-buying-up-american-farmland

In June 2025, bipartisan lawmakers introduced a bill to restrict foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, with a focus on China. As of late 2023, Chinese investors owned over 277,000 acres of U.S. farmland.

Why read this: Staying informed on foreign land ownership policy helps assess future land values and local competition.

How Robotic Hives and AI Are Lowering the Risk of Bee Colony Collapse

https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-business/how-robotic-hives-and-ai-are-lowering-the-risk-of-bee-colony-collapse

BeeHome robotic hives use AI and real-time monitoring to reduce colony losses. Bee activity supports soybean yield (up to +20%) and benefits ecological stability for corn and wheat systems.

Why read this: Smart pollination tools help preserve ecosystems and strengthen productivity in row crop agriculture.

These popular Fourth of July foods will cost more this year

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/popular-fourth-july-foods-cost-more-year

A 2025 July 4th barbecue for 10 costs $70.92—just $0.30 below the 2024 record, making it the second most expensive since 2013. Beef, potato salad, strawberries, and ice cream remain costly due to inflation and rising supply chain costs.

Why read this: Knowing food price trends helps producers plan marketing and understand consumer spending shifts.

Thanks for reading! We’ll be back with more insights and updates in the next issue. Until then—stay sharp, stay ahead.